An entryway sets the first impression for your entire house, so it needs to be a good one. Catherine Zeta-Jones's home offers a masterclass in making that impression with luxurious black and white marble floors.
The actress's entryway floors are an immediate conversation starter, recently spotted stretching down her hallway-style foyer in an Instagram post. The design features black marble with white veins at the center, broken up by two contrasting rectangles of white. Polished to a bright, mirror-like shimmer, they create a perfect foil for her white walls.
Though the space is minimally decorated – just a pendant lantern hangs from the ceiling – it's anything but boring. This is particularly appealing as we head into the fall and winter seasons, where high-gloss surfaces can help maximize the limited natural light.
Shop the black and white entryway edit
This black-and-white wool rug channels the dramatic elegance of Catherine Zeta-Jones’s iconic entryway style while adding warmth and texture underfoot. Its striking pattern pairs perfectly with marble floors, offering both glamour and practical slip-resistance in winter.
This elegant vase is ideal for displaying dried flowers, bringing a refined touch to any entryway. Its slender silhouette makes it a perfect statement piece for a narrow console table or foyer, while its subtle design complements any foyer.
For a simplified take on Catherine Zeta-Jones’s iconic entryway style, a marble console table is an excellent starting point. Its modern silhouette and premium material bring a touch of luxury without requiring a full redesign.
Evoking the cozy warmth of a winter fire, the Balsam Fireplace candle fills any space with rich notes of evergreen woods, juniper spice, and salted amber. Housed in a sleek matte black vessel, it creates a striking contrast against a white marble backdrop.
This stunning faux marble table offers a luxe aesthetic at an unexpectedly accessible price. Its modern silhouette adds a distinctive touch, making it a stylish centerpiece that belies its affordability.
Adorn your entryway vase with faux eucalyptus stems for a timeless, evergreen welcome. Their soft gray-green hue adds a subtle, sophisticated touch that complements any decor.
Experts agree this flooring makes a wonderful first impression. 'Catherine Zeta-Jones’s entryway is a breathtaking introduction to her home, showcasing a masterful use of shiny black marble with white veining,' says Westchester-based interior designer Nina Lichtenstein.
'The flooring design is meticulous: a double white line border runs around the rectangular entryway, with the outer stripe slightly thicker than the inner, creating an elegant frame. This detail draws the eye inward, elevating the sense of grandeur in the space.' The secret to the look is a perfect mix of contrast and cohesion. Lichtenstein states:
'Unlike the flooring ideas in the surrounding rooms, the marble’s high-gloss finish and contrasting black-and-white palette establish a distinct yet cohesive focal point. The white veining and borders tie perfectly into the home’s decor, from the white walls, doors, and curtains to the white elements visible in the adjacent living areas. Black accents, such as the black carpet in the room to the right and framed black artwork in the hallway, balance the dramatic flooring, ensuring it feels intentional rather than overpowering.'
The way Zeta-Jones decorates with marble has both aesthetic and practical benefits in any home. 'Marble floors, especially polished ones, are an excellent choice for entryways, particularly in homes with a classic or glamorous aesthetic,' advises Lichtenstein.
'Their reflective surface not only adds visual drama but also enhances natural light by bouncing it around the space. In Zeta-Jones’s entryway, the interplay of light and marble creates a luminous and airy atmosphere that offsets the dark tones.' This is especially useful during the shorter, darker days of autumn and winter.
The material goes beyond making your entryway feel more luxurious; it can also make your life easier.
Lichtenstein says, 'Functionally, marble is durable and easy to clean, a practical benefit for an entryway that sees regular foot traffic. However, it is worth noting that marble can be slippery, particularly when polished, so incorporating area rugs or mats is advisable in regions with frequent rain or snow' – a critical consideration during inclement weather throughout the colder months.
To recreate this look, paying attention to the details is key. Lichtenstein recommends: 'Opt for black marble with white veining and high polish to replicate the drama and sophistication of Zeta-Jones’s floors. A local stone supplier or high-end tile store can provide options. Use white marble or stone inlays to create double borders around the floor. Keep the proportions of the borders consistent with the size of your entryway for a balanced look.'
Styling the surrounding area is just as important for elevating your marble entryway. Lichtenstein recommends: 'Highlight the marble by using different flooring materials in adjoining spaces. Pair it with soft carpets or warm hardwoods to amplify its impact while maintaining a cohesive design. Use decor and furnishings to tie the floor’s colors into the broader space. Black-framed art, white walls, and subtle monochrome patterns can echo the floor’s palette. Leverage natural light to emphasize the reflective quality of polished marble. Keep window treatments sheer and consider adding mirrors to further amplify brightness.'
Making a memorable first impression doesn't need to be complicated – sometimes it simply comes down to what you see when you look down.
