Coronado Stone Products: The Stunning Look of Stone with the Ease Of Installation Of Veneer

Design & Detail, a fabric and furniture showroom with locations in St. Louis and Kansas City, is expanding into a new market category by becoming the exclusive North American showroom for Casadenza, a line of ultra-thin, flexible real stone veneers. Casadenza, a product of a partnership between Esspex Corporation of Japan and Vesna Inc. of India, has been available in Asia for nearly 15 years but is new to the North American market. Ivan Moses, a veteran of the door industry, introduced the product to a select group of showroom owners, including Melinda Klinghammer, owner and founder of Design & Detail. Klinghammer was so impressed with the product, which is available in over 70 stone varieties, that she accepted Moses’ invitation to partner with him in bringing Casadenza to the U.S. and Canada. Casadenza veneers are produced in India by applying a sealant and backing to a slab of stone and then peeling it in layers. Due to its thin profile, the veneer is not suitable for flooring or countertop surfaces but is ideal for vertical applications, both indoors and outdoors. The fiberglass-backed version is waterproof, allowing it to be used on walls, fireplaces, showers, and cabinet or island fronts. It is also certified for exterior building applications up to 40 feet high. The lightweight and flexible fabric-backed version can be applied like wallpaper or fabric, enabling it to wrap around curved surfaces such as columns, where traditional stone would be impractical due to weight. The product's efficiency extends to its use in unique environments, such as 25-passenger planes, for which it has received FAA approval. Casadenza is also a more affordable alternative to traditional stone, with a price point comparable to high-quality wallpaper or tile. While relatively easy to install, proper application requires a skilled trim carpenter. To ensure quality installations, Design & Detail is collaborating with the Masonry Association to train its members on the product's application. Design & Detail plans to establish a new Casadenza showroom on the second floor of its St. Louis location. Ben Klinghammer, Melinda's son and the company's sales manager, will lead Continuing Education Unit (CEU) classes to educate architects and other professionals about the product. The introduction of Casadenza represents a new venture for the Klinghammers and their company, moving beyond their traditional focus on residential furniture and fabric to embrace commercial applications. The product has already garnered interest from various commercial entities, including casinos and businesses looking for elevator and retail store displays. Residential interior design clients have also shown enthusiasm, particularly for using the veneers on kitchen cabinets and for accent walls. Ben Klinghammer, who will oversee Casadenza sales, expressed his excitement about the product's potential and its niche in the market. He looks forward to educating people about Casadenza and its diverse applications in various projects. This expansion marks a new challenge and opportunity for Design & Detail. #CasadenzaStoneVeneers #DesignAndDetail #ArchitecturalMaterials #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #BuildingMaterials #ProductLaunch #StLouisBusiness #FlexibleStone

This article provides comprehensive guidance on the correct installation of manufactured stone veneer (MSV), drawing insights from Jeff Tew, Director of Technical and Training for Westlake Royal Stone Solutions. It emphasizes the importance of proper technique to ensure durability and aesthetic appeal, covering various stages from preparation to finishing. The installation process begins with a thorough understanding of relevant building codes and standards, specifically ASTM-C1670 and the NCMA-MSV Installation Guide. These resources provide crucial instructions, best practices, and code requirements that installers must adhere to. Before applying MSV, meticulous wall preparation is essential, including a comprehensive wall review. A recommended practice is to construct a mock panel to pre-evaluate stone spacing, color distribution, mortar color, and joint type. Water management is a top priority, necessitating proper flashing at all terminations, transitions, and penetrations to prevent moisture intrusion. Installers should inspect pre-existing flashing work to confirm its integrity. The scratch coat serves as the foundational layer, transferring the cladding weight to the structural substrate. It should be applied to a ½-inch thickness, fully embedding the lath to minimize corrosion and provide a robust bonding surface for the stone. After applying the scratch coat, horizontal lines should be created with a scarifier or notched trowel as the mortar begins to set, followed by a complete curing period to enhance both mechanical and chemical bonds. Achieving a strong bond is critical, and common failures often stem from improper mortar selection or mixing. It is crucial to choose high-quality mortar and strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding water amounts, mix time, slake time, and consistency. Hydrating both the scratch coat and stones prior to installation is essential, typically using a garden sprayer to ensure they are fully saturated but free of standing surface water, though this practice may vary with polymer-modified mortars. Any debris, such as splashed dirt, on the back of the stone or scratch coat can compromise the bond, necessitating frequent cleaning. Timing the installation after interior drywall and roofing is advisable to avoid structural movement from other construction activities that could lead to cracking. The article stresses the importance of the “setting bed technique,” ensuring 100% mortar coverage on the back of each MSV unit, contrasting it with inadequate methods like “perimeter,” “donut,” or “spot” techniques. A thin layer of mortar should first fill stone voids, followed by a heavier back-buttering setting bed of ½ to ¾ inches. The unit is then pressed firmly onto the prepared backing, forcing mortar to squeeze out around the perimeter. Consistent joint spacing should be maintained, and excess squeeze-out must be compacted with a jointing tool before it hardens, taking care not to disturb the stone's bond. To ensure an authentic appearance, initial product selection is key, involving the review of multiple samples. When cutting stones, thinner pieces should be chosen, and mortar applied to cut edges to conceal aggregate. Nippers or a brick hammer can create a more natural cut, which should ideally be positioned away from high-visibility areas. Blending material from multiple boxes, approximately 40 square feet at a time, is recommended to ensure an even distribution of colors, textures, and sizes. For corner installations, alternating long and short legs and creating additional corner sizes by cutting pre-made pieces helps avoid a “zipper” effect. Various grouting options are available, and the choice significantly impacts the project’s final look. Grouting should only begin after the stone units are sufficiently cured to prevent disturbing the bond. Tips include grouting manageable sections, using appropriate jointing tools, and tooling joints when the mortar is thumbprint hard and pliable. A plastic grout bag is recommended for easier application into tight gaps. Modified mortars are generally not suitable for grouting, and manufacturers typically offer separate grouting products. Post-installation, a thorough site cleanup is necessary. #ManufacturedStoneVeneer #MSVInstallation #BuildingCodes #ScratchCoat #MortarApplication #BondingTechniques #AestheticAppeal #GroutingTips #ConstructionBestPractices

