The Golden Hour: Why Designers Are Embracing Calacatta Amber

For years, the design world was obsessed with the cool, crisp tones of Statuario. While undeniably beautiful, white-and-grey stones can sometimes feel clinical. The shift for 2026 is toward the sanctuary—spaces that feel restorative, grounded, and wrapped in comfort.

Enter Calacatta Amber marble. It possesses the same dramatic, sweeping movement as its more famous cousins, but the veining tells a different story. Instead of charcoal grey, the veins range from soft honey and taupe to deep shades of bronze. It is quiet luxury with a pulse.

If you are considering this exquisite natural stone for your renovation, here are three expert ways to utilise its full range of formats.

1. The Art of "Zoning" with Mosaics

The beauty of Calacatta Amber lies in its variation. One of the most effective design strategies in a wet room is to contrast large-format wall tiles with the intricate texture of mosaics.

Using large slabs on the main walls creates a seamless, expensive feel. To break this up and define a space—such as a shower enclosure or vanity backsplash—introduce a Calacatta Amber Mosaic.

Whether you choose herringbone or hexagon, the smaller tesserae intensify the golden tones and add necessary underfoot grip. This play on scale—large against small, smooth against textured—is what elevates a bathroom from standard to bespoke.

2. The Professional Finish: Pencil Moulding

The difference between a DIY job and a professional architect-led project is often in the edges. How does the tile meet the painted wall? How is a niche finished?

Do not rely on cheap plastic or metal trims that jar against the natural beauty of the stone. Instead, utilise dedicated marble pencil moulding. These slim, rounded pieces of stone are designed to cap rows of tiles or frame out shower niches and mirrors.

Framing a panel of Calacatta Amber with its own pencil trim creates a "picture frame" effect, giving the installation depth and a furniture-like quality that feels incredibly sophisticated.

3. Grounded Luxury: The Forgotten Skirting

When using marble on the floor, a common mistake is to revert to standard wooden skirting boards painted white. This immediately breaks the visual flow and cheapens the look of the stone floor.

For a truly cohesive finish, carry the stone up the wall using dedicated Calacatta Amber skirting. A marble skirting board grounds the room, making the floor feel wider and more substantial. It also provides a highly durable, waterproof barrier at the base of your walls—perfect for bathrooms and grand hallways.