Stone is having its moment. And it’s not quiet. Homeowners, designers, and builders alike are embracing dramatic veining, tactile textures, and playing with light to make a statement with stone. The result? Surfaces that don’t just serve a function, but tell a story.
These standout stones bring life and depth to interiors, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, fireplaces, and feature walls. Here’s what’s turning heads right now:
1. High-Contrast Veining
Natural stones, such as Calacatta Gold marble with its striking gray or gold veining, and engineered stones like quartz, Dekton, or porcelain, offer a range of colors that provide high contrast veining. These stones become the focal point of a room, especially when bookmatched for maximum drama. Bookmatching is the practice of arranging two or more surfaces, like stone slabs, to create a mirror-image pattern resembling an open book.
Movement and Flow
Natural stone is alive with a wealth of dimension and pattern. Materials like Taj Mahal quartzite, with its inky, river-like movement, or Calacatta Viola marble have a beautiful motion that helps your eyes travel through the space as you follow the bold veining.
2. Textured Finishes
Polished surfaces offer a high-gloss finish that remains classic. However, for natural stones, finishes like honed, which creates a matte and smooth appearance, and leathered, which creates a matte and dimpled surface, are gaining popularity. Leathered countertops add subtle texture that enhances both the natural look and feel. It can also soften highly veined stone, making bold patterns feel inviting rather than overwhelming.
3. Light
Using light in countertops is a playful and effective way to accentuate the unique color of a stone. One way to incorporate light into your stone design is through backlighting the material. Stone backlighting illuminates natural and engineered stone from behind using LED panels, allowing light to pass through.
4. Statement Applications
Want a room to feel high-end and custom? Here are a few bold applications we’re seeing:
- Fireplace surrounds using porcelain, marble, and quartzite
- Full-slab shower walls in natural stone or porcelain
- Waterfall islands with continuous veining
- Full risers instead of a tile backsplash
Balance Is Key
When working with a bold stone, consider pairing it with quieter elements such as matte cabinetry, neutral walls, and minimalist lighting to let the material shine. Our team often collaborates with designers and homeowners to strike the right balance.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s natural or engineered stone, bold colors and patterns for countertops and other surfaces bring a space to life through striking veining with lots of movement and textured finishes. Experimenting with light can also add a fun element that elevates your space and make a lasting impression.
Be Bold With CCKB
We don’t just cut and install stone; we guide you through every slab, finish, and layout decision. Reach out to one of our showroom managers to make a statement with stone. Contact Us.