This article introduces the Lineaire Stone collection by Craftstone, a series of three-dimensional stone claddings designed to add texture and definition to interior walls. The product is presented as an alternative for homeowners who prefer a nature-inspired, resort-style aesthetic over popular industrial looks. The collection offers a straightforward way to achieve a rustic or natural ambiance indoors without extensive renovation. By incorporating these stone claddings, residents can effortlessly transform their living spaces into cozy and relaxing environments. The versatility of stone veneer allows it to complement various decor styles, including outdoor furniture brought indoors or classic wood furniture, fostering a harmonious blend of natural elements within the home. The article highlights Craftstone's Lineaire Stone collection as a practical solution for enhancing interior design. The three-dimensional aspect of the stone claddings provides a tactile and visual depth that flat surfaces cannot replicate, contributing to a more dynamic and engaging wall treatment. The ease of installation, referred to as achieving the look "with no fuss at all," suggests that these veneers are a user-friendly option for quick home makeovers. The aesthetic appeal is centered on bringing the outdoors in, a concept popular in resort-style living, where natural materials and textures create a calming and inviting atmosphere. The featured images showcase different series within the Craftstone collection, including the Linear Series, Checker Series, Modern Series, and Urban Cladding Series, each offering a distinct pattern and texture to cater to various design preferences. The Linear Series likely features elongated, parallel stone arrangements, providing a sleek yet natural look. The Checker Series might present a more geometric, patterned arrangement of stones, offering a contemporary twist on rustic design. The Modern Series could focus on clean lines and subtle textures, suitable for minimalist or contemporary interiors, while the Urban Cladding Series might incorporate a raw, unpolished look, ideal for an industrial-chic or rugged aesthetic. Each series aims to infuse character and a sense of natural beauty into any room, providing a focal point or a subtle backdrop depending on the homeowner's vision. Ultimately, the Craftstone Lineaire Stone collection offers a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution for homeowners looking to elevate their interior spaces with natural textures. It provides an accessible method for creating a warm, inviting, and distinctly styled home, moving away from trends that might not align with personal preferences. The emphasis on nature-inspired design promotes a serene living environment, making it an attractive option for those seeking to incorporate earthy elements and a touch of the outdoors into their daily lives. #HomeDecor #StoneVeneer #WallCladding #InteriorDesign #Craftstone #RusticDesign #ResortStyle #HomeRenovation

Richter USA, Inc. has introduced a novel product line called Stone-Veneer, which revolutionizes the use of natural stone in woodworking, furniture making, and cabinet making. This innovation allows for the application of paper-thin real stone surfaces onto wood panels, a process previously considered unfeasible. The Stone-Veneer product is crafted from sheets of Indian slate rock, meticulously selected from various geographical quarries to provide a diverse palette of natural colorations. This approach ensures that each sheet offers a unique aesthetic derived from the stone's inherent characteristics. The Stone-Veneer line is designed to be lightweight, flexible, and ultra-thin, making it highly adaptable for a range of applications. The natural three-dimensional texture of real stone results in a varying thickness for each sheet, typically ranging from 1mm to 3.5mm. This characteristic not only preserves the authentic feel of stone but also contributes to the product's overall aesthetic appeal. A key advantage of Stone-Veneer is its compatibility with standard woodworking equipment, allowing for easy cutting and integration into various designs. Its versatility makes it suitable for both residential and commercial projects, including flooring, wall coverings, and furniture accents. Richter's Stone-Veneer product line encompasses four distinct groups, each offering specific features and aesthetic options. The core "Stone-Veneer" group is available with three backing options: Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP) as the standard, and Fleece and Peel & Stick as alternatives. This group offers seven distinct colors, including Autumn, Autumn White, Autumn Rustic, Multi Color, Terra Red, Black Slate, and Black Line, providing a wide array of choices to match diverse design preferences. The "Quartzite" group, also featuring the same three backing options, comes in four colors: Copper, Jerra Green, Ocean Green, and Silver Shine, known for their metallic luster and unique patterns. The "Sandstone, Sahara" group is derived from sand pits in Northern Germany, composed of approximately 90% pure quartz. The sand is vertically bonded with thermoplastic binders onto large textile fleece sheets, preserving the natural color variations that range from white quartz to dark brown. The fabric mesh backing of this group enhances flexibility, enabling three-dimensional shaping when heat is applied, which is ideal for curved surfaces and intricate designs. Finally, "NanoStone" represents a natural Stone-Veneer without the GRP backing, instead utilizing a water-jet impregnated and tightened fleece backing. An optional backing for NanoStone includes 100% recycled natural fibers, promoting sustainability. NanoStone is available in six colors: Autumn, Autumn White, Autumn Rustic, Multi Color, Terra Red, Black Slate, and Black Line. In terms of cost, the average price for Stone-Veneer is approximately $7.20 per square foot. While the initial material cost may not present a significant saving compared to traditional slate tiles, Richter highlights that the overall project cost can be considerably reduced when factors such as weight, installation time, and the elimination of mortar are considered. A detailed comparison sheet provided by Richter illustrates these potential savings, positioning Stone-Veneer as a cost-effective and aesthetically appealing alternative for a wide range of design and construction applications. #StoneVeneer #Woodworking #FurnitureMaking #CabinetMaking #NaturalStone #DesignMaterials #ArchitecturalMillwork #RichterUSA

