Natural stones have been used by man throughout the centuries mainly for their beauty, variety and durability. Today, as before, its role in interior design cannot be underestimated.
Natural stones can contribute to traditional and contemporary interiors in many ways, from marble wall or floor tiles to limestone windowsills, and much less kitchen or bathroom surrounds and bathroom vanity tops. Natural stones also go well with other interior design materials, such as wood or glass.
Even a small piece of quality masonry can make a big difference. My favorite examples of masonry for the living room are fireplaces, windowsills, and table tops. For the more adventurous, a multi-stone floor insert would easily be the centerpiece of any room. However, there is nothing better than marble tile floors, even better if they are accompanied by skirting boards of the same natural stone.
The key principle is to use quality natural stones with the best aesthetic and technical characteristics. The quality of natural stones depends on several factors, the state of the quarry, the quality of the block, the quality of the machinery and the stone grading process in the cutting factory, the commitment to the quality of the stone supplier who chooses the quarry / factory. / Stone. You should ask your stone supplier for advice on the different grades of a particular natural stone before making a decision based on quality and budget constraints. In my experience, quality should never be compromised.
The fire environment is a good example. In most cases, the quality of the natural stone and the craftsmanship play a bigger role than the design itself. There is only one step from a luxurious piece to a tacky one. My favorite natural stones for luxurious fire surrounds include Statuario Marble, White Cappuccino Limestone, and Rosso Lepante Marble. The surroundings of the fire are made of flagstones or blocks. Most contemporary and some traditional designs can be made with slabs. Generally, a piece made of slabs costs less than one made of block.
I always take the opportunity to mention marble windowsills. In Sweden, windowsills made of natural stones are as common as snow in winter. The reasons for this are twofold, decorative effect and practicality (they are hygienic and easy to maintain). I think many interior design projects would benefit from the use of marble (or other natural stone) windowsills.
I firmly believe that using quality natural stone in interior design is a worthwhile investment.
