Interiors Trend Watch: Marble Architraves

Marble architraves feel both classic and contemporary – what’s driving this current resurgence?

While marble architraves have long been associated with traditional architecture, they were often used externally. More recently, they’ve been integrated into the internal architecture of a building, where they can elevate a space through structure and materiality.

There has been an evolution of the minimalist aesthetic too, with a greater focus now on tactility, subtle pattern and breadth of colour tones. Marble architraves present an opportunity to introduce these qualities into a space without overwhelming it. 

What types of marble work best for architraves and how should they relate to other stone elements in the room?

Marble with more restrained veining and softer tones creates a calmer environment, while those with stronger contrasts and more pronounced veining introduce energy. Finishing is equally important. Honed marble lends the space a softer appearance, whereas polished finishes are more reflective and therefore engage the senses. 

Materials within a room need to relate to one another. Not everything needs to match exactly but there should be a clear connection between surfaces, whether through tone, veining or finish. You could pick up a secondary tone from the architrave and reference it elsewhere, such as in a vanity or floor finish or vice versa. Because marble is a hard surface, it’s worth balancing it with softer elements such as textiles, lighting and accessories to ensure the space doesn’t feel stark.