The article details the newly opened CDK Stone Selection Centre in Hindmarsh, Adelaide, which aims to enhance the natural stone selection experience for homeowners and designers. This showroom, the latest addition from CDK Stone, addresses the growing demand for natural stone, celebrated for its unique veining, color variations, and durability. Natural stone, including marble, limestone, granite, and quartzite, offers a distinctive aesthetic, allowing for personalized design projects that convey prestige and individuality. The Adelaide showroom's launch featured a special preview event attended by local design professionals and Belle editor-in-chief Tanya Buchanan. Guests had the opportunity to explore the expansive collection of monolithic stone slabs, sourced globally. The setup enables visitors to examine the intricate details and textures of each slab firsthand, providing a comprehensive understanding of the material's potential in various applications. The facility is designed to showcase the beauty and versatility of natural stone in a compelling manner. A notable feature of the showroom is its sample library, which presents hand-sized stone tiles arranged systematically, offering a detailed preview of CDK Stone's extensive range. In collaboration with Melbourne designer Josephine Ivanoff of By Jive, the display zones within the showroom highlight stone's diverse applications. These zones include a raised reception desk crafted from creamy stone, a dining table with a speckled finish, and a coffee table in a rich burgundy hue, demonstrating how natural stone can be integrated into different interior elements. Adelaide-based interior designer Georgie Shepherd, a long-standing advocate for natural stone, attended the opening and emphasized the material's role in her studio's projects. She highlights that natural stone enriches a project by adding depth and character, ensuring that each selection is unique to the client. Shepherd particularly appreciates the adaptability of natural stone, noting that it can be used to create dramatic focal points or more subdued, calming areas within a design. For instance, a striking, loud stone can be balanced with a tranquil limestone in other parts of a space. The showroom offers a personalized service where visitors can book appointments to explore the collection. Shepherd looks forward to bringing her Adelaide clients to the center, underscoring that direct interaction with large-format slabs is crucial for clients to fully appreciate and connect with the material, an experience that small samples cannot replicate. This hands-on approach allows clients to visualize the stone in its full scale, facilitating a deeper appreciation and enabling informed design decisions. #CDKStone #NaturalStone #ShowroomDesign #InteriorDesign #AdelaideDesign #MaterialSelection #LuxuryMaterials #HomeDecor

This blog post focuses on the versatile use of decorative stones and gravel for various outdoor projects, ranging from driveway overhauls to garden enhancements. It highlights the suitability of these materials for diverse applications, such as creating driveways, footpaths, and defining borders and beds within a garden. The article emphasizes that a wide selection of aggregates, decorative gravel, and garden pebbles is available to accommodate different budgets and project sizes. The content elaborates on how garden pebbles and cobblestones can be used to transform garden aesthetics, suggesting their application to add decorative contrast around water features, ponds, and plants. These pebbles and stones are offered in a variety of colors to match different style preferences. For specific gardening needs, horticultural grit, a coarse material made from small rocks or crushed stones, is introduced as an ideal choice for improving soil drainage, preventing compaction, and providing a stable base for plants in containers or raised beds. For driveways and walkways, decorative gravel is presented as a cost-effective alternative to block paving. The article recommends using sleepers or lawn edging to contain the gravel and driveway stones effectively. Additionally, stone and slate chippings are proposed as an alternative to traditional gravel, offering flatter textures suitable for finishing potted plants and borders. These chippings are noted for their stylish appearance and practical benefits, including helping to suppress and control weed growth, especially when combined with landscaping fabric. The ease of laying and minimal maintenance required for these outdoor stones are also highlighted, presenting them as a hassle-free option compared to materials that demand more upkeep, such as natural grass or certain paving slabs. The post also addresses frequently asked questions, providing practical advice on how to gravel a garden. This involves preparing the area by removing existing vegetation, leveling the soil, laying landscaping fabric to prevent weeds, and then evenly spreading the gravel. It clarifies the composition and purpose of horticultural grit in gardening. Finally, it discusses factors to consider when choosing the best stone for a garden, emphasizing that while all stocked garden stones are natural and suitable for outdoor use, the ultimate choice depends on personal aesthetic preferences and the intended functional use in the garden. #DecorativeStones #GardenGravel #LandscapeDesign #DrivewayIdeas #GardenPebbles #HorticulturalGrit #WeedControl #OutdoorDecor #HomeImprovement

