12 10 2024 09:38
reading time: 5 min
Screenshot from Vogue Video
The idea for this article series came to me after seeing Jennifer Lopez showcase her home and lifestyle. Since the first video I saw was from Vogue featuring the iconic JLo, it felt natural to start with a deep dive into her kitchen and countertop. If you enjoy this format, I’ll continue creating similar articles—breaking down costs and exploring alternative options.
Let’s go back to the video Vogue that inspired this article! The “first-person” filming style made it feel like you were a guest in her home. Imagine JLo pouring you tea while you can’t take your eyes off her stylish kitchen. My professional instincts kicked in, and I started analyzing the materials used for her countertop. I suspected it was premium marble—but which one? To confirm, I reached out to one of the top contractors in our rankings, Yuri from Perfect Stones, who verified my guess!
Here’s what I asked Yuri: What material is it? How many square feet? What’s the thickness, cost, and are there alternatives? Yuri generously shared his price lists and provided all the details for this article. So sit back and let yourself get inspired!
Jennifer Lopez’s kitchen, adorned with a stunning Calacatta Macchia Vecchia marble countertop, is the epitome of luxury, blending aesthetics, history, and craftsmanship. Let’s explore the origins of this material, its cost, and how you can achieve a similar look in your own home.
Calacatta Macchia Vecchia is a rare and exclusive marble sourced from the famous Carrara region of Italy. Historically, Carrara marble was used in Ancient Rome to create architectural and sculptural masterpieces like the Pantheon and Michelangelo’s statues. Since then, it has symbolized status and wealth, remaining a favorite in modern design.
Michelangelo’s Sculpture “David.” Photo from public domain sources, author unknown
This marble is renowned for its unique texture: a white base with bold golden veining that adds elegance and warmth—highly prized in interiors seeking to combine modern minimalism with timeless luxury.
Why Calacatta Macchia Vecchia Marble Is Valued Worldwide
The price per square foot of this marble starts at $280, and a single slab can cost up to $18,000. Based on our estimates, Jennifer Lopez’s kitchen, including the countertop, island, and backsplash, required approximately 270 square feet of marble. Factoring in complex installation and custom edge finishes, the total cost likely amounts to $80,000.
Marble from Carrara has been used for centuries, gracing palaces and temples. Its texture and rich hues are associated with refinement and prestige. Calacatta Macchia Vecchia is particularly valued for its golden veining, which gives the stone a unique character and allows it to integrate beautifully into interiors featuring brass or gold accents. Among notable manufacturers is Antolini, a company specializing in the extraction and processing of high-end stone.
It’s important to note that, despite its beauty, marble remains a porous material that requires regular maintenance. It is prone to staining and scratching, making it less practical for families with children or households where cooking is a daily activity.
The total cost of a marble countertop depends on several factors:
The unique veining and limited quarrying make Calacatta Macchia Vecchia a premium product. Its price significantly exceeds that of other types of marble, but the aesthetic impact fully justifies the investment.
If the cost of original marble seems too high for you, there are more budget-friendly materials that can replicate the visual and aesthetic appeal of Calacatta Macchia Vecchia marble:
Here, I provided only approximate prices for these materials, as the final cost will depend on the availability of a specific stone and your project details. These figures are for informational purposes only.
I understand that JLo’s kitchen is the epitome of luxury, and not every family can afford such materials. However, there are excellent alternatives mentioned above! These options are affordable, maintain the style, and are more practical, requiring less maintenance time. Quartz and ceramic alternatives visually match natural marble but are several times cheaper and easier to care for.
If you’re inspired to order a countertop made from Calacatta Macchia Vecchia marble or its alternatives, I recommend reaching out to contractors featured in the national Сountertops Contractors ranking.
Calacatta Macchia Vecchia symbolizes sophistication, luxury, and impeccable taste. If you feel inspired by this design, know that achieving a similar effect is possible even with more affordable materials. What’s your dream kitchen countertop? Maybe it’s closer than you think!
While writing this article about JLo’s kitchen, I realized I’m now eager to explore the kitchens of other American celebrities—what countertops they use for cooking and dining. Stay tuned for a new article in this series, which you can read on our blog.
You can find a contractor to create your dream countertop by selecting one from the list of top-rated companies in your city, based on our localized rankings.
