Elevate Your Kitchen with Striking Calacatta Gold Herringbone Backsplash
Calacatta Gold marble is a rare and beautiful white and gold veining marble. Combine this exclusive Italian natural stone with the mesmerizing geometric effect of a herringbone pattern, and you have a backsplash that's sure to become a striking focal point in any kitchen.
We'll also share creative ideas for incorporating Calacatta Gold herringbone backsplash into your kitchen decor and provide helpful tips for installation, care, and maintenance. If you're looking to give your kitchen an elevated, sophisticated look, keep reading to discover why this backsplash should be at the top of your list.
What is Calacatta Gold Marble?
Mined in the renowned Carrara region of Italy, Calacatta Gold marble has been utilized in sculpture and architecture for centuries. Of all the Italian marbles, Calacatta Gold is one of the most precious and rare types available today.
Calacatta Gold marble gets its name from the distinctive gold veins that run elegantly through a crisp white background. The veins form unique, irregular patterns in warm hues of grey, gold, caramel, and even hints of green. The overall effect has an organic, natural feel that's hard to replicate.
Beyond aesthetics, Calacatta Gold marble offers many desirable attributes as a building material. It has incredible durability and stain resistance, making it suitable for high-traffic areas and surfaces prone to spills. Yet it retains a luxurious softness to the touch. Architects, designers, and homeowners prize Calacatta Gold for its sheer beauty and versatility.
Durability and Applications
Thanks to its calcium carbonate composition, natural marble like Calacatta Gold is impressively hard and dense. Properly cared for, marble backsplashes can last for many decades. Of course, all natural stone requires sealing to prevent staining and etching.
Beyond backsplashes, Calacatta Gold marble is frequently used for countertops, floors, walls, vanities, and outdoor applications. The marble's low porosity makes it highly resistant to kitchen splatters and daily wear-and-tear.
Premium Cost
Being relatively rare, Calacatta Gold marble comes at a premium cost. On average, expect to pay $70-100 per square foot for the marble alone. However, the unmatched, subtle elegance of Calacatta Gold makes it well worth the investment for many homeowners.
Herringbone Patterns Explained
Herringbone refers to a distinctive pattern where rectangular slabs of stone or wood are placed in an interlocking zigzag design. The rows of offset rectangles create a sense of depth, dimension, and visual interest.
Architecturally, herringbone patterns date back thousands of years. Their mesmerizing geometric effect continues to be popular in modern interior design. The zigzag layout has aninherent energy that livens up spaces with a bold, contemporary edge.
For backsplashes, herringbone patterns also have the practical advantage of effectively disguising the seams between marble tiles. The staggered tile placement results in a unified, seamless look. Overall, herringbone backsplashes make a gorgeous, eye-catching statement.
Versatility for Use in Various Spaces
While herringbone shines as a kitchen backsplash, it can add intrigue virtually anywhere. Creative designers use herringbone patterns in entryways, bathrooms, accent walls, fireplace surrounds, and more. Contemporary herringbone backsplashes sometimes incorporate unexpected materials like metal or glass.
Consider extending your herringbone backsplash marble to other surfaces for a cohesive allure. Pair it with herringbone hardwood or tile floors, or even try a herringbone ceiling for real wow factor!
Calacatta Gold Herringbone Backsplash Styles
Classic White Herringbone
One popular approach is an all-white herringbone backsplash using polished Calacatta Gold marble tiles. The dazzling white marble pops against most cabinetry colors from ebony to navy blue. For a traditional sensibility, combine with marble countertops and antique-inspired brass fixtures.
Bold Statement Piece
For contemporary kitchens, large-format Calacatta Gold marble tiles in an oversized herringbone pattern make a bold, graphic statement. Extending the backsplash to the ceiling ensures it grabs attention. Pair with modern, minimalist cabinets and stainless steel appliances.
Mixed Materials
Consider combining your Calacatta Gold herringbone backsplash with other textures and materials. Mixing in wood adds warmth. Glass, metal or porcelain tile provides contrast. Just be sure the secondary materials relate well to the marble's natural elegance.
Creative Shapes
Herringbone doesn't have to follow straight lines. To really make your backsplash pop, get creative with shaped tiles like hexagons or curved pieces arranged in a herringbone-style layout. Just take care to balance eye-catching creativity with classic, timeless style.
Design Ideas and Uses
What are some ways to effectively integrate Calacatta Gold herringbone backsplash into your kitchen design?
