Natural stone brings individuality and character to a room, as no two pieces of stone are the same. This is true for slabs and tiles. Slabs are becoming a more popular choice for home decorating versus tiles. Decorators are using natural stone slabs as functional works of art, using them for countertops, walls, floors and accent pieces. These natural stone slabs truly are natural works of art – given different types of stone and environmental conditions work together to create beautiful patterns and colours that can bring together an entire room. Natural stone slabs offer Toronto homeowners a chance to really show off their home in trendy new ways.

 

 

Traditionally, natural stone buyers select granite or marble slabs for their decorating needs. They visit a quarry or showroom that specializes in stone tiles and slabs and pick out a piece that catches their eye and fits with their decorating plans. Granite is a very durable igneous rock that forms under intense pressure. Different minerals crystallize in the stone and cause a salt-and-pepper pattern to form. Typically, granite is found in rich pinks and reds, while more exotic selections have swirling patterns and colours that offer a one-of-a-kind style. Granite is very durable, which makes it perfect for high traffic areas like bathrooms, kitchens and walkways. Often, granite is used on countertops as it is stain and scratch resistant and hot items can be placed on its surface without compromising the integrity of the stone. Granite can even be used outside on patios or counter tops given its strong properties.

 

Marble is a softer stone created out of limestone. The limestone reacts with other minerals and creates swirling, milky patterns. Marble is not as durable as granite and, as such, requires more maintenance and care than granite. Marble is resistant to temperature change, making it a great choice for pastry counters and bathroom accents. Synonymous with luxury and antiquity, marble is often thought of as "old fashioned”. Current style trends combine marble accents with other natural materials like wood. The contrasting of warm and cool tones really allows both materials to pop and create a striking focal point.

 

 

Onyx is another natural stone that designers are using in modern, trendy designs. As onyx is a translucent stone, slabs are often used in combination with lighting to create amazing patterns on floors, counters and walls. By placing light behind the stone, the rich colours are illuminated in truly artistic ways. For example, consider using an onyx slab for a bathroom countertop with lights affixed underneath the slab to offer a beautiful glowing effect. This is most certainly guaranteed to add a very unique touch to an important room in the house!

 

Natural stone slabs are being used in unique and interesting ways in Toronto homes. Attractive new trends are appealing to the eye, while offering many functional benefits to the home. Visiting a quarry or a showroom with expert sales people will help you select the best stone for your needs while answering your design questions. Once you select your natural stone slab, select a stone fabricator to help you put together a decorated room you thought only possible in dreams!