Natural Stone Institute.
Recent Articles
The Journey of V House: Creating a Contemporary Palladian Villa
Although 500 years have passed since the construction of the Palladian villas of Italy’s Veneto region, this architectural style is still a source of inspiration in the design world. The ‘V House’ features a contemporary Palladian style and is a stunning tribute to the use of natural stone.
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A Textile Designer Turns to Natural Stone
“We knew Lori would appreciate the challenge of creating her signature textural effect in natural stone, and that she would help us deliver a fresh design carved in classic favorites like Bianco Carrara and Bardiglio marble,” says Nancy Epstein, founder and CEO of Artistic Tile. The resulting collections are organic, nature-inspired, super tactile, and very dimensional, either in actuality or visually.
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Got Data? Testing the Performance of Granite, Engineered Quartz, Concrete, and Sintered Countertop Surfaces
It can be difficult to find reliable information about the practical properties of different types of countertop surfaces. In a quest to bring more data-driven information to the countertop industry, this article offers side-by-side performance testing of four categories of materials.
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How Do Your Countertop & Flooring Choices Impact the Environment?
Aesthetic qualities and price are often the first criteria used to make countertop and flooring selections. But have you considered if each material is eco-friendly? A material’s life cycle should be considered during your home design and renovation projects.
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How Natural Stone Is Elevating Universal Design and Aging in Place Spaces
Interior designers and architects are beginning to incorporate the concept of ‘aging in place’ into their plans and many are finding natural stone is a great way to soften the look of the space while creating accessible environments for everyone.
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Italian Marble Shapes European-Inspired Cathedral in Tennessee
European churches are more than just places of worship—they are centers of design. The Sacred Hearth Cathedral features massive stone columns and ornate decorations crafted centuries ago, these spaces are a source of inspiration for much of today’s architecture, especially in the religious sector.
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3 Steps to Create a Natural Stone Fireplace
A beautiful fireplace can become the hub of your home, where you gather with family and friends. Make sure to take time to choose the perfect design so you can enjoy your investment for decades to come.
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Know Your Minerals
Minerals are the components of all natural stones. The color of every natural stone, whether it’s jet black, glittery silver, or a kaleidoscope of Technicolor – comes from the individual minerals. Read more in this handy guide to the ingredients of your favorite natural stone.
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Bending Marble at the Bent and Light Showroom
The design concept was fueled by the desire to dispel the perceptions that marble is unyielding and heavy. The Bent and Light showroom is meant to feature the bended marble technology as the latest innovation established by MM Galleri in Singapore.
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5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Natural Stone Surfaces
While it’s true that natural stone is extremely durable and made to last, it is not indestructible. There is a chemistry to natural stone, and making mistakes can harm it. Protect your investment by avoiding these five common practices.
Kitchen Countertop Comparison Charts
Compare and contrast features of the countertop surfaces available in today’s market. With so many possibilities to choose from, it’s hard to know which options you should consider. Think about your budget, your design taste and how your family will use your kitchen before making your decision.
A Definitive Guide to Quartzite
Quartzite may be the most confusing natural stone out there. A quick internet search will reveal an unsettling disparity of information. Some people say it etches. Some say it doesn’t. Sometimes you hear it’s a hybrid between marble and granite.
How to Care For Your Granite Countertops
Granite has long been a favorite choice for countertops due to its beauty and ease of maintenance. Granite is a durable material, but like all surfaces, it does require regular maintenance. We sat down with several stone care experts to learn how best to care for granite countertops.
Singing the Praises of Natural Stone in the Shower
Stone can be a good choice for the shower, but it does require special care and maintenance. As long as you are aware of how to care for and maintain it, it will look beautiful for years to come.
Getting to Know Your White Stones
White kitchens and bathrooms are perpetually popular. While there are many white minerals, such as quartz, feldspar, and calcite, they don’t always assemble themselves into a perfectly white rock. Read more about your options in natural stone.
Videos
Use Natural Stone: As Seen on Make This Place Your Home
Join us as we travel to Danby, Vermont to discover the beauty and versatility of genuine natural stone. We’re traveling inside the historic Danby Quarry to get a rare glimpse of how natural stone is quarried. #UseNaturalStone
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Natural Stone Featured on Lifetime Network’s Designing Spaces
Home renovations reach a new summit with genuine, durable, sustainable natural stone. Learn how to make your granite dreams a reality with eco-friendly, low-impact, choices from Mother Nature, and get insider knowledge from an industry leader to create inspirational spaces that can last a lifetime.
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As Seen On: Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford
Home owners work together to renovate their patio featuring an outdoor kitchen.
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