Stone for Interiors
Suppliers need to be able to offer architects and developers real intelligence regarding ‘fit for purpose’ in the stone market. Isabella Arpino, Sales & Marketing Director for natural stone specialists, New Image Stone, explains more…
Today’s architects and developers at the luxury (and active) end of
the market know that each of their properties needs to be a statement of intent, with bespoke items helping them stand out from the crowd – and make that all important sale. Architects who cater for the discerning, demanding customer often
have to deliver on high expectations and avoid design schemes redolent of ‘off-the-peg’ products. As such, the bespoke manufacturer who is able to give consistent and accurate advice, capable of delivering custom-made products and services to suit individual requirements, is now in demand. This is particularly relevant when it comes to specifying stone for interiors. Yes, you can create absolutely stunning interiors, but you must make sure the stone is ‘fit for purpose’ or you will be storing up problems for the future. There are many elements within a residential development where natural stone can transform a plot - from external patios and pathways to internal walls, floors, worktops and bathroom furniture, not to mention the breath-taking statement pieces such as helical staircases which deliver the essential entrance hall wow factor! Quality is integral to natural stone and with natural variations they have in-built differentiation - the exact opposite of the high volume offering. Stone not only looks breathtaking but it also endures; something that ceramics simply cannot deliver. Our challenge is to use the stone creatively and to maximum effect and with the right materials it is possible to give ceramics a run for their money.
It is not enough simply to offer stunning material. Expertise on installation is essential and it takes skilled craftsmen to hand-finish the elegant details that help sell homes at the top end; triple-edged skirting and architraving, curved detailing on worktops, hand-finished limestone shower-trays all need a professional touch. When working on properties with an asking price above £4m, the standard of specification and the details can become major stumbling blocks. These can be overcome – specify natural stone instead of ceramics, install extensive granite worktops even in the utility rooms, pool access covers made of matching limestone instead of standard plastic versions – and so on. All of this is achievable with the right knowledge and experience on tap. A good illustration of the type of creative input a stone supplier can
offer the private sector housing market can be seen at a recently completed Stephen Osborne Developments project. Located in Surrey, this detached 6-bedroom home, with swimming pool and Jacuzzi, features marble floors, beautiful bathrooms, stunning kitchen worktops and limestone floor and coping to the pool and spa. A quite superb new-build detached house, built with an exacting attention to detail,
clearly demonstrates the beauty of specifying limestone and marble for maximum impact. Working with the developer’s architect, the team created a high impact design. The marble specified throughout was Crema Marfil; a creamy ivory coloured marble from Spain, with attractive brown and beige veining. Elegant in style, Crema Marfil creates a warm feel and is an ideal choice for floor and wall cladding. As Adam Bennett of Stephen Osborne Developments adds,
“For a developer working at the top end of the housing market, we are keen to forge relationships with suppliers able to work with our architects and cope with the high pressure environment, yet remain focused on delivering an exemplary home! The stunning polished marble floor, with tripled-edged skirting
throughout the entrance hall creates an instant impact. The floor was finished on-site and the attention to detail even extends to maintaining the triple edge finish to the skirting down the two marble finished steps, which lead to a feature floor, where a beautiful star in-lay pattern has been created using a complementary combination of natural and manmade stone. Materials have been specified with the needs of family life as a priority.
The property’s spacious accommodation is ideal for today’s family and entertaining lifestyle, and state-of-the-art features include under floor heating, video entry system, mood lighting, a multi room audio system and surround sound, as well as air conditioning. In the impressive kitchen, beautiful granite work surfaces have been created, which perfectly finish to the bespoke kitchen wall and base units. With an attractive curved edge, the Antique Brown Italian granite worktop is a warm, rich colour, and is the perfect foil for the top of the range appliances, extensive central island with sink and multimedia screen, and marble flooring. The spacious first floor landing leads to the grand master bedroom,
where marble has created stunning ‘his’ and ‘her’ en suites and a wet room using the timeless Botticino Italian marble. The en suite wet room features a hand-made shower tray of honed marble, to fit the exact specifications. There are five further bedroom suites, and self contained studio room, annexed with an en suite shower room above the triple garage. The property’s outstanding swimming pool complex has a Jacuzzi, sauna, shower, changing facilities and access onto the terrace and gardens. Working with the developer however, the company’s onsite team created the extra touches that point to workmanship on a subtly higher plane than many conventional projects and it is this synergy that helps to create truly successful projects.
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