There are numerous benefits to having a limestone fireplace, including this gorgeous stone’s natural durability – plus the fact that it doesn’t easily dent, scratch or otherwise get damaged. It also has great heat-resistant properties and, apart from anything else, looks stunning. And for manufacturers, it’s softer than equivalent materials, and so easier to work […]
When it comes to choices for kitchen surfaces, the modern market offers plenty of choice. And granite is just one of a number of gorgeous natural stones from which to take your pick. But we’re often asked – what makes this material stand out? Here, we list four of the top reasons we think it’s […]
For centuries, marble has been the stone of choice for elegant homes – ever since it was used in places such as the Pantheon, Parthenon and Taj Mahal. It was the Greeks and Romans who first recognised its natural beauty and durability. (They especially favoured calacatta and carrrara varieties. And this was due to their […]
Stone flooring offers numerous possibilities, whether you go for a manufactured or natural product. Clearly, each material type has its drawbacks and benefits. But real stone flooring looks stunning while being strongly practical. Equally, it adds character plus value to your property. What’s more, stone floors are more cost-effective than you may have realised. But […]
It seems that black kitchen worktops are having something of a moment as they make a sensational comeback. Here are our tips for rocking this dramatic shade (and others) in your home. Back to black According to influential interior design website Living Etc., the days of dazzling white kitchens could be numbered. And having dark […]
A new report claims kitchen worktops in natural stone (as well as floors and walls) could store energy. And this could power smart devices in homes of the future. Such devices include smart lights and thermostats and speakers, thanks to energy storage and harvesting. That’s according to South Korean researchers. A team from Seoul reckon […]
Like other natural stones, granite is a porous substance, so it’s relatively easy to damage it with the sorts of substances you use every day – unless it’s properly sealed. That’s because, over time, granite soaks up liquids. That makes it very important that you seal and clean granite worktops (and do so properly) regularly. […]
It’s that time of year again when you may be considering a deep or spring clean of your kitchen. And while that’s an excellent idea, if you’re scouring the internet for ‘cleaning hacks’ it’s worth appreciating that some home-made remedies can end up doing more harm than good. That’s especially the case where a sensitive […]
If you’re after something unique which will stand out in your kitchen and bring the appeal of natural stone into your home, granite countertops are definitely the way to go. And it’s no wonder their popularity continues to rise. After all, they look amazing and are durable, hygienic, stain and heat-resistant, low-maintenance and excellent as […]
We’ve written in a previous post about the trend for giving marble countertops a glowing appearance through backlighting to highlight the stone’s beauty and texture. Here, we look at other ways of lighting up natural stone worktops if you’re lucky enough to have them. Although doing this can seem challenging initially, it’s important. After all, […]