design

Off the Wall: Using Natural Stone to Create a Unique Staircase

by | Feb 21, 2023

A stair project is typically all in a day’s work for an engineer, but what PICCO Group put together for a Toronto homeowner counters logic and the perceived limitations of natural stone.

Beyond Beauty: Creating Timeless Spaces with Sustainable Natural Stone

by | Jan 20, 2023

Natural stone is often chosen for residential and commercial work because of its beauty and versatility. It’s also really nuanced, according to Roger P. Jackson. He is drawn to the beauty of natural stone and believes that its beauty goes beyond aesthetics. “Natural stone feels more durable,” Jackson says. “It has a character of strength, stability, durability, and mobility.”

Cascading Marble Panels and Sustainable Materials Shine in New Community Health Center

by | Dec 22, 2022

Occupying almost an entire city block in the Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn is the NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital Center for Community Health. The new 400,000-square-foot building, which took the last decade to construct, was designed using a variety of sustainable materials, most notably the Calacatta Caldia marble that adorns the walls, reception desk, kiosks, café counter, and credenza in the main lobby.

Range, Sustainability, and Beauty: Why Architect Craig Copeland Uses Natural Stone

by | Nov 29, 2022

There is no mistaking natural stone for its range, beauty, and sustainability. These are among the many reasons Craig Copeland, an architect, sculptor, industrial designer, and partner at Pelli Clarke & Partners finds himself recommending natural stone to many of his clients.

Using Natural Stone in Biophilic Design

by | Oct 31, 2022

The last few years have put a laser focus on the importance of our health and well-being. Biophilic design can help you tap into an innate connection with nature to achieve these goals successfully.

Undercover Artwork: Finding the Hidden Beauty in Natural Stone Slabs

by | Sep 30, 2022

Many people are drawn to natural stone because of its artistic qualities and characteristics. ALMA Studio takes it to the next level. The studio uses pure light projections to uncover, accentuate, and highlight art scenes that are hidden within the natural veining of stone slabs.

Master Stone Carver Focuses on Architectural Details

by | Jul 16, 2022

Fairplay is an artist and his medium is natural stone. He works with stones such as marble, limestone, and sandstone. While his studio is currently based just outside Cleveland, Ohio, his training began in Europe, where he specialized in hand-carved stone, marble sculpture, and ornaments.

2022 Color Trends Inspire and Enhance Timeless White Marble

by | Jan 6, 2022

Color has profound psychological effects on our mind and body. After the uncertainty of the past two years, it is not surprising that color experts are predicting a turn to calming neutral earth tones in 2022. Natural stone trends are also moving to timeless, sustainable materials like white marble.

On the Surface: Choosing and Caring for Natural Stone Finishes

by | Oct 27, 2021

Kat Coleman, owner and principal of Long Beach, California-based Topkat Design Group, reminds clients that stone is a natural material so there needs be some tolerance. What some clients may view as imperfections in natural stone, Coleman calls “character.” “Nature is perfectly imperfect,” she reminds clients.

New Treatments to Natural Stone Make Them More Accessible in Kitchens

by | Aug 12, 2021

There are many reasons homeowners choose natural stone in their kitchens. With new technology and resources that allow for more stress-free living, they have more options than ever to create a space they love.

How to Make Natural Stone Play a Starring Role in a Kitchen Design

by | Jun 18, 2021

Jan Neiges is a certified master kitchen and bath designer with the National Kitchen & Bath Association and principal of Colorado-based Jan Neiges CKD LLC. For Neiges, the act of discovery and finding out what is drawing the client to a particular piece of natural stone is part of the fun when working on a kitchen.

Bold Bathrooms Using Natural Stone

by | Apr 16, 2021

Rose Kallas and Christine Morgan, partners and principals of Chicago-based Two Girls and a Hammer LLC, have seen residential design trends come and go. While many classics, like marble, remain popular, the duo is noticing clients asking for more color. Natural stone is delivering.

From the Chemistry Lab to the Kitchen: Soapstone Offers Much More Than a Passing Grade

by | Mar 5, 2021

Soapstone has been a staple material in chemistry labs across the country for decades because of its heat and acid resistance. Glass beakers, Bunsen burners, and hydrochloric acid are no match for soapstone in the chemistry lab, so naturally there is nothing in the kitchen it can’t handle.

Using Pantone’s Colors of the Year and Natural Stone to Create Tranquil Spaces

by | Dec 28, 2020

Pantone recently chose two colors for its 2021 Color of the Year: a gray and yellow, which the company says come together to create an aspirational color pairing, conjoining deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with the optimistic promise of a sunshine filled day.

Using 2021 Color Trends and Natural Stone to Refresh Spaces

by | Nov 6, 2020

Experts say the thoughtful use of color and strategic placement of natural stone throughout our homes can help create that sense of connection and comfort many of us are seeking more than ever right now.

Using Natural Stone to Create Old Hollywood Glamour in a New Beverly Hills Hotel

by | Apr 30, 2020

The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills is an urban oasis that combines modern luxury with timeless design. This building welcomes visitors to Beverly Hills by honoring the Golden Age of Hollywood and the architectural history of Los Angeles.

Designing with Textured Surfaces Using Natural Stone

by | Mar 31, 2020

While polished and honed are the most common surface finishes for natural stone, leathered and brushed textures are growing increasingly popular to add a unique flair your design.

Living In Color: 2020 Colors Of the Year Channel Calm and Nature

by | Jan 16, 2020

Two decades ago, Pantone introduced their first color of the year. Since then, other companies have joined the fray. We asked several experts how the 2020 colors of the year will impact how homeowners design their homes and what types of natural stone choices they might make.

5 Ways to Use Natural Stone for a Show-Stopping Fireplace

by | Dec 23, 2019

Natural stone fireplace facades remain one of the most trendy styles of design no matter where you roam. Whether these clad fireplaces stem from the utilization of leftover stone material or the grand idea of a massive quadmatched feature wall, we can promise a cozy fireplace will never fail to pull together your home.

The Journey of V House: Creating a Contemporary Palladian Villa

by | Nov 20, 2019

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.