Explore Italtile's Exclusive Marble-Look Tiles and Embrace Modern Luxury

July 26, 2022

Marble has always been a symbol of ultimate luxury and it has a richly storied history. Marble was considered an extremely precious material, and so it was reserved for the most important and the staggering wealthy: in tribute to Gods, Pharaohs and Emperors. In ancient civilisations, marble was used both in architecture and sculpture to adorn temples and palaces, but not a crumb made it into the homes of ordinary citizens. How times have changed. Today, marbled looks are still highly prized, but those lush, glimmering looks are no longer reserved for royalty and sacred spaces.  

We can thank the incredible advances in technology and the extraordinary digital printing processes that create porcelain tiles for further democratising luxurious marbled looks and bringing them within everybody’s reach. The modern marble look tile designs of porcelain tiles and hardbody ceramic tiles are exceptional, and these reimagined marble looks are every bit as beautiful as natural marble tiles. These contemporary beauties offer the same versatile, elegant, luxurious and timeless aesthetic in a more affordable, durable and sustainable form. All our marble-look tiles are sustainably manufactured and carry our trusted LiveGreen label. They are exclusive to Italtile.  

 

The versatility of modern marble-look tiles.  

Marble remains a popular choice for interior design because of its elegant, highly decorative nature, as well as its versatility. Large format marble-look tiles are being used to create low maintenance floors and walls, as well as countertops, cabinets and furniture. Trend alert – ceilings are also getting the luxe marble-look treatment! Marble-look subway tiles, marble-look mosaic tiles and fashionable KitKat tiles are also very popular décor elements. Modern marble-look tile designs elevate almost every interior design style, from traditional and classical, to contemporary and minimalist. You add instant elegance and sophistication when you select high-end marble-look porcelain tiles to elevate your bathroom, kitchen and living areas. 

 

 “Modern Marbles”. One of the top tile trends. 

While tile trends come and go, marble-look tiles remain popular for their inimitable ability to bring a sophisticated aesthetic to interior spaces... and outdoor areas too. They remain the hallmark of gracious living. “Modern Marbles” was one of the most exciting rising trends a couple of years ago and it’s here to stay. The term “Modern Marbles” was born from tile designers and makers who have used rapidly evolving technology to push the boundaries of traditional marbled surfaces with larger formats and breathtaking marbling patterns – merging reality with fantasy to create dazzling wallscapes and floorspaces. We’re seeing imaginative variances and unusual mottling, daring colour infusions (some of which take us into the magical realms of semi-precious gem looks) and truly monumental dimensions. Marble, always dramatic, has become theatrical.  

 

Marble-look tiles vs real marble.  

While there are many similarities in aesthetic terms, there are a number of key differences between marble tiles and marble-look tiles:  

 

Natural marble tiles.

1. Natural marble is very expensive.

2. There are many different types of natural marble, in a variety of colours and patterns. 

3. Because of its precious nature, and the labour-intensive effort involved in mining and cutting, natural marble is a status symbol. It always comes with bragging rights!

(Q: How do you know your friends have real marble surfaces? A: They tell you.) 

4. Natural marble is a high maintenance material. You will need to apply a coat of sealant regularly to protect the porous surface and retain its beauty.

5. It is CRUCIAL to install a dirt trap at entrances. Natural marble WILL scratch. 

6. Natural marble may be a home’s ultimate wow factor, but it is not a sustainable décor option.

7. Although relatively durable, Natural Marble is a natural material and could chip, crack, scratch and stain. 

 

Marble-Look Tiles.  

1. One of the advantages of marble-look tiles is affordability. Marbled porcelain tiles or ceramic tiles are the smart option if you’re looking for a more cost-effective marble aesthetic that will hold its value for decades.  

2. Because marble-look tiles are manmade, you will find a great many more designs available from which to choose; and that’s thanks to the creativity and imagination of designers, made possible by modern manufacturing technology and remarkable digital processes. From traditional and super-realistic to dreamlike designs... and everything in between. 

3. Marble-look tiles are the best alternative for busy homeowners because they need very little maintenance, which dramatically reduces upkeep costs. Use warm water and a soft mop, never abrasive chemicals. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to chat to one of our design-certified sales consultants about specialist cleaning solutions for Italtile’s low maintenance marble-look tiles.

4. Marble-look tiles do not require any sealing or maintenance. 

5. Marble-look tiles are a wise investment as they offer durability and longevity. Whether you select porcelain tiles or hardbody ceramic tiles, your deluxe marble-look tiles from Italtile will last for decades.

6. Although marble-look tiles are not as porous as natural marble, and thus less likely to stain or scratch, we still recommend that you install a dirt trap at entrances,

7. Italtile’s marble-look tiles carry our coveted LiveGreen label for sustainability.

 

Italtile’s latest marble-look porcelain tiles. Perfect for any space in your home. 