The Acme Brick, Tile and Stone location in Florence serves the entire Florence and Tri-Cities metropolitan area, offering a comprehensive range of building materials for residential and commercial projects. This outlet provides a wide selection of bricks from various manufacturers, including Acme Brick, Belden Brick, Old Carolina Brick, Cherokee Brick, Columbus Brick, Lawrenceville Brick, Lee Brick, Meridian Brick, Palmetto Brick, Pine Hall Brick, Ragland Clay, and Sioux City Brick. Customers can choose from different brick sizes such as King, Queen, and Modular, as well as Thin Brick and surplus inventory options. Beyond bricks, the Florence showroom features an extensive collection of flooring materials, including hardwood and tile sourced globally. It also offers a variety of stone products, including cast stone and natural stone from numerous manufacturers and suppliers like Coronado Stone, Horizon Stone, MStone, Majestic Stone, ProVia Stone, and Stonebrook Thin Veneer. The facility also showcases architectural features such as cladding, fireplaces, glass accents, and iron doors. For outdoor living spaces, the Florence location provides outdoor furniture, pool coping, turf, grills, kitchen components, and outdoor heaters. These offerings allow customers to create integrated culinary and entertainment areas. Acme Brick, Tile and Stone in Florence is committed to providing resources and support for architects, designers, and builders. This includes architectural services, environmental product declarations (EPD), innovative building products, and a project inspiration gallery. Technical resources like the Pocket Guide to Brick Construction and Technical Services Digests are also available, alongside Health Product Declarations (HPD). Educational and support services include continuing education programs, case studies, and access to The Acme Technical Center. The company also offers virtual reality tools such as Virtual Mason, Masonry Designer, and Revit for design visualization. The showroom highlights a variety of specific brick products, including Abbeville – Queen – Heritage, Academy – Modular – Heritage, Aden Blend – Queen – Heritage, Adobe Wells – King – Heritage, Allendale – King – Heritage, Allendale Rustic – Queen – Heritage, Allentown – King – Velour, Allentown – Modular – Velour, Alluvial Light – Modular – Ruff, Alluvial Light – Modular – Velour, Alluvial Medium – Modular – Ruff, Alluvial Medium – Modular – Velour, Alpine – King – Heritage, Amaretto – Estate – Velour, Amaretto – King – Velour, Amaretto – Modular – Velour, Americana – Modular – Heritage, and Ansley Park – Modular – Heritage. The store operates Monday through Friday, with Saturdays and Sundays being closed. Detailed store information indicates a focus on providing diverse options for both indoor and outdoor applications, catering to various design preferences and construction needs. #BuildingMaterials #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #ExteriorDesign #ConstructionSupplies #Flooring #StoneProducts #OutdoorLiving #ArchitecturalFeatures

Piatraonline, a Romanian stone brand, has introduced its new 'Raw' collection, which features natural stone tiles designed to highlight the material's inherent and rugged characteristics. This collection encompasses over 100 distinct textures, meticulously sourced from handpicked granite and marble. These versatile stone tiles are suitable for both flooring and wall applications, available in a diverse palette of earthy colors, including shades of rust, black, grey, and green. The primary objective of the 'Raw' collection is to celebrate the intrinsic beauty of natural stone, simultaneously infusing spaces with a sense of elegance and warmth. Mariana-Bradescu Constantinescu, managing partner at Piatraonline, emphasizes that exceptional projects necessitate materials beyond the ordinary, asserting that 'Raw' unearths the previously inaccessible beauty of nature. The collection benefits from state-of-the-art technology, which processes the stone surface to reveal the full depth of its character and intricate details. The 'Raw' range is specifically engineered for durability, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas within residential and commercial settings, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Its resilience ensures it can withstand significant wear and tear. Beyond interior applications, the stone can also be utilized for more ambitious projects, including hotel facades or large-scale installations. The collection offers considerable design flexibility, as the stone can be cut into custom shapes and sizes, enabling architects and designers to realize unique visions. Piatraonline highlights that the 'Raw' collection is an exclusive offering, specifically created to inspire creativity in custom projects, whether they are expansive endeavors like hotel exteriors or intimate, distinctive installations for innovative concept stores. The distinct texture of the 'Raw' stone is achieved through a high-processing technique that involves etching graphic patterns onto the surfaces of granite or marble, resulting in captivating and intricate textures. This advanced technique also facilitates the creation of thin slabs, which significantly simplifies the installation process. Constantinescu further elaborates that the 'Raw' collection presents a novel facet of stone, simultaneously raw and refined. The stone is finished to evoke an unfinished aesthetic, appearing rough yet meticulously chiseled to perfection. This paradox positions the collection as a focal point for a broad spectrum of design projects. Unlike conventional, highly polished, and glossy finishes, the 'Raw' collection's strength, boldness, and ruggedness impart a contemporary look to any interior design project, making it a distinctive choice for modern aesthetics. The collection is currently displayed in a dedicated gallery within Piatraonline's showroom in Bucharest, Romania, accessible by appointment, with further details and ordering options available on their website. #Piatraonline #RawCollection #NaturalStone #StoneTiles #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ArchitecturalMaterials #DesignInnovation #MarbleGranite

