Opinion: Versital – ‘UK ‘faux’ marble market set for rapid growth’

Versital faux marble shower
1000 660 Daniel Fountain
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Marble remains one of the key trends for 2017, and the desire for marble inspired interiors is stronger than ever. The pitfalls of real marble are a thing of the past thanks to the emerging market of ‘faux’ marble surfaces, meaning erosion and staining can be easily avoided.

Versital are specialists in the manufacturing of cultured marble, using stone resin to create a like-for-like finish in luxurious designs. Gemma Stockberger, Sales, Marketing & Development for Versital UK tells us why there is a growing demand for marble alternatives in the hospitality sector:

Faux, or cultured marble, is 100% waterproof, unlike the real thing
As beautiful as marble may look, its properties mean it is a problematic material to use when it comes to interior design. The finish and look of such surfaces can be easily tarnished when they come into contact with water. Versital’s unique formula is created from a composition of natural minerals and pigments combined with resin to give a hard wearing durable finish. It is also 100% waterproof and non-porous, making it an excellent alternative for bathroom, restaurant and bar surfaces. Versital surfaces are not compromised by contact with water, and will not suffer from watermarks or lime scale, ensuring surfaces that look as good as new for years to come.

Versital bar top specified in Marchmont Arms, Hemel Hempstead

Versital bar top specified in Marchmont Arms, Hemel Hempstead – Mitchells & Butlers

Faux marble surfaces can be bespoke and hand-made to order
Versital surfaces are ideal for a number of applications including shower panels, shower trays, vanity tops, bar panels and table tops. The range of applications is endless, and this is because stone resin is very easy to cut and can be moulded to completely bespoke sizes, ready for installation. Created to individual specification, Versital can provide surfacing solutions for any project, regardless of shape and size.

Customise your ‘faux’ marble for a truly unique look
Whether it’s a traditional white finish you are looking for, or a more contemporary twist on a classic design, when opting for ‘faux’ marble, the exact look can be tailored to individual taste and requirements. Versital offers an extensive colour palette, with over 90 finishes to choose from. From classic white marbles such as ‘Arabesque’ to dusky pastels, moody greys, and on trend black marble, Versital creates the look of marble as never seen before.

Versital - Bar and Catering

Versital – Bar and Catering

Fuss-free cutting and scribing
When specifying these surfaces, it is worth considering that specialist masonry equipment is required, and cutting the material on site is often difficult and a messy job. In comparison, Versital’s cultured marble surfaces can be cut, scribed and installed quickly with minimal fuss and mess. What’s more, ordinary wood working tools can be used on site for ease of use and to ensure an accurate cut and a perfect fit.

Avoid complex drainage upheaval in bathroom renovations
Bathroom renovations can be costly and take time, especially when re-plumbing and relocating drainage is concerned. By opting for a bespoke shower tray from Versital, the need for this is eliminated, reducing costs, and ensuring the overall vision for a bathroom’s design can be achieved. Versital’s shower trays are manufactured to individual project specifications, and can be designed to fit the smallest and most awkwardly-shaped bathrooms, to those looking to create an oversized, statement shower enclosure or wetroom. Versital can even create shower trays that fit around corners and existing pipework, to ensure minimal interference to plumbing and help to keep costs down.

www.versital.co.uk

Daniel Fountain / 02.05.2017

Editor, Hotel Designs

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Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

Workhighlights: Successfully coordinating events from planning through to delivery and seeing everything come together on the day.

Fun fact: I’m a keen cyclist and will happily bore people with copious amounts of cycling chat. My top cycling experience (so far) would have to be riding in the spectacular mountains of Crete.

Work highlights: Charles joined Forum Events in 2022. With a background in publishing, editorial media and events, Charles brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Production Manager. Having being involved with SPACE from the outset, he is excited to see the brand grow and develop.

Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher at SPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.

Together these platforms offer a comprehensive 360-degree service encompassing digital media, print publishing, and live events – providing unparalleled value to advertisers, partners, and readers alike.