Are Marble Countertops Officially Out of Style? Interior Designers Weigh In

From Calacatta to Carrara, marble makes a bold, elegant statement. It’s been used on shower walls, bathroom floors, and fireplaces for centuries—but in the modern age, it’s most often seen on kitchen counters.

While it’s hard to say if marble surfaces will ever truly fade away, trends now indicate that the veiny stone might not be as popular as it once was. So what’s causing the decline—and is marble stepping out of the spotlight for good? Here, we spoke to three interior designers about the phenomenon.

Why It's Been So Popular

Marble has been showcased in interiors around the world since ancient times—and it's a classic for good reason. "[It] ages beautifully, has soul, and tells a story; no engineered material actually replaces that," says Linda Hayslett, principal designer and founder of LH Designs.

Since marble is a natural stone, no two slabs have the same color or veining patterns—making each surface unique. "Unlike digitally printed materials like porcelain slabs, marble is a through-body material, meaning the veining pattern goes all the way through the thickness of the slab," adds Madelaine Mayer, founder and principal designer of AD:ROIT.

Marble also has what Mayer dubs a "warm and cool" quality, making it desirable for a wide range of spaces. "Marble always seems to emit an inner glow that draws you in, but physically always remains cool to the touch, making it an ideal surface for baking, especially pastry work," she adds.

Why It's Losing Appeal

Don't worry—this beloved material won't ever be completely tossed aside. "Marble countertops are like cashmere sweaters—they will always be popular for those seeking exceptional quality," says Mayer.

However, the stone is becoming less coveted due to the maintenance it requires. "[People] fear the upkeep," says Hayslett. "They’ve heard the horror stories about etching, stains, and oil marks, so there’s more hesitation at the selection moment."

Marble is prone to wear since the stone is naturally more porous and soft. "You have to be okay with patina and the lived-in evolution," Hayslett adds. "If someone needs pristine, zero-change surfaces, marble will drive them crazy."

Plus, it's not the easiest material to swap out. "If you ever need to replace or add a section, you'll never be able to find an exact match—particularly if the existing pieces have developed a patina over time," Mayer says.

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New Takes on Marble

It might be an oversimplification to say that marble is losing popularity. Rather, like accent walls, it's seeing an evolution as tastes shift away from stark minimalism.

"Currently, there's a renewed interest in boldly figured and richly colored marbles, such as burgundy and emerald-toned stones, contrasting with the quieter white and light gray slabs that have been popular in recent years," Mayer says.

If you still prefer a classic white countertop, Hayslett suggests taking a layered approach to prevent the marble from feeling stale. "I like pairing it with modern forms and warm woods to balance it," she says.

Alternatives to Marble

If you're ready to let go of marble counters, then there are plenty of strong contenders that offer the same look—sans the stress. "If budget is the priority, then there are great-looking quartz options that mimic marble, without the same maintenance worries," says Hayslett.

Another favorite option? "My go-to is high-quality porcelain," says Anita Yokota, interior designer and author of Home Therapy. "It mirrors marble’s natural beauty, yet stands up to real life, like busy families, daily cooking, and everything in between."