Since the beginning of time, natural stone is the premium building material of choice. Whether you are remodeling your space or building a new home, natural stone is a perfect choice. Besides unparalleled beauty, this material offers you long service and uniqueness; since stone is natural, no two pieces are the same. Therefore, each countertop, floor, mantle, sill, or wall with the natural stone finishing is distinct.
There are many market options with different strengths in the market, making settling on one natural stone for your interior finishes a bit confusing. Like selecting a piece of art or furniture, selecting a natural stone for your interior is a very personal decision. The tips below, alongside a stone expert and design professional, will offer you the guidance you need to make the right choice for your home project.
Usage
When choosing natural stone, have a specific application or use in mind. Hard natural stone has better resistant to abrasion. Granite is the hardest of all stone types in the lot and will stand more impact and pressure. If you opt for softer stone, remember it is more delicate, and you will require frequent dusting to prevent scratching and gentler cleansers.
Marble, on the other hand, adds the sophisticated element for an ultra-luxe look. It is a popular choice for interior countertops, floor, fireplaces, furniture, and tubs. Serpentine will also give you a marble-like look, though not a real marble. Unlike granites, marble needs more care, just like a wood finish.
Consider the area while areas of use and activities as you choose the natural stone. Stones for wet areas like bathroom walls should not be vulnerable to moisture damage.
Finish
Many finished options exist for natural stones in the market today, and many other new ones are appearing. You will see polished, honed, leathered, antiqued, and brushed finish options.
Selecting an appropriate natural stone finish may need help from experts. Saturnia Travertini has professionals to guide you through the perfect finish to meet your construction need and personality. The finish you choose will affect the aesthetics if you are planning a natural stone wall. Also, you may want to consider a sawn finish for a wet area than a polished or honed due to its non-slip characteristic.
Absorption Rate
Depending on the individual application, the absorption rate may determine a natural stone’s general durability and measure the porosity of the stone. A stone with a greater absorption rate readily absorbs many things, including stains. It is, therefore, not suitable for benchtops surfaces unless it is well concealed. When selecting one, remember that the lowest the water absorption rate, the better.
Decide on the Format
These come in different formats. The stone format will have a massive impact on the overall feel and look of your space. Most of the natural stonewalling and flooring offer various profiles and sizes to suit your requirements. You can, for example, choose a narrow stone for a traditional format or contemporary feature wall. A textured stone cladding can pass for a classic look.
Consider your space’s overall scale with the format and size when choosing the one you want. The stones can also be laid in patterns to add visual effect depending on the stone application. A professional designer will customize designs to suit the aesthetic you are seeking and customize your needs. You can also decide on a more organic look by settling for a stone-like flagstone. When all is said and done, a well-balanced final look is more pleasant.
Consider other Materials
It is easy to forget the other materials in your home when choosing which natural stone is right for you. You may want to complete the façade material or pick the tonal variations in the timber featured within the interior.
Ensure that whatever your choice, you create a smooth flow by continuing the same wall finish effect or stone flooring of your interior.
Think About the End Goal
Every natural stone has a distinctive personality that is created from its patterns. Since the stone is natural, no two pieces are ever the same. Hence it is crucial to consider the designs. For example, Granite derives beauty from its colorful flecks, while marble presents vibrant and healthy swirls.
Depending on the pattern of the stone of your choice, you can work with your interior designer to achieve effects like a warm or casual environment, rustic feel, and elegant space, among others.
Practicality
Besides visually appealing, your choice of stone should be practical. You may need to consider if the natural stone of your choice is durable. Natural stone interior finishes are time-consuming and costly projects that you cannot often do. Before settling for one, consider your choice’s aesthetics and functionality that determines how long the stone will serve you.
Care and management of the natural stone play a considerable role in its durability and beauty. Choosing delicate stones that require constant cleaning is not a good idea for a stay at home mom with little children and enough cleaning to do.
Color
Natural stones come in an impressive spectrum of colors. While this sounds good, choosing a color with many options available can be challenging. Colors in marble and granite, for example, range from soft pinks and beige, classic whites and black, to rich multi colors, greens, and reds. Traditionally, marble features veins and swirls of colors while granite offers a pebbled or flecked appearance.
You may want to take a sample of your choice of stone and place it against other fabrics, materials, and paint colors to help you settle for a stone that will enhance your space. While choosing the color, it is crucial to factor in the general theme color.
Conclusion
Having an end goal in mind works best to ensure that you settle for the right natural stone for your interior. Many options can distract you; hence having a picture of what you want to achieve helps you stay on course.