We are forever on the lookout for fresh new marble-look tile designs to add to our exclusive, curated collection of on-trend “Modern Marbles”. You’ll find inspirational local and imported selections of exciting, large format marble-look tiles for floors, marble-look tiles for walls, as well as our natural marble mosaic tiles. (Ask us to show you our illustrious Signature Collection marble looks when you next visit a showroom near you.) The choice is wide: from traditional snowy-white marble looks to the more daring and colourful – something to suit every personality and pocket.  

 

Behold our new marble-look tiles.  

Large format marble-look tiles: 

Mystic Ocean Gloss Krystal Porcelain 900x1800 by Sant’Agostino, from our Signature Collection. Super-imaginative patterning that conjures up stormy seascapes and landscapes. A statement tile designed to take the lead on your mood boards. 

Precious Natural Rectified Glazed Polished Porcelain 750x1500, made in Spain. A premium grey marble-look tile with authentic veining. 

Aurora Marmo Rectified Glazed Polished Hard Body Ceramic 600x1200, a delicately veined light grey classic. A superb, durable hard body ceramic clay tile.  

Verdon Carrara Satin Rectified Glazed EcoTec Porcelain  590x1190, a Proudly South African EcoTec tile by local sustainability pioneers Gryphon, featuring a snowy white background with both grey and golden veins offering beautiful contrasts for your neutral mood board. 

Florian Ice Rectified Glazed Polished Porcelain 800x1600, with its cool blue undertones and stunning dark grey and golden flashes, will create an eye-catching floorspace or feature wall. 

 

Marble mosaic tiles 

All crafted from 100% natural marble stone, ideal to add a touch of subtle glamour to pools, patios, shower spaces and accent walls like your kitchen splashback. (Be creative and elevate a staircase by cladding your stair risers with marbled mosaic tiles.) 

Punkah Grey Natural Stone Mosaic 260x315 sheet is a highly decorative mosaic with an on-trend Art Deco-style curved format, in beautiful mottled grey natural marble stone.  

Punkah Norwegian Natural Stone Mosaic 260x315 sheet offers the same highly decorative curved Art Deco-style shape, in an unusual mottled pink natural stone, reminiscent of the world-renowned Norwegian Rose marble only found in Fauske, Norway. 

Windsor Polished Marble Mosaic 304x304 sheet combines natural white and grey marble to create an eye-catching geometric pattern.  

Pewter Green Herringbone Marble Mosaic 266x302 sheet rocks three tile trends – the mini-subway tile look, the herringbone pattern layout, and green tones.   

Hexagonal Wooden Polished Marble Mosaic 280x275x8mm sheet brings the popular geometric trend to life with neat honeycomb shapes featuring subtle marble tones with a combination of warm browns and cool greys.  

 

How to care for your low maintenance marble-look tiles.  

Marble-look tiles are the best alternative for busy homeowners because they need very little maintenance to retain their intense beauty and last for decades. Warm water and a soft mop (damp, not soggy). Never abrasive chemicals. Not even lemon juice (in fact, lemon juice is a highly corrosive substance). Although marble-look tiles are not as porous as natural marble, and unlikely to stain or scratch, we still recommend that you install a dirt trap at entrances. The “no shoes inside” rule is also a wise one, but that’s up to personal preference. 

 

How to install marble-look tiles from Italtile in one worry-free step.  

Step one. Don’t DIY. Hire the services of a Professional Installation Team. The purchase of top-quality large format marble-look tiles is a serious investment in designer homestyle. From a financial perspective it makes sense to ensure their longevity so that you can enjoy a good return on investment. To this end, Italtile always recommends professional installation when it comes to high-end large format tiles, with the use of specialist XXL adhesive developed by the experts: Pro-Grip – another Italtile exclusive. Italtile offers a vetted Professional Installation Service in selected areas.  

Investing in top-tier marble-look tiles from Italtile is a smart way to elevate your renovation with a timeless and trendbusting aesthetic. Love the look of marble but not sure what shades, tones and patterns will work best in your space? Speak to our design-certified consultants, bring us your mood boards, ask us about our free Residential Agent Service or try before you buy with uView, Italtile’s free online tile trial tool. We also run regular style promotions in which you’ll find a selection of marble-look tiles on sale, curated to offer the ultimate value-for-money package. 

We can’t wait to watch you fall in love with our luxurious Marble-look Porcelain and Ceramic Tile ranges. You will be “incantato” (that’s how we say “enchanted” in Italian).  

Now go forth! Create an impact and build a lasting legacy with the prestige, elegance and durability of Italtile’s luxurious marble-look tiles. And live beautifully. 

Ciao.