Natural stone, celebrated for its rugged, rustic, and eco-friendly qualities, brings a timeless elegance to interior spaces. Its natural charm and versatility make it a favored material in home décor, offering distinct textures and aesthetic appeal. Experts in design, such as Ashish Patil and Prachi Chavarkar of ArchiLab Designs, highlight the unique characteristics of various stones, from elegant Italian marble and directional travertine to durable granite, practical Kota, translucent onyx, and rustic slate. While granite, quartz, and marble are widely used, designers are increasingly incorporating limestone, cuddapah, and soapstone. Beyond aesthetics, natural stone is also valued for its environmental sustainability. Basob Majumdar, VP—Design at HomeLane, notes that stone is abundantly available and frequently used in green building projects due to its eco-friendly properties. It contains no harmful materials or toxins, making it safe for both indoor and outdoor applications. Furthermore, natural stone can be salvaged and recycled, significantly reducing its environmental impact. There are several clever applications for natural stone within a home. For flooring, options like granite, marble, limestone, and travertine are popular choices, known for their strength, durability, and minimal maintenance requirements. These materials create a welcoming, earthy atmosphere. For a more experimental approach, different colors and textures can be mixed, and skilled artisans can create intricate inlay work using various shades of granite or marble, transforming floors into artistic masterpieces. Stone cladding, utilizing materials such as slate and sandstone, adds dimension and depth to spaces. To ensure longevity and protection from wear and tear, especially given the natural porosity of most stones, a sealer coating is recommended after cladding. This step makes the surface impervious and maintains its aesthetic integrity. Wall claddings made from natural stone introduce a fresh and intriguing appeal to any room. Natural stone is also highly suitable for shelves and storage solutions. Granite, limestone, and cuddapah can be fashioned into floating shelves, which are not only functional and easy to maintain but also enhance the aesthetic value of a space. In kitchens, rows of stone shelves can create an open and spacious feel, offering an alternative to traditional closed cabinets. Additionally, hard and non-porous stones like granite and quartz are ideal for kitchen counters, table tops, and backsplashes. These surfaces are durable and easy to clean. Majumdar suggests creating a unique backsplash by designing a mosaic with small stones in contrasting colors. Dining tables with stone tops can establish an earthy ambiance, which can be further enhanced by incorporating colorful tile accents. Finally, natural stone extends its utility to accessories. Sculptures, diyas, urlis, and lamps made from soapstone make exquisite decorative items for living rooms or gardens. For plant enthusiasts, stone planters offer a durable, waterproof, and long-lasting solution, preventing seepage and blending seamlessly with garden landscapes. Shahabad and Kota stones are excellent choices for landscaping, integrating beautifully with garden designs. Panels made from semiprecious stones, pebbles, and shells can serve as wall highlights or be incorporated as inlays into furniture pieces, adding a touch of unique artistry to home décor. #NaturalStone #HomeDécor #InteriorDesign #EcoFriendlyMaterials #Flooring #WallCladding #KitchenDesign #StoneAccessories #SustainableDesign

