Can you mix marble and slate?

mixing natural stones

March 18, 2010

Laney from Atlanta, Georgia asks...

Hi – we have recently expanded our bathroom and we added to the slate floor that was already there. It is a peacock and autumn mixture. Our vanities are painted white and we really didn’t want to change those. However, we are trying to select new countertops and we love the look of marble. We are thinking of using White Carrera or Statuary marble. Can you mix a masculine stone such as slate with a more feminine stone such as marble? Hope you can give me some insight. Thanks so much.

Heidi Speck - CSP™ responds...

I have no problem mixing a softer, feminine look with a heavier masculine feel. Seeing a picture of the space would definitely lead to the best answer regarding mixing the two styles together as there are other parts of the room to consider when tying in this feminine look. My concern is the choice of using marble. This stone tends to be quite porous. You may wish to go with a white mini crystal or a white granite instead. These tends to be quite strong and won’t absorb water marks like marble is known to. Best of luck!

About the Designer

Heidi is an award winning designer, capturing the Juror’s Choice Award for the Burlington Christmas Window Competition for two consecutive years, representing inVU Drapery Co. / bb bargoons. She is fully certified as a Canadian Certified Staging Professional™ and started the company Design Division, which specializes in Home Staging, Interior Decorating and Visual Merchandising.