Decorating with stone is not a new concept, especially in luxury homes. It’s one of the earliest design practices in history, we’d say. As interior styles emerged, so did the decorative techniques. By extension, the ways to decorate with stone have also changed. The material that was once restricted to countertops and flooring is now seen in many unexpected areas throughout the home—thanks to its versatility & beauty.
What exactly are the most creative uses for stone in modern interiors, though? Let’s find out.
Bookmatching
Source: Architectural Digest
A technique that combines two consecutive slabs from the same block of stone, positioned side by side to mirror each other like the pages of an open book. Perhaps not something you find in many interiors; exactly why this idea makes for a “one-of-a-kind” look.
Feature bookmatching as an accent wall or utilize it to enhance a tired fireplace. The key is to use the right stone variety that works perfectly well for this design method, with options including…
- Blue Marine Quartzite
- Botanic Wave Quartzite
- Arabescato Orobico Marble
- Lilac Marble
- Paonazzo Marble
Waterfall Edges
Stone countertops? Common in many homes. Waterfall edges on stone countertops? Found only in high-end, luxe homes. It’s a contemporary design trend that carries the countertop material down the sides of the cabinetry (at a 90-degree angle), all the way to the floor. Most common in kitchens, this design feature has made its way to bathroom vanities, too. Lemurian blue granite is the most popular option for waterfall edges, but Taj Mahal Quartzite looks equally stunning—and also adds a heritage-rich vibe to the interior.
Gallery Walls
The ideas are infinite when it comes to stone gallery walls. No boundaries, really. Hang your favorite pieces in stone-carved frames. Create a full-slab statement wall with a book-matched stone slab. Opt for etched stone panels featuring historical motifs. Create custom stone mosaics. Install backlit, translucent stone slabs. It’s just about what looks good.
Integrated Sinks and Bathtubs
Ways to decorate with natural stone don’t always have to go all out. Even a simple addition, like an integrated sink or bathtub, looks just as stunning. Scratches the itch of minimalism, yet adds the luxury of natural stone. Plus, it creates a streamlined look; perfect for spa-like bathrooms or contemporary kitchens.
Natural Stone Fireplace
A fireplace, in itself, feels like a luxury… and when designed with natural stone? Absolutely mind-blowing. It looks a lot more aesthetic, of course, but it’s also so much more durable. Does not warp. Does not discolor. Does not become too hot.
The type of stone used depends on personal preference. A timeless limestone works for homeowners on a budget. And if you’re looking to create a statement, Onyx is just perfect.
Slab Backsplashes
One of the most popular ways to decorate with stone is to feature it on the kitchen backsplash, and why not? The luxury appeal & the high durability of the material make it an ideal choice. Even better, carry the idea of a stone backsplash to your bathroom. You’d want to look for a waterproof option here, but also make sure it’s as aesthetic as it is functional.
Stone Flooring
Not a new concept, but one that adds opulence like none other. Stone flooring throughout the home ties the decor, regardless of the design styles in every room. But if you’re not building from scratch (or are not willing to do a major renovation), stone flooring only in the entryway can make the luxurious impression you’re aiming for. The material choice really matters here. Choose according to the traffic levels—and the overall look you want.
Breakfast Nook
Extend the use of stone beyond countertops or backsplashes in the kitchen. Use leftover pieces from a project to decorate the base of your recessed breakfast nook. A small addition that brings big results. Introduce some personal touches. Install statement lighting. Make it comfy with soft textiles (cushions, knits, etc.). Hang artwork (probably something that you need to read right in the morning for a boost of motivation). And voila—you’ve got a minimal, yet oh-so-luxurious breakfast nook right in the comfort of your home.
Exterior Stone Cladding
Create an impression on visitors even before they step inside. Stone cladding on the exterior of your home creates a statement that grabs the eye instantly. Install stone panels at equal distances and mount glass between each panel—an architectural luxury many homeowners only dream of. Tie the patio with a similar stone backdrop, and see how big of a difference it creates!
Stone Decor
Blend in your stone architectural features with complementary stone decor. Stone coffee tables. Stone table lamps. Stone vases. Stone planters. Stone water features. Or even a stone-inspired area rug. There’s an option for every room, every corner of the house—you just need that aesthetic eye to pick the best of the best 😉
Stone Accent Walls
Expansive living rooms are a blessing, but also a challenge. Dividing the space in a way that enhances functionality but preserves the magnificent vibe of the space… it’s definitely not easy. Enter: Stone Accent Walls. The most foolproof way to anchor a living room with two separate seating areas (also great if you’ve got an open-plan space where you want to break the living room from the kitchen or dining room). Mount a TV and a double-sided fireplace to complete the look—and maximize functionality.
River Rock Bathroom
Stone is a classic choice to design a spa-like bathroom. Here, the double vanity setup is framed with mosaic stone backsplashes that seamlessly connect the two ends of the bathroom. Statement lighting sets the mood, and a rug keeps the space from feeling too cold. Replicate the same, or take inspiration, to create a retreat for yourself, where you can unwind every day, free of cost 😍
Outdoor Features
No better way to decorate the outdoors than with a material that exudes organic vibes. Root every feature in natural materials, and, if you can, opt for a similar type of stone used indoors to blur the indoor-outdoor lines.
Quirky Ideas
There’s always a group of us who’s never ready to commit to big changes, and for that, we’ve got a smart solution. Lay out a stone-inspired area rug. Keep it there for a couple of months to decide whether or not you’d like to go all-in with full-fledged stone flooring. The good part is, it adds aesthetic appeal while it’s there. The bad part is, you might not want to let go of it just because of how perfect it looks.
Accents for Forgotten Spaces…
…like the end of a random hallway with wall-mounted storage. Furniture doesn’t fit. Artwork doesn’t look good enough. But natural stone? Completes the space perfectly—and spruces up that useless, boring corner in seconds.
Bold Impressions
Take your living room from 📉 to 📈 with a bold natural stone focal point. We love the idea of a floor-to-ceiling black marble slab over an entire wall. Install your fireplace at its base, and sprinkle black accents elsewhere in the room. The aura it will create, you’re not ready for it!
Stone Staircase
An opportunity to connect the upper and lower portions of the home—both physically and aesthetically. Most luxury homes feature massive staircases, sometimes even double stair sets, using the same stone material as the first and second floors. It creates a seamless connection, one that guides the eye to the luxe features of a home. The marble used is a lot about preference and traffic levels, but the most common (and trending) picks include…
- Calacatta Marble
- Arabescato Marble
- Paonazzo Marble
- Pietra Grey Marble