Ranieri's New Lava Range introduces a novel application and evolution of the glazed aesthetic within the design world, leveraging volcanic stone as its core material. The Campania-based company's innovative approach highlights the material's unique and varied composition through diverse cutting styles, glazes, effects, finishes, and colorings. Each piece of lava stone is a solidified expression of geological formation, characterized by surfaces rich in minerals, apertures, metallic shards, and matte fragments, offering inherent variations in shades, colors, textures, and mineral compositions that make it inherently distinct from other materials. Lava stone's versatility and strength provide a broader range of technical possibilities compared to traditional materials like marble and ceramic. This makes it suitable for a wide array of applications in both interior and outdoor design, including tiles, wall claddings, bar and kitchen countertops, outdoor furniture, bathtubs, sinks, reception desks, spa and wellness areas, and swimming pools, given its natural heat-retention properties. Ranieri's focus on enhancing the stone's inherent qualities marks a significant shift in its utilization, moving beyond ancient applications to contemporary design. The design studio's pioneering treatment of lava stone honors and amplifies its natural state, building upon the rich tradition of craftsmanship in the Campania region. By emphasizing the stone's heterogeneity and rich surfaces, Ranieri has developed a new aesthetic that renders lava an innovative and multipurpose design material. Originating from extreme heat, lava stone uniquely endures the high temperatures required for glaze application, enabling vibrant and diverse color effects. Ranieri's cutting techniques allow for the creation of sculptural, three-dimensional tiles and elements that can be thinly glazed. The brand offers a variety of glaze options, which, in addition to the stone's natural chromatic peculiarities, are transformative. These options include the 'Bare' variant, where the stone is carved but unmanipulated; translucent colorings; and tinted, smooth, and deep colorings. Tinted surfaces apply a sheer veil of color, accentuating the natural scintillations and clefts of the lava. Smooth colorings result in a highly polished, enameled finish with dynamic reflections and varied chromatic intensity, while deep colorings involve dense enamel application, achieving solid, profound, and intense hues unique to lava stone. By challenging conventional perceptions of lava stone—whether used in its raw form or completely covered by enamel—Ranieri’s methodologies introduce new design philosophies. These trailblazing techniques deliberately accentuate the nuances of the magma, recontextualizing and rejuvenating the material for contemporary design applications. #Ranieri #NewLavaRange #VolcanicStone #GlazedAesthetic #InteriorDesign #OutdoorDesign #MaterialInnovation #ArchitecturalMaterials #ItalianDesign

This article explores seven innovative applications for stone slabs, moving beyond their traditional use as kitchen countertops to create unique and impactful interior design elements. It highlights how designers and DIY enthusiasts are leveraging the aesthetic and durable qualities of various stones, such as marble, quartz, and onyx, to elevate different areas of the home. The piece begins by emphasizing that incorporating a unique stone slab is a timeless choice for making a statement and that designers are now applying them in unexpected ways. Leah Alexander, founder of Beauty Is Abundant, shares her experience creating bespoke shower walls with quartz slabs, illustrating the rewarding outcome of bold design choices. The first idea presented is using stone as a staircase base. J.L. Ramirez employed Artistic Tile’s Montclair Striato marble for a staircase base and steps, where the vein-cut direction of the stone naturally complements the angularity of the wooden staircase, resulting in a sophisticated and modern look. Next, the article details Alexander’s creative approach to shower walls in the Dallas 2022 Kips Bay Decorator Show House. She used three styles of Cambria quartz—Black, Cherrybrook, and Inverness Bronze—and incorporated horseshoe shapes inlaid into the black quartz, playing into a “curve craze” while maintaining durability. The shower floor also featured individually cut and inset stars, echoing a starry wallpaper to create an "intergalactic" vibe. Another innovative application discussed is the use of stone as a furniture insert. Joy Street Design integrated Artistic Tile’s Velluto polished onyx into a custom bedroom bench for the Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach. The soft, river-like veins of the onyx complemented the room's rich tones, with similar insets used for nightstands and a makeup vanity top. The article then moves to custom vanity backsplashes, a method frequently used by Katie Labourdette-Martinez and Olivia Wahler of Hearth Homes Interiors to give bathrooms a polished feel. They created a marble floating vanity and a customized stone backsplash in a Santa Barbara home to achieve a modern French country aesthetic, demonstrating that even small stone elements can have a significant design impact. For entertainment spaces, the article suggests using stone as a television backdrop. Brittany Farinas of House of One transformed a Miami home’s entertainment wall into an elegant focal point with a marble slab. She selected a natural marble with unique bronze crystallized details in its veining to contrast with dark wood tones, grounding the living room with its texture and tonality. Dining rooms can also benefit from stone slabs, as illustrated by Avery Cox’s design for a client’s table in Austin. After an extensive search, they found the perfect Estremoz Gold slab at Aria Stone Gallery, featuring unique pink tones and dramatic veining, creating a custom table with a distinct aesthetic. Finally, the article highlights the creative use of stone for a wet bar and a floating shelf. Kyla Herbes of House of Hipsters chose a specific Cambria quartz with warm grey veins for her wet bar remodel. To create a sturdy yet thin floating shelf, her team drilled steel brackets into studs, then perfectly mitered five pieces of stone to create the illusion of a single solid piece. The backsplash, a solid piece with cutouts for the brackets, required careful installation to align flush with the soffit. These diverse examples demonstrate the versatility of stone slabs in enhancing interior spaces beyond traditional uses, emphasizing both aesthetic appeal and practical innovation. #StoneSlabIdeas #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #CreativeApplications #MarbleDesign #QuartzInteriors #BathroomDesign #LivingRoomDesign #CustomFurniture

