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Marble is one of those materials that sparks strong opinions. Some people love it for its timeless appeal, while others avoid it entirely, fearing stains and etching. But if you ask Nate Berkus, there’s no debate—marble is, and always will be, his number-one choice for kitchen countertops. “Yes. Always yes,” he says in a recent Instagram Q&A where he answers followers’ most pressing questions about the natural stone.
Berkus doubled down on his love for marble, sharing both his personal favorites and a few hard-earned design lessons from years of working with it. His biggest takeaway? While he tends to favor neutral-hued marbles, sometimes a bold choice is worth the risk. Take Breche de Violette, for example—a richly veined stone with striking purple undertones. While Berkus admits he usually selects materials with “less greens and purples,” he’s found that stepping outside his comfort zone often leads to beautiful results. “When I take a risk, I’m always happy that I did,” he says.
As for his all-time favorite marble? That title belongs to Breccia. “It’s a neutral, Italian marble with a white ground and brown, grey, and black within the veining,” he explains. It’s a versatile yet character-filled choice for any kitchen.
Of course, no discussion about marble would be complete without addressing the elephant in the room—maintenance. Berkus takes a relaxed approach. “I like marble that looks aged and lived in, that’s why I usually use honed or matte stone,” he shares. Unlike polished marble, which can highlight every little imperfection, a honed or matte finish helps disguise wear and tear, making it a more forgiving option over time.
And if you’re worried about keeping your counters pristine? Berkus has some blunt advice: don’t. “I don’t baby our marble, I don’t think it needs to be treated like a newborn infant,” he says. Instead of stressing over every ring mark or splash of lemon juice, he embraces the way it evolves, developing a natural patina that tells the story of a well-loved kitchen.
So, if you’ve been wavering on whether to go for a dreamy slab of Breccia or a bold cut of Bardiglio, Berkus’s philosophy is simple: Choose a stone you love, opt for a finish that suits your lifestyle, and embrace the beauty that comes with time. In other words? Just say yes.
