Expert Recommends: Marble And Natural Stone Styles That Are Trending Yet Classic

Choose For A Specific Space: Marble is a natural stone, and is found in many varying colours, characters, patterns and textures. Natural variation is inherent to the stone. A pure natural marble does not come in designs or sizes that can be replicated. Each slab is unique and hence requires the user to select the product based on his or her preferences.  Each slab’s physical composition is unique as the geological phenomenon behind its creation is unique. Thus, a marble should be selected and used for a specific room or space like for the floor, the wall or for an external application, based on the type of stone and its quarry of extraction. The strength, look and composition of the stone plays an important role in determining its application

Know Where You Will Put It: Marble is an integral element in any interior design. It should always complement and enhance the overall design concept. In order to maximize the beauty and potential of the marble, it is important to understand the best application and placement for it

Purchase From Known Brands: Marble, when used and maintained the right way, can be the most durable and aesthetically appealing material in construction. There is a lot of misinformation and misguidance about marble and natural stones, hence it is always advisable to work with reliable, established companies only.

Choosing a good quality stone can be a daunting task. However, one of the must-dos is to check the stone in person. Below are a few techniques for determining the quality of marble and natural stone.

Thickness: To ensure long-term durability of the marble, one should check the thickness of the stone. The thickness of the slab should be 20 mm, which is the international established standard. A maximum deviation of 10% is acceptable in this. 

Consistency: To ensure the final aesthetic appearance of a room, consistency of the stone is equally important. It is possible that one slab's colour and character could differ significantly from another, which could make the final product look less attractive. Hence, it would be crucial to check the consistency of the stone

Cracks and Fissures: While cracks and fissures give marbles a distinctive appearance, it can weaken the stone over time. A stone with minimal naturally occurring fissures and cracks should be selected. Even if there are a few cracks, they should be strengthened using the right process, the right machinery and right chemicals. 

And now that you know how to pick, here are timeless trends to purchase, according to Rahul.

A perfect choice for homes, particularly for living room and dining room spaces is Splendor Onyx.  Quarried in Turkey, this elegant natural stone is layered with patterns that showcase various hues of grey, brown and white with subtle golden yellow hues across the surface. It gives interiors a calming and serene persona and hence, is used extensively for walls or as flooring to exude tranquility. Owing to its soothing hues and calming vibes, it’s one of the stones that will never go out of style.

How To Use: The natural beauty of Onyx increases multi-fold when illuminated. Using a backlit Onyx in smaller interior and décor spaces works marvelously to enhance the look and vibe of the home, especially when hosting a party. A large slab of backlit Splendor Onyx for a table top, pedestal or behind the TV heightens the beauty of the room.

The Smoky Caramel Onyx has gorgeous blasts of brown and grey evenly spread across the slab. Like an artist's canvas, the smoky texture is splashed across the slab with natural strokes. Quarried in Turkey, the loud and bright features of the Smoky Caramel Onyx makes it the center of attention and can graciously change the look and vibe of any home. Wherever one decides to install this natural canvas, it would enhance the overall look and feel of the interior decor that will stay trendy and timeless for years to come.

How To Use: With its glossy surface and intriguing design, this magnificent stone creates a beautiful ambience when applied in any form or space; be it for countertops, walls or even as vibrant smoky flooring.

Quarried in Tunisia, the Saran Fantasy is a marble which comes in beautiful unequalled hues of grey and pink. It brings a harmonious blend of grandeur and luxury to spaces thus helping architects and interior designers create and envision something distinctive. The stone has been used by designers for years and will continue to remain in vogue. The magnificence of this marbles steals the spotlight often becoming the topic of discussion at every gathering in the house. Saran Fantasy is available in Leather, Silk and Polished finishes among others.

While trends come and go, the white marble never goes out of style. Without any doubt, Statuario continues to rule supreme among all white marble. Statuario manifests itself like a wide wall of gleaming white marble, with beautiful greyish blue veins flowing effortlessly across the entire surface, in an abstract pattern. It gives rise to a combination that hits the perfect note of grandeur and style, impressing at first glance. That is what makes Statuario the ideal Italian marble for different spaces especially living rooms. It fulfils the need of those seeking classic yet stylish flooring, giving the home a luxurious finish.

How To Use: As flooring in living room, as kitchen countertops, and bathroom vanities. Don't use this one outdoors.

The Golden Macaubus is a magnificent blend of attractive aesthetic notes with an abstract texture that expresses elegance and luxury. This natural marble with its gorgeous golden and brown strokes on a white canvas has been the focal point of numerous dining table discussions expressing wow and curiosity in the same breath.

The go-to stone for architect and interior designers alike,  this stone has been in recent trends and at the same time retains the element of timeless classics that would garner it’s share of applause  

How To Use: Great for flooring of living rooms and bedrooms.

A marvel from the Turkish mountains, Crema Jasper is another timeless classic. The stone displays a soothing and beautiful beige palette accompanied with subtle hints of creamy white. These light colours combine to form a harmonious and balanced texture. It evokes a complete sense of coziness and comfort.

How To Use: Owing to its elegance and its serenity, this regal beige marble has often adorned the floors within the interiors bringing a touch of elegance to the space. It also works great for a facade.