Natural stone is a timeless trend; the aesthetic and functional benefits provided by this material make it a perfect element for various construction and decoration purposes. It is durable, sustainable, and versatile. Since man started extracting raw materials out of nature to build, natural stone has been an essential element in construction–you can not think of Stonehenge, The Pyramids of Giza, or Roman Amphitheatres without correlating natural stone. It is associated with luxury and elegance, hence can be incorporated into different interior design applications and totally upgrade the vibe of the space.
Image courtesy of Interior Design Magazine. Photography by Scott Frances/Otto.
What is the natural stone?
The term natural stone defines a range of products extracted from the earth and can be used in various art and architecture applications. These products include but are not limited to:
- Marble
- Limestone
- Travertine
- Slate
- Granite
- Quartzite
- Sandstone
Courtesy of cupastone
How To Use Natural Stone In Interior Design?
Natural stone can create contrast, add texture or color, or bring warmth. There are plenty of reasons you should use natural stone in interior design: it is long-lasting, unique; no two pieces are the same, and affordable as it comes in a range of prices. If you want to, classically, bring nature to the inside, you can follow these tips:
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Walls
Using natural stone in interior walls cladding adds an authentic feature to space. More importantly, stone-clad walls endure harsh weather conditions, require very little maintenance, and are fire-resistant. Their quality and durability improve over time. Natural stones that can be used to clad interior walls include granite, sandstone, or slate. Stone-clad walls are easily installed and produced in a range of colors and sizes. This versatility helps you easily match the choice of natural stone with the rest of the material and color palette. By cladding a wall using natural stone you can accentuate a certain corner of a space, like fireplaces, feature a wall in kitchens or bathrooms, or create visual divisions in open-plan spaces.
Natural Stone Walls, Office Building Herostrasse, Max Dudler
photography by © Stefan Müller
In the entry hall of this office building in Switzerland, the wall behind the receptionist’s desk is all clad in green natural stone to be accentuated from the wood-clad walls.
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Floors
In like manner, natural stone flooring is durable and requires little maintenance. The unicity of each tile ends up creating a space rich in colors and textures but still classy and luxurious. Moreover, changing your flooring is something you wouldn’t probably do, which makes natural stone flooring a great choice as it never goes out of fashion. Another great feature of natural stone flooring is that it’s hygienic as it doesn’t dust or particles, keeping your floor clean and sleek. Natural stone flooring is particularly good in hot climates; it keeps the interior weather cooler. On the other hand, natural stone floors work great with underfloor heating as they conduct heat well.
Natural Stone Floors, Riverside House, Three Sixty Architecture
Photography by © Simon Devitt
The natural stone flooring in this residential project in New Zealand contemplates the concrete walls and creates a minimalistic and classy look.
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Furniture
The versatility of natural stone accompanied with today’s technologies helps create innovative furniture pieces for all tastes. Besides sinks and bathtubs, natural stone can be incorporated into tables, benches, and chairs. Marble, slate, and onyx can be used to produce furniture. Whether you opt for a full natural stone piece or for furniture coverings made of natural stone, it will always make your space look classier.
Natural Stone Furniture, Vester Voldgade Apartment, Studio David Thulstrup
Photography by © Irina Boersma
In a unique apartment in Copenhagen, Denmark, all furniture is local custom made, including the glazed lava stone coffee table that sits quietly in the center of the living space creating a luxurious vibe.
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Surfaces and Storage
Granite, limestone, and cuddapah natural stones can be used to create shelves and open storage. The airy visual weight of natural stones incorporated in storage pieces like shelves or cabinets makes the space open and welcoming–natural stone shelves can be installed in kitchens or living rooms where cozy atmospheres are preferred. On the other hand, granite and quartz can be used in kitchen counters because of their hardwearing features. They are also non-porous which makes them easier to clean. Natural stone can as well create unique backsplashes in kitchens and bathrooms.
Natural Stone Surfaces, La Vida Residential Building, Todos Arquitetura
Photography by © Alexandre Disaro
In Sao Paulo, Brazil, this apartment’s kitchen uses granite natural stone to cover the countertop and the backsplash in addition to a granite floating shelf. The granite accentuates this hardworking space of the kitchen.
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Accessories
The ideas of accessories made of natural stone are limitless; lamps, candle holders, vases, sculptures, planters, panels, …etc. They are waterproof and long-lasting. You can even display a natural stone in its raw shape as a decorative piece. To add some fun to the process, you can as well take this as a DIY project and create your own decorative natural stone accessory.
Lamp Made of Natural Stone by Crate & Barrel
Tips to Use Natural Stone in Interior Design Properly
- Opt for local stone products rather than imported ones–this is more sustainable!
- Apply contrast in size and colors to create a vivid atmosphere.
- Besides natural stone, use material that complements its elegance like wood.
- Choose lighting devices and moods properly to create the perfect warm and cozy mood!
- Try collecting stone from stone yards rather than buying from a store.
