In Conversation With: Karolin Apik

What does setting the table mean to you?

Setting the table isn’t decoration for me; it’s writing a story. Every piece is a sentence, and the space is where the story breathes.

As a stylist, what is marble’s strongest aesthetic contribution to a space?

Marble gives a space an unrepeatable character. Every vein and every surface is different. The moment it enters the frame, the scene feels bigger: calmer, stronger, and more self-assured.

What makes marble timeless, not just luxurious?

Marble is timeless not because it signals luxury, but because it endures; the same material reappearing in new forms across centuries. It never insists, yet it quietly elevates whatever it enters.

How do you balance a marble on a table?

Marble should be used in measured doses. One strong serving piece can carry a dramatic evening, while a small accent is enough for an intimate gathering. I treat it as a foundation: not always the lead, but always felt, and when I want that grounded presence without heaviness, I love anchoring the table with pieces like Minval’s La Dinette (Onyx or White) or Monsieur Onyx.

When styling an ideal table with Minval, what do you look at first?

Rhythm. When you look from above, the eye should move with ease. Heights, negative space, and shine must find their balance before color and material come in, and I often set that rhythm with a clean, sculptural anchor like Minval’s Karinna White vase, then add a lighter, transparent layer with the Helena Glass Cheese Plate to keep the table feeling airy.

How should a statement piece work on a well-styled table?

A statement piece shouldn’t shout; it should create focus and let light do the talking. I always leave a little space around it. Space makes it feel quieter and more valuable, and that’s exactly why pieces like Minval’s Toscana Marble or Doreta Onyx work so well: they catch the eye, then settle into the table like a calm, confident punctuation.

What textures do you pair with marble to make it feel more inviting?

Wood and linen are my favorites; they soften marble’s strength, and candlelight finishes the mood. Gloss against matte doesn’t create coldness; it creates depth.