Zoe Saldana uses a luxe marble slab to perfect an emerging backsplash trend – designers can't get enough of the look for 2025

A white kitchen is a timeless trend for a reason – the light hue provides the culinary space with an airy and bright feeling and is highly versatile for decor.

Case in point: Zoe Saldana's kitchen, which finds glamour and elegance in its subtle gold accents and, most notably, its marble kitchen backsplash. Created by Florence-based kitchen powerhouse Officine Gullo, the space makes excellent use of contrast and texture.

The benefits of the stone are endless, and it turns out that decorating with marble is right on trend for 2025, according to experts. 'Bold backsplashes will be weaving their way into the kitchen in 2025, offering those who are looking for a change a way to make a strong visual statement while enhancing the functionality and aesthetic appeal of their culinary spaces,' comments Mike Whitfield, a luxury interior expert at LUSSO.

A slab backsplash (exhibiting a quietly luxurious marble pattern) is one of the most beautiful ways to get behind this kitchen trend. It's ideal for bringing life to monochromatic or white kitchens because it adds just the right amount of visual interest to a space without overtaking it – and Saldana's space exhibits this perfectly.

'Homeowners are increasingly seeking ways to express their personal style and creativity, and using tiles as backsplashes is a great way to make a strong visual statement. Characterized by intricate patterns, diverse materials, and bold colors, backsplashes can serve as statement pieces that transform a kitchen’s overall look and feel,' Whitfield comments. However, he is not alone in his observations.

'Tiled or mirrored backsplashes are a great option to add character, or look to incorporate timber, quartz, or marble worktop to contrast against plain colors,' says Darren Watts, showroom design director at Wren Kitchens. 'If your kitchen walls and cabinets are neutral, then a contrasting pattern can really bring the room to life. Keep it simple with one or two rows of tiles, as a complex pattern could look too overpowering.'

The wood floors in Saldana's kitchen are also a nice touch, bringing a natural element into the otherwise sleek and modern space.

To further highlight marble details in a kitchen, consider lighting fixtures as well.

'Proper lighting is essential in a white kitchen,' says designer Nina Lichtenstein. 'Use a combination of task lighting, ambient lighting, and decorative fixtures to highlight the space. Pendant lights over an island or under-cabinet lighting can enhance both functionality and aesthetics.'

The under-cabinet lights in Saldana's kitchen illuminate the gray marble backsplash beautifully, as well as serving as a functional element in a space where cooking prep takes place.

Shop the marble kitchen edit

We recommend layering textures in a marble kitchen for a visually interesting space. For example, the sheen of a marble backsplash pairs beautifully with hardwood floors and glossy kitchen countertops.