On Trend: Marbled Patterns

By Kate Riley April 16, 2014

I love the daily conversation about what’s happening in design and it’s so fun to see what trends come and go. I think back on when chevron and ombre were everywhere and now the one that’s taken over is marbled (or marbleized) prints and patterns. This one has been popular for a year now, it started in fashion and has moved to home decor.

I’m drawn to fluid painterly strokes and swirls, so I’m a big fan of this trend. Many of these patterns are similar to ones found in nature and I find their randomness  beautiful. Marbled prints are officially having a moment, but the motifs aren’t new, the marbleizing technique has been around for centuries. Anyone remember creating marbleized paper in elementary school or summer camp?

Our love for all things marble related complements the current painterly craze (hello watercolors and brushstokes) and the popularity of motifs found in stone (agate and malachite).

marble tile wallpaper

image

marble shower curtain

west elm /  schumacher / ferm living

Marbled patterns are popping up everywhere from wallpapers to textiles and home accessories. We’ve seen so much ikat and chevron it’s nice to see these marbled prints offered by big brands and small Etsy businesses with products handmade by creative artists.

marble silk pillows

marbleized chair

west elm / urban outfitters 

Add a touch of the marbled look with these home accents …

marbled home accents

pillow / tote / art print / storage ottoman / journal / contact paper / duvet / lampshade / pillow / chair / planner / rug 

Marbleized papers possess those beautiful random swirls that are so appealing. Get artistic by applying them to the walls or displaying in large scale frames. With an IKEA frame, I added pretty marbleized paper with pink and black tones to a collection of art in our living room for spring and I’ve used gold papers in autumn for a mantel display.

marbleized paper diy

lovely cupboard framed marbled paper

marbleized paper

diy art framed marbleized paper

framed marbled paper centsational girl

daily candy /the lovely cupboard / dick blick / moi

Marbleized papers are handmade and are available in so many styles and colors – their prices range from $5 to $8 for sheets that are 2 x 3’ so you get big impact for little money. Craft with them (I made these boxes) or use them as art! pretty marbleized papers

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5/ 6 / 7 / 8 / 9

And then of course you can always DIY your own version of marbleized paper! I’ve yet to try it, but I’d like to create some linen or silk marbled fabric soon. Even Martha featured paper and fabric marbleizing techniques in the March 2014 issue of her magazine. Pillows are fab, but how cool is the wall hanging! 

marbleized fabric martha stewart

 

What do you think of these trending marbled patterns? Have you incorporated marbleized prints or papers into your decor?   .

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12 comments

  1. Pretty! Although this is one trend that hasn’t quite hit North Dakota, or at least not my little area of it. It’s fun to see what is going on in other parts of the country!

  2. The marbleized colors are soft and beautiful. I’m drawn to neutrals and bling so naturally the gold framed marbleized prints on the mantle are my favorite. Thanks for sharing!

  3. Love the colors in the paper you framed that is with the painted artwork you made in a previous post. What company I’d that from send what is the color, please?

    • Hi Hayley, it’s the same paper I used on the marbled paper boxes, link in post!

  4. I just wanted to let you know when I tried to log onto the website just now, I got a phishing warning. :( I ignored it and came here anyway, but I’m not sure about the security risks. Just wanted to make you aware of it in case there is something wrong!

    • Thanks Lindsey and Donna, we’re working on clearing it up today.

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