What kitchen colors go best with a marble countertop? Designers share their favorite pairings for a timeless scheme

Marble is one of the most popular and luxurious kitchen countertops you can choose. They're timeless and versatile – and as more prominent veins grow in popularity, it's time to be more considered when choosing the colors that complement them.

While marble kitchens are by no means a new concept – they're probably one of the most enduring – how we design a scheme around them is ever-changing. And as with any kitchen, there are always questions about which colors pair best with different kitchen countertops.

So, we've asked designers for the kitchen colors they always gravitate towards when curating a scheme with marble countertops – and their picks focus on bringing out the beautiful variations in the stone.

5 kitchen colors designers recommend pairing with marble countertops

Whether you've set your heart on a beautiful Carrara countertop or a more colorful, statement marble design, there is a vast and varied selection of colors that pair beautifully with them. Here are the top picks from designers for a timeless and cohesive kitchen.

1. Blues, whites, and grays

Classic colors are always a popular choice to pair with marble countertops, especially when they have a lighter base. 'I love to paint the cabinetry and occasionally the walls to coordinate with marble in a kitchen,' says interior designer Bethany Adams.

'Tones of gray, blue, or white pair particularly well with Carrara and Bardiglio marble. In my kitchen, I paired lower cabinets painted in Benjamin Moore Wales Gray with tall pantries and walls in White Dove with a mix of countertops in both stones and a harlequin marble floor. Accents of pink keep the scheme from feeling too polar.'

Introducing white and gray instantly brings out the tones of the marble countertops, while the blue adds a subtle contrast that allows the countertops to stand out in the scheme.

2. Mushroom hues

There's no denying the appeal of a neutral kitchen. It's timeless, and bright, and almost every shade pairs well with marble. But for something a bit different, an earthier neutral with a warmer, almost taupe undertone is a beautiful choice.

'Mushroom is one of our favorite colors for a kitchen, it seems to work wherever it goes, soft and warm yet light enough for even the darkest of corners,' says Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL Kitchens.

'The classic combination of Carrara marble and Mushroom paint is always perfect. It's almost a deVOL look in itself and has graced literally hundreds of our most coveted rooms.'

3. Greens

Often considered a timeless hue and one of the most popular kitchen color trends of recent years, green often feels like a natural pairing for marble countertops – especially if your chosen stone features similar tones in the veining.

'When you're unsure of which color to choose for your cabinets, simply pull a tone from your stone as I did in this gorgeous green kitchen. The marble is Calacatta Verde and though there are multitudinous hues of green from which to choose in the gorgeous veining, the client desired a light, bright kitchen so we selected Farrow and Ball's Cromarty which is a very subtle green color,' says Bethany.

'Against the marble, though, there is no doubt of the verdant connection. For the walls, we used Benjamin Moore's Grandma's China as we did throughout the home. Like the neutral background of the marble, it provides a neutral against which Cromarty appears more green,' she continues.

Green is a rather broad color palette, but for an on-trend kitchen design this year, Arianna Barone, color marketing manager at Benjamin Moore, suggests pairing sage green hues with marble countertops.

'A soft, soothing sage, like October Mist 1495 or Tea Light 471, brings an easygoing touch to marble countertops. With their warm gray undertone, sage greens pair well with both warm and cool veining. You can use these colors on the walls and cabinets for an uninterrupted color flow and more of a color-drenched look.'

4. Color match with the tones in your marble

While there are colors that pair best with certain types of marble, sometimes the best approach is to look at your countertops to see which colors are present through the veining for a more cohesive kitchen scheme.

'When pairing colors with marble countertops, we recommend selecting hues that highlight the natural movement and veining of the surface. Soft beiges, gentle greys, and muted whites create an elegant, enduring look, while deep greens, rich navy blues, and charcoal tones provide a striking contrast,' says Mor Krisher, head of design at Caesarstone.

'These colors can be introduced through cabinetry, splashbacks, or kitchen islands, ensuring balance and harmony within the space. Accent details such as upholstered bar stools or open shelving can also add depth in a subtle yet impactful way.'

5. Deep, saturated hues

Marble countertops are an enduring choice because they offer a classic design and a sense of luxury. But they prove timeless because they are so versatile, pairing with colors light and dark. So, if you want a bolder kitchen scheme, darker colors offer something more striking.

'Deeper, saturated hues bring a bold but elegant touch of contrast with white marble countertops. They work with light veining as well as more intricate designs to create a classic look. Colors like Hale Navy HC-154, Vintage Vogue 462, and Black Satin 2131-10 are some of my go-to options,' says Arianna.

'These colors create a timeless look when placed on cabinets next to white marble countertops. For a seamless look and luxurious touch, use the same marble on the countertop and backsplash. For the walls, opt for a softer more neutral color like Classic Gray OC-23 or Cloud Cover OC-25 to let the countertops be the focal point in the space,' she suggests.

These colors are classic dark hues, but if you want the moody aesthetic but with a bit more saturation of color, Arianna suggests experimenting with jewel tones 'for a more dramatic and unexpected look' – especially if you have black marble countertops.

'Colors like Forest Green 2047-10 and Dark Walnut 1358 can create a statement-making kitchen design when placed on the cabinets. If you are hesitant to use bolder colors, consider just painting the lower cabinets or kitchen island in a darker hue and using an off-white, like White Dove OC-17 or White Heron OC-57, on the upper cabinets and kitchen walls.'

There are no rules on the best colors to pair with marble countertops – it's all about selecting the right combinations to create the look and feel you desire in your kitchen and choosing colors that complement the tone variations in your chosen stone. Decorating with marble is a timeless choice – the best way to make them stand out is to know how to clean marble countertops and maintain them for years to come.