An entryway sets the tone for your entire house. Therefore, the tone should be a good one. Catherine Zeta-Jones's home is a masterclass in making an impression with luxurious black and white marble floors.
The actress's entryway floors are an immediate conversation point. We spotted them in a recent Instagram post, stretching down her hallway-style foyer. The center is black marble with white veins, broken down with two rectangles of white. They are polished to a bright, mirror-like shimmer, and create the perfect contrast with her white walls. Though the entryway is empty besides a pendant lantern hanging from the ceiling, it's anything but bland.
Experts agree it's a wonderful first impression. 'Catherine Zeta-Jones’s entryway is a breathtaking introduction to her home, showcasing a masterful use of shiny black marble with white veining,' says Westchester-based interior designer, Nina Lichtenstein. 'The flooring design is meticulous: a double white line border runs around the rectangular entryway, with the outer stripe slightly thicker than the inner, creating an elegant frame. This detail draws the eye inward, elevating the sense of grandeur in the space.'
Shop the black and white look
This black and white wool rug is perfect for bringing the drama of Zeta-Jones's entryway look without installing new floors. If you already have black and white marble floors, a rug like this is perfect for keeping them from getting slippery in the winter.
Store dried flowers in this beautiful vase that would perfectly beautify an entryway. I love the look of a vase like this on a narrow console table in a foyer
If you are interested in applying the look in a simpler way, a console table like this marble one is a great place to start. Its modern shape and high-quality material create a luxe feel without the commitment.
Like the warmth of a crackling winter fire, Balsam Fireplace lures you in with intoxicating scents of fresh evergreen woods, warm juniper spice, and salted amber. We love the matte black vessel, perfect for contrasting against a white marble backdrop.
This gorgeous faux marble table has a luxurious look at the right price. The modern shape adds a little something extra – it's hard to believe it's actually so affordable.
Grace the vase in your entryway with faux eucalyptus stems for a beautiful, evergreen greeting for your guests. I love that eucalyptus is slightly more gray for a subtle appearance.
What's the secret to the look? It's about the perfect mix of contrast and cohesion. Lichtenstein states: 'Unlike the flooring ideas in the surrounding rooms, the marble’s high-gloss finish and contrasting black-and-white palette establish a distinct yet cohesive focal point. The white veining and borders tie perfectly into the home’s decor, from the white walls, doors, and curtains to the white elements visible in the adjacent living areas. Black accents, such as the black carpet in the room to the right and framed black artwork in the hallway, balance the dramatic flooring, ensuring it feels intentional rather than overpowering.'
The way Zeta-Jones decorates with marble has aesthetic and practical benefits in any home. 'Marble floors, especially polished ones, are an excellent choice for entryways, particularly in homes with a classic or glamorous aesthetic,' advises Lichtenstein. 'Their reflective surface not only adds visual drama but also enhances natural light by bouncing it around the space. In Zeta-Jones’s entryway, the interplay of light and marble creates a luminous and airy atmosphere that offsets the dark tones.'
The material goes beyond making your entryway feel more luxurious; it can also make your life easier. Lichtenstein says, 'Functionally, marble is durable and easy to clean, a practical benefit for an entryway that sees regular foot traffic. However, it is worth noting that marble can be slippery, particularly when polished, so incorporating area rugs or mats is advisable in regions with frequent rain or snow'
To recreate this look, it's about paying attention to the details. Lichtenstein recommends: 'Opt for black marble with white veining and high polish to replicate the drama and sophistication of Zeta-Jones’s floors. A local stone supplier or high-end tile store can provide options. Use white marble or stone inlays to create double borders around the floor. Keep the proportions of the borders consistent with the size of your entryway for a balanced look.'
Styling the surrounding area is just as important for elevating your marble entryway. Lichtenstein recommends: 'Highlight the marble by using different flooring materials in adjoining spaces. Pair it with soft carpets or warm hardwoods to amplify its impact while maintaining a cohesive design. Use decor and furnishings to tie the floor’s colors into the broader space. Black-framed art, white walls, and subtle monochrome patterns can echo the floor’s palette. Leverage natural light to emphasize the reflective quality of polished marble. Keep window treatments sheer and consider adding mirrors to further amplify brightness.'
Making a first impression doesn't need to be complicated; sometimes it comes down to what you see when you look down.
