If you want to create a lasting wow factor in your home, one of the most successful ways of injecting some glamour is by introducing stone into the interior.
With so many choices available why not take inspiration from natural materials such as marble and granite which are versatile, beautiful and durable.
Nowadays instead of simply being consigned to the floor, stone can be used in many areas of the home including walls, washstands, table tops and work surfaces. With numerous colours and finishes to choose from stone is a natural choice when refreshing a bathroom or kitchen interior.
Natural stone has a timeless appeal and will never go out of fashion, it is also incredibly easy to maintain making it a practical and stylish choice. Dressing tables and washstands have an air classic look when finished with a marble or granite surface and walls clad with natural stone are both luxurious and hard wearing.
Bathrooms
Stone has always been admired in bathrooms. Marble or granite bath surrounds, basins, shower trays and vanity surfaces are increasingly in demand, with large square basins becoming as popular as traditional more curved shapes. Stone is also ideal for cladding bathroom and wetroom walls and although luxurious in appearance using stone need not be overly extravagant in terms of cost. If you are on a budget, why not consider cladding one wall with stone and painting the other walls white, or try mixing stone borders with ceramic or glass tiles.
Kitchens
Granite kitchen work surface
Granite is by far the most popular choice in the kitchen and works well in many areas including walls, spashbacks and work surfaces. It is durable and practical yet also provides a stylish touch to the room. With a myriad of colours available granite offers flexibility and this natural material can also be finished in a variety of textures from high gloss to matt adding another dimension to the interior.
Highly polished dark or black granites reflect light and kitchens with black granite work surfaces take on a glamorous look when the lights are switched on in the evening. Granite also has its own inherent quality such as unique veining, fragments of colour and natural sparkle.
Floors
A stone floor will last a very long time, which means it is an extremely cost effective choice in the long term. Classic looks include the chequered effect popular in Victorian houses or Georgian-style limestone tiles with black insets. Stone works well alongside natural wood flooring and a modern approach is to blend different materials, colours and textures. If you want to use stone outside as well as inside, think about using the same type throughout to create a harmonious look.
Fire surrounds
Natural stone fire surround
Stone fire surrounds suit both period and contemporary architecture and can be used to create a focal point in a room. Why not make the fireplace the main architectural feature by using colours and textures that contrast with the floor. Black slate, honed grey basalt and brown limestone work particularly well.
As a general guide, prices start from:
- 20mm marble from £150 per sq mtr
- 30mm granite from £168 per sq mtr
- 30mm Zimbabwe Black good all rounder £220 per sq mtr
