The Natural Stone Countertop Material That Pairs Perfectly With White Subway Tiles

Designing a new kitchen can be an exciting time for any homeowner, but all the choices involved can cause a little bit of anxiety to creep in. Although kitchen trends change rapidly, many homeowners prefer the simpler, more classic designs that are still tried and true. While there are things every homeowner should get clear on before starting a kitchen renovation, if you're looking for timeless style that doesn't lose appeal as time goes on, classic designs and materials rarely disappoint. Since you probably don't plan on remodeling your kitchen multiple times, finding materials that will stand the test of time and hold up to daily use is very important. One material that is no stranger to the list of classics is Carrara marble. This high-end natural stone is known for its delicate gray veining that swirls lightly through a soft white background and is a popular choice for kitchen countertops. 

While Carrara marble's design may be a little more understated than some other materials, that makes it an excellent candidate to pair with another great classic: a white subway tile backsplash. Both of these popular materials feature a simple, clean style that keeps things from feeling too busy and work well together to create a balanced, timeless effect. In a long-term kitchen design, it's this simplicity that stands out and provides a foundation for other design elements. Plus, the neutral base and flexibility that the combination of Carrara marble and white subway tile provides make it easy to update the kitchen down the road without major renovations.

Though common as a backsplash material, most people only picture white subway tile in the standard brick-bond layout with a glossy finish. Quite the contrary, you can experiment with different textures and patterns rather than relying on just color to keep everything from feeling flat. One option is to choose handmade subway tiles for a more tactile, artisanal finish, or go with something matte. Alternatively, you could lay the tiles vertically or in a herringbone pattern to dial up the visual interest. Either choice won't clash with Carrara marble countertops. Best yet, these types of tiles typically show less wear, especially in high-use backsplash areas, and are easy to clean.

Much like subway tiles, Carrara marble also comes in a variety of designs. Stick with subtle gray streaks if you want your space to stay light and airy. However, if you want your counters to stand out more, you might prefer a design with an almost entirely gray background. You also have the option between honed and polished marble countertops. Because the marble and white subway tile are readily available in most cases, it's easier to match the color scheme should any replacements or repairs become necessary.

Once you have the Carrara marble countertops and the white subway tile installed, the rest of the kitchen design will be beautifully highlighted by the neutral base. Details like cabinets, fixtures, and lighting become more noticeable when they aren't competing with the larger design elements in the room. This simplicity makes it easier for the smaller design choices to have a bigger impact and be noticed more. And if you choose to update your kitchen later on, simply swap the smaller elements, since the larger ones are timeless.