Is White Marble Still “In”? (And the Durable Alternatives)

White marble is the “Little Black Dress” of interior design—it never truly goes out of style. However, the way we use it has changed. In 2026, homeowners are moving away from high-maintenance natural Carrara marble in favor of engineered materials that offer the same “statuesque” beauty without the stress.

Why Natural Marble is a Challenge

Natural marble is calcium-based and porous. This means it “etches” (dulls) when it touches acidic foods like lemon juice or tomato sauce, and it “stains” if a glass of red wine is left sitting for too long. For many, the “patina” of aged marble is a sign of a well-loved kitchen, but for most modern homeowners, it’s a source of anxiety.

The 2026 Alternatives: Quartz & Porcelain

Today’s technology has allowed us to replicate the soul of marble in much tougher materials:

• Marble-Look Quartz: This is the most popular choice. It’s non-porous, never needs sealing, and features stunning, through-body veining that mimics Calacatta and Carrara perfectly.

• Large-Format Porcelain Slabs: This is the rising star of 2026. Porcelain slabs can be made in massive sizes (minimizing grout lines) and are virtually heat-proof. They offer a “crisper” print that can even fool most stone experts.

• The “Bookmatch” Effect: With these alternatives, we can “bookmatch” slabs—meaning the veins line up perfectly across a seam or as a continuous flow from the countertop up the backsplash.

You can have the bright, airy, luxurious kitchen of your dreams without having to follow your guests around with a coaster.

Why settle for a surface you have to baby? Stop by National Design Mart and let our in-house designers show you our latest marble-alternative slabs. We’ll help you find a look that’s as durable as it is beautiful, and remember—our design consultations are always complimentary!