It’s no secret that interior designers are going wild for marble-inspired patterns, which are suitable for just about any room in a home. Though these prints are trending at the moment, they’re actually quite classic.
“Timelessness is the current trend,” says Heather French, the co-founder of French & French Interiors. “Rooted in an ancient Italian technique, [marbleized patterns] carry a sense of history and craftsmanship, so while they feels fresh right now, they’re definitely here to stay.”
Better yet, marbleized prints make it easy to infuse vibrance into a space without being overwhelming. “They’re a really nice way to bring in color in a subtle, layered way,” says Marissa Stokes, the founder of Marissa Stokes Interior Design. “From a distance, they can read almost like a neutral, but up close, you start to see all the movement.”
Using a marbleized print can be an excellent alternative to incorporating real marble into a project. “Real marble can be expensive and not always practical for every application,” says Liad Schwartz, the founder of Interiors with Liad. “It feels like a smart shift that brands are recreating these looks in wallpaper, fabrics, and accessories—it gives people the opportunity to bring in that same feeling without the cost or commitment.” At the same time, there’s a chance to really think outside the box, too. “Designers are taking the idea of marble and pushing it further, playing with scale, color, and pattern in ways that you would never naturally find in stone,” Schwartz reflects.
These prints can also be styled in a slew of ways, adding to their appeal. “You can use it to make a space feel nostalgic or add it to a room with clean lines, and it becomes a little bit more modern,” notes Jess Ebert, the founder of Four Story Interiors. “They strike a balance between movement and calm,” adds Emily Hodge, the founder of Emily Hodge Design. “Unlike sharp geometrics, their fluid, organic patterns feel soothing while still adding visual interest.”
Keep in mind that if you wish to weave a marbleized pattern into your home, designers often find that practicing a bit of restraint is best. “I tend to use marbleized papers in smaller spaces like powder rooms, closets, or the back of shelving, where they can feel a bit more layered without overwhelming the room,” Stokes says. Kristina Phillips, the founder of Kristina Phillips Interior Design, feels similarly, having covered the backs of two built-in bookshelves with marbleized paper in a family room for some added pep.
For an unexpected, eye-catching touch, you could also consider applying marble wallpaper to the ceiling, which French did in her own Santa Fe, New Mexico, home.
Not ready to go quite so large scale with a marbleized print? Embrace the trend with smaller accessories such as trays, vases, or lamps, Hodge offers. “The key is to keep surrounding elements simple so the pattern can stand out without overwhelming the space,” she says.
Sarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelancer who produces interior design, travel and lifestyle content. Her work is featured in outlets including Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, MyDomaine, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and Country Living. Plus, her personal spaces have appeared on Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, Houzz and more.