Cast stone, a manufactured building material, has been utilized for centuries in both exterior and interior applications. This material is designed to mimic the colors and textures of natural stone, offering an aesthetic appeal that complements traditional building materials such as brick. The physical properties of cast stone are generally comparable to, or even superior to, those of natural dimensional building stone, making it a durable and reliable choice for construction. One of the primary advantages of cast stone is its versatility in form. As a molded product, it can be produced in an extensive range of standard and custom sizes. This adaptability allows for its incorporation into various parts of a home or commercial building, encompassing both interior and exterior architectural elements. Its ability to be customized makes it suitable for diverse design requirements and applications. Cast stone serves as an attractive and enduring complement to an Acme Brick exterior. The combination of cast stone with brick can create visually appealing and structurally sound facades. The material’s inherent characteristics contribute to its longevity and aesthetic appeal, making it a valuable component in construction projects. For those interested in exploring the applications and product examples of cast stone, resources are available. Information and visual examples of cast stone products can be found through specific providers, such as DFW Cast Stone.net. Further details and consultation can be obtained by contacting an Acme Brick Sales Representative, who can provide comprehensive information regarding the use and benefits of cast stone. #CastStone #BuildingMaterials #ArchitecturalFeatures #HomeDesign #Construction #NaturalStoneAlternative #ExteriorDesign #InteriorDesign

Smartstone, a prominent Australian supplier of engineered surfaces, has significantly expanded its product offerings with the introduction of the Sintered Collection. This new range of surfaces is designed to meet the evolving demands of both residential and commercial projects, providing enhanced performance characteristics alongside sophisticated aesthetics. The Sintered Collection features materials known for their extreme durability, resistance to high temperatures, UV stability, and scratch resistance, making them suitable for a wide array of applications, including kitchen benchtops, splashbacks, outdoor entertaining areas, and high-traffic commercial spaces. The collection is initially launching with three distinct designs: Bianco Angelico, Nero Puro, and Taj Mahal. Bianco Angelico presents a luminous white surface with subtle grey veining, designed to mimic the classic elegance of natural marble while offering superior practical benefits. This design is particularly well-suited for creating bright, expansive interiors and can serve as a versatile foundation for various design palettes. Nero Puro, on the other hand, offers a deep, uniform black surface that exudes sophistication and modernity. Its rich, consistent tone provides a striking contrast or a bold, monolithic statement, ideal for contemporary and minimalist designs. The third addition, Taj Mahal, captures the warm, creamy tones and intricate veining of its natural quartzite namesake, offering a luxurious and inviting aesthetic that can complement both traditional and transitional design schemes. Smartstone emphasizes that the Sintered Collection is manufactured using advanced technology that subjects natural minerals to extremely high pressures and temperatures, replicating the Earth's natural processes of rock formation. This manufacturing method results in a non-porous material that is highly resistant to stains, chemicals, and impact, ensuring longevity and ease of maintenance. The surfaces are also designed to withstand direct heat exposure, making them ideal for areas around cooktops and fireplaces, and their UV resistance prevents fading, even when used in outdoor environments or spaces with abundant natural light. Beyond their functional advantages, the new surfaces are presented as a solution for designers and homeowners seeking materials that combine high performance with refined beauty. Smartstone’s expansion into sintered surfaces reflects a commitment to innovation and a response to market trends favoring durable, versatile, and aesthetically pleasing materials. The company anticipates that the Sintered Collection will be particularly appealing for high-end residential projects and demanding commercial applications, where both visual impact and long-term durability are paramount. This launch reinforces Smartstone's position as a comprehensive supplier of engineered surfaces, now offering a broader spectrum of choices to cater to diverse design requirements and project scales. #Smartstone #SinteredCollection #EngineeredSurfaces #ArchitecturalMaterials #InteriorDesign #KitchenDesign #OutdoorLiving #BuildingMaterials #ProductLaunch

The annual ceramic-tile and natural-stone conference, Coverings 2023, held in Orlando, Florida, showcased a significant trend towards graphic-driven designs in tile and stone. The event highlighted innovative and visually compelling products from various manufacturers, emphasizing both aesthetic appeal and advancements in material science and sustainability. The selections from the exhibition demonstrate a move towards bolder patterns, sophisticated textures, and environmentally conscious production methods. Anthology Tile presented its Matisse Moonstone ceramic tile, which features a distinctive design inspired by artistic aesthetics. Emilceramica, through its Ergon brand, introduced Pigmento Amaranto indoor/outdoor porcelain wall/floor tiles and large slim-line slabs. These products draw inspiration from the appearance of hand-troweled cement resin, offering a blend of rustic charm and modern durability suitable for various applications. Ceramica Bardelli featured Storagemilano’s Volume white-body porous single-fired wall tiles, distinguished by their extra-glossy finish, adding a luxurious and refined touch to interior spaces. Vidrepur showcased its Belgirate recycled-glass mosaic tile, underscoring a commitment to sustainability and innovative material use. This mosaic tile offers an eco-friendly option without compromising on design quality. Sicis contributed with its Ragtime ceramic mosaic tile, which presents intricate patterns and a classic aesthetic. Lea Ceramiche highlighted Ferruccio Laviani’s Pigmenti, a collection of carbon-neutral, ultra-thin, laminated porcelain stoneware slabs. This product line is notable for its environmental responsibility and its advanced manufacturing techniques that allow for slim profiles and vibrant pigmentation. Ceramica Fioranese’s Riggiole Nero Mix porcelain tiles combine traditional influences with contemporary design. These tiles offer a rich visual texture and are suitable for diverse design schemes. Lastly, Ascot introduced the Joyce Decor Optical porcelain stoneware tiles, which feature dynamic optical patterns. These tiles contribute to creating visually stimulating environments, leveraging geometric and abstract designs to enhance interior aesthetics. Collectively, these highlights from Coverings 2023 indicate a strong emphasis on innovative design, material diversity, and a growing consciousness towards sustainable practices within the tile and stone industry. #Coverings #TileDesign #StoneDesigns #CeramicTile #PorcelainStoneware #InteriorDesign #ProductShowcase #SustainableMaterials

