Finding your Marbles
Ivy Ngeow RIBA
December 2002
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Marble is as old as civilisation itself. The ancient Romans used marble both decoratively as well as structurally. There are still many examples of marble in European cathedrals, statues and mosaics throughout Europe. It is a durable, classic material that is enhanced rather than deteriorated by time.

Marble has always been associated with the architecture of glamour and opulence. In the nineteen twenties and thirties marble was very fashionable in the Art Deco movement as it is a highly decorative material, easily cut and has a natural vein and colour which suited the stepped ziggurat or sunburst motifs. Claridge's Hotel and Eltham Palace have some good examples of Art Deco marble interiors. In the nineteen fifties and sixties there was a surge of interest in marble interiors again. Many modern hotels in North America and Europe boast marble floors and reception desks in the lobbies, cocktail lounges and late-night cabaret bars, which still exist today. Marble interiors have a natural glow of opulence. From Havana to Hong Kong there are excellent examples of modernist sculptural architecture with polished marble interiors.

Today marble is still widely used in upmarket hotels and high quality residential architecture. It has become fashionable again as people move or improve their homes. In this century, people would rather invest in quality rather than fashionable products that date quickly. In a high quality refurbishment, luxurious materials add value to your home. Whether a whole room is marble-lined, or accented with a single marble artefact as a focus, for instance, a console table vanity top or a fireplace, it breathes glamour. Therefore marble is adaptable to any interior. If you are refurbishing a tired bathroom or kitchen, or if you are thinking of giving your interiors a boost, you may want to consider using marble.

The majority of the marble available in the UK comes from Italy and Eastern European countries. However, it is possible to obtain more exotic marble from countries such as Eritrea, Morocco and China. Often, it could be a less expensive alternative compared to the European marble.

If you are thinking of looking around at local stone suppliers' yards, the sheer range of marble may baffle you. The many colours, names, varieties, types of pattern or veining, and prices could be daunting. The right thing to do would be to engage an architect or interior designer who will assist you in the right colour scheme and choice of natural material. The appropriate choice is a key element in the overall design scheme because it shows off the best qualities of the material, in the correct setting.

Once you have engaged an architect or interior designer, then you may be able to narrow down the selection of marble, and view these with the suppliers. A good marble supplier will advise on the correct material to use for your requirements, be it form, function or funds! During the duration of the project they should advise on installation and aftercare. Like any natural material, maintenance will protect and enhance its inherent beauty.