6 Best natural stone for interiors

Natural stone is a top choice for walling and paving in interior design due to its unmatched durability, timeless beauty, and versatility. It adds a sophisticated, natural touch to any space, whether you’re enhancing an outdoor living area or creating a statement wall. 

Choosing the right stone for your interior project is essential, as it impacts both the aesthetic and functionality of your space. 

This article provides insights on how to select the best natural stone for walling and paving, ensuring your design lasts for years to come.

1. Granite

Granite is a highly durable and versatile stone, ideal for interior walling and paving. For walling, varieties like Buffalo Granite and Hotham Granite are exceptional choices. 

Buffalo Granite, with its golden-grey tones and tightly fitted, irregular shapes, creates a modern, sophisticated feature wall. Hotham Granite, with its dry-stack rectangular pattern, offers a clean, structured appearance, perfect for both contemporary and traditional spaces. 

For paving, Grey Granite and Charcoal Granite are excellent, with their sleek, flamed finishes providing a smooth and durable surface, ideal for indoor spaces like entryways and corridors. 

Granite’s strength, timeless beauty, and low maintenance make it an outstanding option for enhancing the elegance and durability of any interior design.

2. Marble

Marble is a luxurious natural stone that enhances any space, making it an ideal choice for indoor paving applications. 

Varieties such as Ocean Grey Marble, Verde Marble, and Luna Grey Marble offer unique finishes for kitchens, hallways, and dining areas. Ocean Grey Marble, with its soft grey veining, creates a sophisticated, timeless appearance that complements modern and traditional interiors. 

Verde Marble, with its rich green tones and bold veining, adds an elegant touch to luxurious spaces. Luna Grey Marble, with its smooth grey tones and subtle veining, provides a refined, contemporary look for high-end paved areas. 

These marbles’ honed finishes not only bring beauty but also provide durable, easy-to-maintain surfaces, making marble an enduring choice for luxury indoor paving.

3. Travertine 

Travertine is a stunning natural stone, known for its warm, earthy tones and unique texture, making it perfect for interior walling and paving. 

For walling, varieties like Sorrento Travertine and Silver Travertine stand out. Sorrento Travertine, with its soft cream tones and lightly textured stone pieces, creates an elegant yet subtle feature wall in living rooms or kitchens. 

Silver Travertine, with its soft grey and beige tones, is ideal for creating a sophisticated, timeless look in modern interiors. When used for paving, Ivory Travertine and Classic Travertine offer beautiful, durable surfaces for entryways and hallways. 

Travertine’s distinctive finish and luxurious feel make it a versatile and stylish option for any interior design.

4. Limestone

Limestone is a soft, natural stone known for its warm, earthy tones, making it an excellent choice for interior walling and paving. 

For walling, varieties like Jamieson Limestone and Beloka Limestone are ideal. Jamieson Limestone, with its rugged golden-brown tones and irregular stone patterning, creates a rustic, yet sophisticated feature wall. 

Beloka Limestone, with deep grey tones and bold, irregular stone shapes, adds a more dramatic touch to modern interiors. For paving, Brooklyn Limestone and Sienna Limestone are perfect options, offering sleek, durable surfaces for areas like kitchens and living rooms. 

Limestone’s ability to complement a variety of design styles, from rustic to contemporary, combined with its natural texture, makes it a versatile interior material.

5. Sandstone

Sandstone is a versatile and durable stone, ideal for creating a natural, earthy aesthetic in interior walling applications. 

Varieties like Charlotte Sandstone, Stirling Sandstone, and Australiana Sandstone provide unique textures and colours to enhance any space. Charlotte Sandstone, with its soft beige tones and lightly textured layout, creates a subtle, rustic look, perfect for feature walls in living rooms or bedrooms. 

Stirling Sandstone, with its olive, brown, and gold tones, adds warmth and depth to any room, while Australiana Sandstone, with its creamy white tones and hints of rust, introduces a soft, natural feel. 

Sandstone’s ability to blend seamlessly with various design styles, from contemporary to traditional, makes it a popular choice for creating lasting interior spaces with timeless appeal and natural durability.

6. Quartzite

Quartzite is a natural stone known for its incredible durability, striking appearance, and versatility, making it an excellent choice for interior paving applications. 

Andorra Quartzite, with its natural split finish, creates a beautifully textured surface perfect for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Its rich, earthy tones provide a sophisticated, rustic appeal, ideal for creating timeless paved areas in kitchens, hallways, and living spaces. 

This stone’s durability ensures it can withstand high-traffic areas while maintaining its stunning look over time. Andorra Quartzite is also highly resistant to staining and moisture, making it easy to maintain. 

Quartzite’s versatility allows it to blend seamlessly with various design styles, from traditional to contemporary, while adding warmth and elegance to any paved surface.

Tips for Using Natural Stone Indoors

Natural stone brings elegance and durability to your home. To ensure it performs beautifully, follow these expert tips for choosing and using it indoors.

• Match Stone Type with Function: Choose stones with the right characteristics for specific areas. For example, use non-slip varieties for wet areas like bathrooms or kitchens, and polished stones like Marble or Granite for high-traffic living spaces.
  
• Combine Different Finishes: Mix finishes to create contrast and interest. For example, use a honed finish for floors (which offers a matte look and better traction) and a polished finish for walls to add gloss and reflect light.
  
• Use Stone as a Statement or Blend It In: Depending on your design, natural stone can either stand out as a bold statement (e.g., a feature wall) or blend seamlessly into the background, complementing other materials.
  
• Seal Porous Stones: Stones like Travertine and Limestone are naturally porous and require sealing to prevent staining and ensure longevity, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
  
• Consider the Size of the Stone Pieces: Larger stones, such as granite slabs, make a bold statement, while smaller pieces like quartz tiles are perfect for more delicate, intricate designs.
  
• Maintain a Balanced Look: Don’t overwhelm your space with too many stone types. Keep it balanced by mixing natural stone with complementary materials, such as wood or glass.

Conclusion

Choosing the right natural stone for your interior walling and paving applications is essential for achieving both beauty and functionality. 

Whether you opt for the elegance of Marble, the durability of Granite, or the warmth of Limestone, each stone offers unique benefits. 

With the right selection and care, natural stone will enhance your space for years to come. Contact Splendour in Stone for premium stone options and expert advice.