One of the most elegant, refined, and sophisticated materials on the market in terms of kitchen design is marble. Whether you're using it for your floors, countertops, backsplash, or all three, marble adds an irreplicable sense of style to your kitchen. The stone has almost endless options in terms of veining, color, and shine, meaning there's something for everyone.

Marble is a slightly risky material to use in your kitchen — as MARVA points out, it has quite a low ranking in terms of hardness, and it's porous, making it more susceptible to chips and stains. However, regular maintenance and upkeep can prevent these problems from arising. Marble is most popularly found in shades of white with gray veining, but it can also be found in shades of gray, brown, black, and even more colorful hues like green or blue. You can find it with super high contrast, dark veining, or almost none at all. Keep reading for some ideas on how to incorporate the incredibly versatile marble in your kitchen.

Simple white marble is such a versatile material and enhances almost any color it's paired with. Sage green cabinets paired with marble countertops will create a lovely, upscale cottage look and feel.

For a modern, sleek look, consider going with double marble — marble floors paired with matching marble countertops. Keep your cabinets and appliances white for a modern look.

While white marble may be the most popular, different color variations can add a lot of depth to your kitchen. Opt for a slightly darker, yellow-toned marble flooring paired with black countertops and cabinets for a sophisticated, moody approach.

Marble floors or countertops can very easily dominate a room. You also run the risk of chipping them. To incorporate marble in your kitchen still, opt for a marble backsplash.

Marble's reflective, nearly translucent effect is gorgeous in any room, but especially in the kitchen. Add a slab of super shiny marble to your kitchen island for a classy focal point.

On the other hand, you may like the look of marble but not the glossiness. In that case, you can go for a more matte finish on your marble countertops.

Another great thing about marble is how much variety you can get with the veining. Marble with lots of veining has a truly one-of-a-kind look and works wonderfully as a kitchen backsplash.

Marble may not be one of the most identifiable materials in mid-century design, but it can certainly help modernize the retro aesthetic. Pair warm-toned, mid-century wood cabinets with modern and refined marble backsplash and/or countertops.

Another great color to pair with marble is dark navy blue. Add some gold hardware to help accentuate both colors.

For a more masculine kitchen design, contrast delicate white marble floors with dark black kitchen cabinets and countertops.

Take advantage of the shininess and reflective nature of marble by using it to floor your entire kitchen. Pair with soft white cabinets to keep it bright and airy.

Black marble is another stunning and incredibly sophisticated variation of the stone. Pair matte black cabinets with veiny black marble countertops and backsplash.

As stated earlier, marble has the tendency to overwhelm the room it's in. Consider only using marble on your island countertops, and contrast your other countertops with black granite or similar stone.

Another aspect of the versatility of marble is how many different aesthetics it spans across. If you're more of a traditionalist in terms of kitchen design, find a subtler, warmer marble to complement the wood tones in your kitchen.

Exploit the natural reflectiveness of marble by adding lots of pigmented colors next to it, like green, to trick the eye into thinking the marble itself is green.

For a more natural look, add a very flat, matte, stony-looking black marble to your backsplash.

If you have a breakfast bar or built-in dining table in your kitchen, consider adding a marble slab on top for a sophisticated and classic focal point.

If super veiny, high-contrast marble isn't your cup of tea, go for very low-contrast, almost white marble for a super clean kitchen look.

For a more feminine kitchen design, pair an understated marble countertop with soft pink kitchen cabinets. Add some gold hardware around the kitchen to tie it together.

Adding fun colors to your kitchen can be difficult without it looking a little too trendy or gauche. Sophisticate a fun color like seafoam green with marble countertops.

Another stunning marble color is brown. Add veiny brown marble to your kitchen floors for a truly unique approach.

Farmhouse kitchens are easily one of the most classic designs, but they may not be as sophisticated as you'd like. Add a touch of modernity with black marble countertops and/or backsplash.

Add some visual and textural contrast to an otherwise plain white kitchen with a very flat, matte black marble backsplash and/or countertops.

Colorful marble exists, too, and it's absolutely stunning in kitchens. Pair dark green cabinets and walls with a matching dark green marble on the countertops.

For a softer approach, pair lovely lilac cabinets with very warm, veiny marble countertops. Add some silver hardware for a sophisticated, polished finish.