The functionality of a kitchen island (arguably the most sought-after modern home must-have) is no secret. Described as a 'perennial favorite' by designers, this feature is as practical as it is good-looking – but how can we accentuate its beauty (and durability) further? The answer is found in Kylie and Jason Kelce's kitchen.
The Philadelphia Eagles center and his wife Kylie topped their kitchen island with veined marble, one of the most luxurious materials of all, and it's a choice that makes a powerful statement in their otherwise all-white ktichen.
Alongside their island, the couple used the marble on their countertops – adding just the right amount of interest to their neutral space. It's a choice that hasn't gone unnoticed by designers, including Tom Howley, who reassures that marble islands are a timeless choice.
'Kitchen islands are a perennial favorite and tend to be highly sought out by potential buyers as they provide extra worktop, storage, and entertaining space,' he says.
As Tom suggests, installing an island is one way to create a more interesting and practical kitchen (while also appealing to potential buyers if we so wish). However, decorating with marble only makes this feature more attractive.
Jonathan Stanley, the VP of marketing at Caesarstone, notes that, in a high-traffic area, durability, alongside beauty, is a must – making marble a worthy investment.
'It’s essential to choose practical yet aesthetically pleasing materials that you’ll love for years to come. Invest in a reliable, hardwearing worktop, as kitchens are busy places, and the surface, more than any other part, really takes the brunt of this,' he explains.
@kyliekelce ♬ original sound - Kylie Kelce
When installing statement marble, it's also important to consider our cabinetry color choices. In Kylie and Jason Kelce's kitchen, the subtle white cabinets allow the marble island and countertops to take center stage while allowing the space to breathe. Pairing a dramatic marble with brighter colors could overwhelm the kitchen, so if we're following suit, we should look toward similar hues for an airy, well-balanced space.
'Lighter wood finishes and paint colors work well to expand the perceived space of your kitchen,' Tom adds. 'Pair light tones with light-colored countertops, and your kitchen will look spacious and airy.'
Shop the marble kitchen edit
Islands and countertops aside, we can invest in this precious material with these handpicked buys below.
From $54.95 at Williams Sonoma
Made of natural Arabescato white marble, this trivet adds elegance to any dinner table.
Allow candles to be enhanced by these magnificent alabaster marble holders.
From $139.95 at Williams Sonoma
The ideal surface for rolling out dough, marble looks just as pretty sitting in the kitchen.