Adorned with rich purply-red veins and striking swirls, Calacatta Viola is the stone on everyone’s radar. We investigate its rise and how to use it in your home…
Impactful marble, from natural surfaces with dramatic veining to manmade solutions that replicate the authentic look, has taken centre stage in 2025. And there’s one stone in particular that we’ve noticed is rising through the ranks – Calacatta Viola.
“With its creamy background and dramatic burgundy veining, it resembles ice sheets floating on a deep red sea, making it one of the most striking natural stones available,” says Oliver Webb, director at Cullifords.
But why is it having such a surge in popularity now, and how can you welcome it to your interiors? Urvashi Agarwal, creative director at Stone World London, confirms classic Italian marble, particularly with pink and red hues, is making a comeback. “Calacatta Viola has seen a huge rise in popularity over the past year, as homeowners and designers are becoming bolder with their material choices, and there has been a wider shift towards more colourful interiors,” she explains.
Ways to use it
It’s the stone’s versatility, too, that makes it so appealing to renovators, says Oliver. “Whether in a sleek modern setting or a more traditional interior, Calacatta Viola brings instant luxury and sophistication,” he explains. “With the right preparation and ongoing care, it can be used across a range of applications.”
Urvashi agrees and adds, “In kitchens, it works beautifully as a statement island, splashback, or even as open shelving, while in bathrooms, it can transform a vanity top, feature wall, or shower surround into a luxurious focal point. For those who seek just a touch of Viola in their homes, we’ve seen marble used as decorative architraves, too, accenting classic spaces.”
Oliver says it also makes an incredible option for cladding or full-height wall installations, ‘transforming functional surfaces into works of art’. “Used thoughtfully, Calacatta Viola brings personality into a home but also becomes a timeless investment that will age gracefully,” adds Urvashi.
Calacatta Viola care
But since marble is a bit of a demanding material, it’s important to be aware of a few key upkeep requirements. “It is relatively easy to maintain, and stain-resistant, but as a marble, it is not as heat- or scratch-resistant as some other stones, and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may cause fading or slight colour changes over time,” points out Oliver.
But day-to-day care is simple, he adds. “Clean with a mild soapy solution, avoid harsh liquids, and use chopping boards for food preparation. Stains can be removed with a poultice, and the surface can even be re-polished in situ if required,” he reassures.
Regular sealing can also help reduce the risk of staining. Still, over time, marble naturally develops a patina so, before you take the plunge, Oliver recommends bringing samples home, both sealed and unsealed, to see how they will evolve in your environment.
Get the marble look
However, if you’re not keen on the upkeep but would still like to get this eye-catching marble look, there is now a wide range of ceramics and tiles mimicking the purply-red veins of Calacatta Viola.
“Porcelain that replicates Calacatta Viola marble is a great choice; it has the same beautiful look and shading, but with the durability and stain-resistant practicality inherent to porcelain – making it ideal for both floors and walls,” says Rob Whitaker, creative director at Claybrook. “The distinctive burgundy wine tones against the crisp white background are particularly appealing and redolent of traditional Italian interiors,” he adds.
So, whether you opt for the real deal or the marble effect, drama, depth, and style are only a Calacatta Viola vein away.
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