If you’re an interior designer or architect, one or more of your clients have likely requested an elegant marble or luxurious quartzite countertop at some point. Or, perhaps you’re a homeowner looking to incorporate a natural stone countertop into your own space, whether in your kitchen or bathroom.
Natural stone countertops are timeless elements that exude class, refinement and style. But did you know that the aesthetic possibilities of natural stone run even deeper? There are limitless creative ways to integrate natural stone slabs into your or your client’s home. Draw some inspiration for your next project from this list.
Natural Stone Flooring
While hardwood has been a staple flooring choice for centuries, perhaps you’d like to switch gears to something a little more fresh and modern. Natural stone floors make a beautiful focal point and conversation piece for various areas of your home, from living rooms to restrooms and foyers. Some of the best types of natural stone for flooring include:
- Marble: Marble is naturally dense, allowing it to withstand high foot traffic. It comes in a variety of colors, and its intricate veining adds an artistic flair to your space. It’s a stunning choice for living rooms, kitchens, entryways and bathrooms. Additionally, marble’s hardness makes it easier to refinish than many other natural stones.
- Granite: A combination of mica, feldspar and quartz, granite is among the hardest and most durable natural stones. It’s highly resistant to staining, scratching and daily wear from foot traffic, making it ideal for bathrooms, entryways and kitchens.
- Soapstone: Because soapstone doesn’t absorb water like other natural stones, it’s an excellent nonslip option for wet spaces, such as bathrooms, sauna rooms and laundry rooms. It’s also soft to walk on, providing optimal underfoot comfort.
- Quartzite: Quartzite is robust, aesthetically pleasing and versatile. It offers an array of textures and finishes to complement various spaces, including bathrooms, living rooms, kitchens and hallways. It can handle traffic-heavy areas without losing its visual appeal.
Natural Stone Walls
Natural stone makes for a unique accent wall. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Fireplace surround: Besides providing warmth and comfort during the chilly winter months, a natural stone fireplace surround provides a tasteful accent piece for a dining room or living room.
- Kitchen backsplash: A marble, quartzite or granite backsplash is the perfect way to add visual interest and texture to your kitchen. For example, the delicate veining of a marble backsplash offers a subtle yet elegant contrast against a solid-colored kitchen wall.
- Accent wall: Cover one wall with natural stone to create a one-of-a-kind focal point for your living room, dining room, entryway, bathroom or virtually any other space. Smooth, polished stone creates a sophisticated and contemporary look, while rough-cut stone lends a more rustic appearance. Whatever atmosphere you aim to achieve, a natural stone accent wall can help bring it to life.
- TV setting: A natural stone slab provides a cozy and chic backdrop for a television, creating a comfy atmosphere for the family to gather in. Choose a neutral-colored stone, such as gray or beige, that doesn’t detract from the TV.
- Outdoor patio: In addition to enhancing indoor spaces, natural stone is a gorgeous accent for outdoor spaces, especially considering its durable and robust nature. Incorporate natural stone walls into your patio design to further accentuate the beauty of your outdoor space. You can use these materials to create seating walls or a backdrop for outdoor furniture.
- Vanity backsplash: You can also use natural stone to create a backsplash for a bathroom vanity. If the vanity has a stone countertop, the backsplash can either be the same material as this countertop or a different one for contrast.
Natural Stone Furniture
From tabletops to seating, natural stone can be used in a range of furniture pieces. Here are some options:
- Tables: Natural stone is ideal for a modern dining table, coffee table, end table or nightstand. Granite and quartzite are heat- and scratch-resistant, and they come in various colors and patterns, making them excellent choices. Alternatively, you can choose a marble tabletop for unique patterns and veining.
- Benches: Large, flat stone slabs can create outdoor benches for a patio or garden. You can also use them for indoor benches, such as for a breakfast nook or entryway accent. Pair them with some soft cushions for added comfort.
- Wet bar: Use natural stone to create a wet bar for families and guests to mix up some drinks. If the bar will often be used, consider granite for extra durability. Soapstone and marble are other visually pleasing options.
Natural Stone Shower or Tub
These natural stone bathroom features make a dreamy addition to any home:
- Showers: Many homeowners incorporate stone tiles into their showers, but you might consider slabs for a more unique and modern look. You can create the wall using one or multiple types of stone, depending on your desired vision.
- Bathtubs: Natural stone can be used to create a stylish ledge or shelf around a bathtub. If the surrounding walls or flooring include stone, you can use the same material for the bathtub ledge or select a different type for a lovely accent piece.
Natural Stone Stairs and Staircase Accents
For a truly standout focal point, there are multiple ways to integrate natural stone into stairs:
- Wall: You can use natural stone to create a wall around the staircase, making for an enchanting accent element for any foyer.
- Pedestal: Another option is to make a stone pedestal base for the staircase. Marble and granite are both fantastic options.
- Steps: Finally, you can incorporate stone into the steps themselves. Imagine walking into a home and being greeted by elegant marble steps. For outdoor steps, consider a more rugged option like granite. Whether indoor or outdoor stairs, remember that the stone you choose must be durable enough to withstand regular use and foot traffic.
Natural Stone Water Features
Last, but not least, consider these creative and charming ideas to use natural stone for indoor or outdoor water features:
- Edging: Natural stone slabs can create elegant edging for a pool or pond.
- Wall fountain: Design a fountain for a garden using a large, flat slab of natural stone. Water trickles down the surface of the stone, creating a tranquil and serene atmosphere.
Experience the Beauty of Natural Stone With Modul Marble
These natural stone applications merely scratch the surface of the stylish and creative possibilities. Whether countertops, walls, flooring or accent pieces, there are numerous ways to incorporate these materials into your space. It’s no wonder natural stone is a favorite among architects, designers and homeowners alike.
Turn your interior design vision into a reality with Modul Marble. We’ll help you bring the beauty of nature into your or your client’s space with high-quality, carefully curated natural stone. Since 1989, we’ve sourced exquisite natural stone slabs from around the globe. Take a look at our inspiration page for more ideas on enhancing interior or exterior spaces with our stone products.
Browse our natural stone collection, or contact our expert team to discuss your project needs.
