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Choosing the right flooring for your home can be a daunting task. When you have a large surface area to cover, you want to select a material that is long lasting and easy to maintain—and beautiful too!
Natural stone brings the exterior world indoors in a sophisticated way, making it the most timeless flooring material out there. At my interior design firm, it’s often a staple in our recommendations to clients. From slate to granite, all the way to travertine, here are my five favorite natural stone flooring options, and how to incorporate each of them into your home—or should I say “castle?”
1. Sleek and Stylin’ Slate
This luxurious natural material is a standout among stone floors due to its vibrant range of colors and patterns. Because it is all-natural, slate is subject to weathering and aging—called “patina”—which means it will look great both today and ten years from now! If you’re aiming for a contemporary style, try a dark gray or black slate tile that has moderate variation and a low-sheen, for a sleek, put-together look.
2. Talk About Travertine
Travertine, a sedimentary limestone deposited by mineral springs, is the epitome of casual elegance. In white and beige tones, travertine lends a soft, warm feel to any space it’s installed in. Most travertine tiles are low-sheen and have random variation, so it is best suited for a large space that doesn’t require perfect conformity. The natural veining of the stone creates unique, natural patterns unseen in other types of flooring. Install it in the kitchen or common living space for a classically regal finish.
3. Marvelous Marble
A classic standby for designers all over the world, marble is a perfect flooring option for anyone looking to style their home in a luxe yet simple aesthetic. With a smooth finish and a medium sheen, marble instantly scales up the look of any bathroom, kitchen or entryway, while offering a romantic and refined finish. Style it with complementary smooth, glossy hardware and light trim for a dashing domain.
4. Standing on Sandstone
While stone certainly looks dazzling inside, it can also add the perfect polish to your outdoor area. Sandstone is a suitable flooring option for outdoor spaces because it’s sturdy and doesn’t absorb water easily—a prime consideration for your patio or garden. Sandstone creates a rustic cottage vibe for your outdoor entertainment area and makes the colors of a garden pop. Style your space with metal dining chairs and outdoor lighting for a cozy country-inspired deck.
5. Grandeur with Granite
Last but certainly not least, granite rounds out this list of my favorite natural stone flooring solutions. One of the easiest materials to install and maintain, granite comes in a wide range of colors and styles. Granite looks great on kitchen countertops, living room floors and entryway walls and can be incorporated into just about any interior design style. Aiming for a contemporary feel? Choose a tile that has a honed finish and is either very light or very dark, like white or charcoal. Are you more traditional? Go for chocolaty or beige granite to complement the classic features of your home.
Natural stone flooring is durable, easy to maintain, and visually stunning. Which timeless style fits your home the best?
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