K-Studio has designed Southwand House, a holiday home located in the Navarino Dunes resort area of Costa Navarino, Messinia, Greece. This architectural project integrates vertical stone walls with horizontal concrete planes, creating a dwelling that blends modernist aesthetics with traditional regional influences. The stone, sourced from local quarries, is prominently featured both on the exterior and interior, providing a textured contrast to the smooth concrete roof slabs. The design of Southwand House draws inspiration from the stone "tower houses" prevalent in the Messinia region, known for their monumental stone structures. The architects sought to create an interplay between these rough-hewn vertical elements and the sleek horizontal concrete, fostering a sense of seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. This combination blurs boundaries and allows for a feeling of outdoor lightness within the interior, while offering a sense of protection when outdoors. The house occupies a linear plot with significant natural surroundings, including a sea view to the southwest, an olive grove to the north, and a golf course to the southeast. At the core of the design is a central courtyard featuring an established olive tree, which serves to divide the floor plan into two distinct halves. The east side of the house accommodates communal living areas, while four bedrooms are situated on the west side and the first floor. K-Studio’s design philosophy for Southwand House emphasizes a fluid living experience, enabling various daily activities such as cooking, showering, lounging, and exercising to occur in both indoor and outdoor settings. The studio aimed to reflect the organic complexity of Messinian folk architecture, which often features irregularly-shaped stone volumes, courtyards, and passages. To achieve this, they developed a system of orthogonal modules that, when juxtaposed, generate intricate relationships through negative spaces, courtyards, and pathways. The southern end of the building is designed to open up, with the living and dining rooms, as well as an adjacent bedroom, leading out to terraces. A swimming pool extends from these outdoor spaces, wrapping around them and offering views towards the sea. The pool's stepped base provides varying depths, catering to diverse preferences. Southwand House is part of a series of projects by K-Studio, founded by brothers Dimitris and Konstantinos Karampatakis, in scenic Greek locations. Previous works include Villa Mandra in Mykonos, the Manna hotel in Arcadia, and the Liknon visitor centre in Samos. The name "Southwand" is derived from the practice of seeking warmth by resting against a south-facing wall on a sunny day, symbolizing a comfortable and active model of living that harmonizes with its natural environment and promotes social interaction. #HolidayHomes #GreekArchitecture #StoneConstruction #ConcreteDesign #KStudio #Messinia #IndoorOutdoorLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #CoastalLiving

Calacatta Viola marble, known for its distinctive eggplant veining and creamy white background, has gained significant popularity in interior design, appearing in countertops, sinks, open shelving, and backsplashes. This material has become a favored choice for renovators and celebrity designers looking to create a statement piece in their homes, with Clé Tile even offering penny round sheets of the marble for versatile application. However, for those seeking alternatives to Calacatta Viola, whether due to style preferences or budget constraints, a range of other bold stone surfaces is being embraced by design professionals. Grace Lee-Lim, a designer based in Napa, California, highlights soapstone as an underrated option that is predicted to increase in popularity. She recently incorporated soapstone into a Craftsman kitchen, praising its beautiful patina, ability to add contrast, and exceptional durability. Another stone gaining traction is silver travertine, as noted by Natalie Myers of Veneer Designs. While not expected to be universally adopted, its high abrasion resistance makes it less susceptible to scratching compared to marble and limestone. Myers suggests that silver travertine would be particularly striking in organic modern interiors, complementing elements like limewash walls and ebonized oakwood cabinets. Pink marble, such as Rosso Imperiale, is also emerging as a favored alternative. Traditionally used for floors, fountains, and exterior walls, Rosso Imperiale was utilized by designer Sarita Posada for a bar in a suite at Palm Heights in Grand Cayman, contributing a rich aesthetic. Posada appreciates its terracotta-like warmth and subtle, beautiful movement. London designer Tola Ojuolape favors lighter shades of pink marble, like Rosa Antic, especially for shower interiors or powder rooms. An example is Flack Studio’s design for artist Troye Sivan’s powder room, which features oxblood-painted walls contrasted with a Boffi vanity. Lastly, red marble, specifically darker hues like Rossa Francia, is appealing to designers such as Utah-based Susannah Holmberg. She incorporated Rossa Francia into one of her projects, using the brick-red marble for a long oval island. This choice served to soften awkward angles in the room, creating a visually engaging focal point. These various stone options offer diverse aesthetic and functional properties, providing compelling alternatives to the currently trending Calacatta Viola. #InteriorDesign #KitchenDesign #CountertopMaterials #MarbleAlternatives #StoneSurfaces #HomeRenovation #LuxuryFinishes #DesignTrends