Kitchen Styles
From old world traditional to sleek and contemporary, herringbone Calacatta Gold backsplash enhances a wide range of kitchen design aesthetics. The marble's slightly textured surfaces beautifully complement both polished modern cabinets and distressed antique finishes.
Placement
A common option is running Calacatta Gold herringbone backsplash tile across the entire back kitchen wall behind sinks, stoves, and countertops. For a bolder look, take the backsplash all the way up to the ceiling. More budget-friendly options include a small backsplash area specifically behind the cooking range or behind (and slightly around) the kitchen sink.
Creative Touches
Consider special designer details like illuminating backsplash marble with built-in LED lighting. Or opt for outlet covers, sconces, or faucets that match the gold veining for a cohesive upscale ambiance.
Benefits for Your Kitchen
Focal Point
With its striking geometric design and marble elegance, Calacatta Gold herringbone backsplash becomes a true focal point and conversation starter. Guests are sure to compliment your design savvy taste.
Reflection and Illusion
The glossy polished finish of Calacatta Gold marble beautifully reflects light. This helps create the illusion of a larger, brighter kitchen space. The herringbone pattern adds depth.
Complementary Countertops
To make your Calacatta Gold backsplash really shine, consider pairing it with coordinating countertop materials. Options like white quartzite or a matching marble countertop unify the look. Just avoid countertops that compete too much, like bold granites.
Stain Resistance
Natural marble stands up impressively well to common kitchen splatters, spills, and wear-and-tear. Dip a sponge in mild soap and water to easily wipe clean. Just be sure to promptly address any spills, especially from acidic substances like citrus, vinegar or wine.
Installation Tips and Process
Achieving a seamless herringbone design requires careful planning and skillful technique.
Surface Preparation
The backsplash area must offer a flat, stable surface for marble tile installation. Remove any old backsplash and prep the wall area by scraping, sanding, and cleaning thoroughly before applying any adhesive.
Recommended Products
Opt for a high-quality thinset mortar adhesive modified with latex or polymer, which offer stronger adhesion and flexibility. For grout, epoxy is best for marble, but premium sanded grout works as well.
Cutting Considerations
Cut marble tiles with care using a wet saw. Plan pieces so edges align with the center of adjoining tiles. Precise 45-degree angled cuts are needed where tiles meet at corners.
Grouting and Sealing
Grout lines in a herringbone pattern can be creatively incorporated into the overall design. Once laid, grout the marble tile and use a sealant for maximum stain protection.
Caring for Calacatta Gold Backsplash
Regular Cleaning
Gentle soap and water generally keeps Calacatta Gold marble backsplash looking like new. For a deeper clean, use a specialty marble cleaner. Disinfect occasionally with hydrogen peroxide.
Preventing Damage
Blot spills quickly, especially acidic substances like wine or fruit juice that can etch marble. Avoid abrasive cleaners or pads. Install a water-repellant sealer to minimize potential staining.
Addressing Issues
For small scratches or etch marks, start with a marble polishing compound. Repair chips using color-matched epoxy filler. Fill cracks with a clear flexible sealant. Protect marble from future damage.
Cost Breakdown and ROI
What should you budget for a Calacatta Gold herringbone marble backsplash installed?
Material and Labor Costs
The marble itself generally ranges $70-100 per square foot. With professional installation, expect to invest $100-150 per square foot for the finished backsplash. An average 10x5 foot backsplash would cost around $5000-7500.
Return on Investment
While not cheap, a Calacatta Gold backsplash adds high-end style that positively impacts potential home resale value. The marble's timeless elegance and quality craftsmanship make it an investment that pays off.
Vs. Other Materials
Calacatta Gold sits at the higher end of the backsplash price spectrum. More affordable options are porcelain or ceramic tile at $5-50 per square foot installed. Natural stone choices like Carrara or Emperador marble cost $70-120 installed.
Alternatives to Consider
Other Natural Stones
For a look that's still elegant but more budget-friendly, alternative white marbles like Carrara and Arabasco work beautifully. Emperador marble has similar veining in shades of grey rather than gold.
Porcelain or Ceramic Tile
High-quality porcelain or ceramic tile backsplashes offer an affordable, low-maintenance alternative. Choose styles that emulate the look of marble veining and carrara patterns.
Faux Marble
Faux marble wallpaper, panels, or paint create a close visual approximation of the real stone look. Offering ease of installation and a lower price point, these options lack natural marble's durability.
Calacatta Gold marble is an epitome of luxury and style. The mesmerizing geometric layout combined with the stone's gorgeous veining creates a truly eye-catching focal point. Let Calacatta Gold herringbone backsplash make your kitchen design dreams come true.