How to combine marble and wood in a design kitchen

Marble and wood are probably today's favorite material pairing in interior design. The cool elegance of stone alongside the natural warmth of wood creates a contrast that, when well balanced, is hard to match with any other combination.

Why this combination works so well

Marble brings brightness, shine, and a sense of luxury; wood brings warmth and organic texture. Together they avoid the "cold" feel a kitchen done entirely in stone can sometimes have, as well as the overly "rustic" feel of one done entirely in wood.

Where to place each material

A very common combination: marble countertop and backsplash, with base cabinets and shelving in natural wood. A central island done entirely in stone, surrounded by wood furniture, also works beautifully — that way the stone becomes the kitchen's focal point.

Choosing tones that complement each other

Warm-toned marbles (cream, ivory, beige with golden veining) pair especially well with light oak or walnut woods. Cooler, higher-contrast marbles (white with gray or black veining) work better with dark woods like wenge or dark walnut.

One detail that makes all the difference

The marble's finish also affects how it plays off the wood — a honed finish softens the contrast, a polished one intensifies it. At AMBZ Natural Stone we help you choose the exact combination to suit your kitchen's style. Tell us about your project and we'll advise you.

You can see more material combinations on our designer kitchens page.