With so many different types of stone to choose from, it’s easy to find the perfect color and pattern to fit any style. Natural stone, including granite, marble, and travertine, have the ability to enhance the style of a space. As with choosing the right wood stain, wall paint color or fabrics, choosing the right stone is just as important. Each piece of natural stone is unique with its own mineral composition, vein patterns, and color concentrations. These characteristics help define the style of a stone that allows it to work better in certain environments. Below are some of today’s popular styles and how to incorporate the right stones to enhance the overall style and feel of the space.
mid century modern
Mid-Century Modern homes have clean lines and simple approaches to details, patterns, and styles. The best countertop selections are solid marble or finely speckled granite that have little or no pattern in the stone. Popular color options for this look would be Absolute Black Granite or Olympian White Marble. By combining solid-colored stone on the countertop or fireplace surround with classic mid-century modern architecture, stone reinforces the importance of lines and the simplicity of space.
earthy chic
Earthy Chic interiors are known for their use of raw materials and organic patterns in earth tone colors. The color palette for a classic earthy chic space includes white, cream, tan, gray and bronze. With seemingly subdued colors, contrast becomes an important element of this look. Popular stone colors that go well with this design are Crema Marfil marble, chocolate brown granite with a leather finish, and Durango Noce polished travertine. The leather and polished finishes give the stone an eggshell sheen that feels raw and more organic than a highly polished stone. Natural finishes on the countertop or shower surround are the great permanent elements that become the building blocks of the space, reinforcing the earthy point of view.
french country
French Country kitchens can be done in a classic traditional style or a modern interpretation, but the basic color scheme and style remain the same. The colors are warm tones with colorful accents ranging from green, red, blue, yellow, and often a combination. Furniture, architectural elements and fabrics are elements that help define this style. Countertop selections for French country kitchens have movement and color that reflect a warm, lived-in feel. There is a wider range of color options for this particular style depending on how classic or modern the design is planned. Warm gold and red granite with high movement and pattern is often used in more traditional settings, and light creamy granite with delicate veining fits well at the modern end of the spectrum.
Craftsman
Craftsman-style spaces are known for their warm woods, beautiful cabinetry, and colorful tile and patterned fabrics. Natural stone countertops complement this American style well because the point of view includes strong elements of wood, glass and stone. Craftsman-style countertops are often in darker colors, including black, brown, and gray. Besides Baltic Brown Granite and Ubatuba Granite, another popular stone used for countertops and wall trim is Classic Slate. With the warm tones of the wood, the neutral colors of the walls, and the colorful tiles, slate tends to be the ideal complement to this classic style.