What makes natural stones and marble versatile and durable?

The first thing that strikes Indians when it comes to marble, especially white marble, is the breathtaking beauty of the Taj Mahal. The monument stands as a testimony of timeless beauty of natural stones. However, in India having marble furnishings at home isn’t just about luxury. The choice of marble and natural stone is far beyond a mere preference of home decor, it is the symbol of good living. Let’s delve into the diverse world of marble and natural stones to help take an informed decision for your home.

Is it just opulence?

Beyond opulence, the foremost attribute that makes natural stones and marble a definite choice for home decor is their sheer versatility. Regardless of texture and colour, the ability of these stones to seamlessly tie together with any interior decor style is a mark of beauty. From the classic elegance of Carrara marble to vibrant hues of granite and the exotic patterns of onyx, the choices are limitless. Further, natural stones, such as limestone, sandstone, slate stone, and rustic stones are some of the popular choices among people.

More than a background 

The appeal of marble furnishing is not limited to how it blends into the background but rather the attraction lies in what the stones add to the space’s ambience. Here the texture of marble and natural stones plays a big role. Regarding versatility, it’s noteworthy to highlight how marble transcends various applications. It can define the entire space, establish a decor theme, unify elements, accentuate specific styles, personalize, and seamlessly combine with diverse materials, fostering innovative ideas across furniture, flooring, walls, and beyond.

While the sheen of polished stone adds an undeniable shine to the space, the matt honed finish of a stone brings an understated elegance and assuredness to the decor. Similarly, the slight play of light on grainy zero-textured stone offers several shades of monochrome much like the dotted sandblasted stones, known for their uniform surface of worn-out colours, creating an illusion around the passage of time.

Much like the sandblasted stones, the split-face finish gives an earthy, natural vibe but what sets it apart is its rock-cut look. On the other hand, the flamed and the aged finish are known for their natural-looking anti-slip properties as well as, the fact that they beautifully showcase erosion patterns. Additionally, the endless uniqueness of colours, hues, patterns, and new strains on stones lend a bespoke touch to the decor resulting in new products.

A thing of beauty is joy forever

While natural stones and marbles add pomp and character to one’s space, what makes them a sought-after choice for decoration is their durability. Needless to say, having been extracted from nature and having withstood the wear and tear of winds, weather, and water, the stones are sturdy, long-lasting flooring materials.

Know the application and usefulness

Be it lobbies and furniture or be it flooring, countertops, tables, natural stones have applications in both construction and interior decor. But the use of natural stones doesn’t end here. Apart from their beauty, natural stones do not need regular whitewash and frequent renovation. The stones also restrict water flow, making it easy to keep the floor dry and non-slippery. Moreover, natural stones usually are poor conductors of heat, ensuring that homes stay cool throughout the year while protecting the floor, walls, etc., from sulphur and chemical attacks.

Learn what’s trending

Over the years, the sense of style has evolved and thus, in keeping with the spirit of time, led by the notion of sustainable choices, nature-inspired themes are paired with natural stone decorations. For example, people pair bamboo and wood with marble to recreate an in-the-nature ambience at home, while over the years the combination of mirrors, metals, and natural stone still prevails as a popular choice. After all, this ensemble of decor materials has proven to be classic choices given that they lend themselves in a versatile manner to architecture of all types. In terms of colours, green and earthy tones, as they seamlessly blend in any background and are soothing to eyes, have been gaining traction in modern houses.

Keep it clean

While natural stones and marbles are preferred for their sturdiness and lustres, they need to be well-maintained. Over time, stones can accumulate dirt and stains, which can be efficiently cleaned with pH-neutral cleaners, to not just avoid corrosion but also to upkeep the shine and texture one has so painstakingly curated. Given that stones are laid on the floor, the flooring may lose its cementing. The best way to tackle a sealing issue is to seek a professional’s help to seal the stone firmly.

Conclusion

It suffices to say natural stones and marbles are more than sources of opulence as they offer versatility, durability, and varied textures, adding timeless beauty to home decor. Go for natural stones and marbles and accentuate the look of your cherished space.

(The author is the director – Marble Centre International.)