How to Use Stone in Kitchens, Bathrooms and Living Rooms

If you want the wow factor in your home, choose stone; it is versatile, beautiful, durable and natural. Prices have come down, too, so what was once a luxury product is now more affordable. Instead of simply being consigned to the floor, stone is now being used for walls and worktops, and there are loads of colours and finishes. Our guide will help you decide which one's for you.

BATHROOMS Stone is becoming more and more popular in bathrooms. Solid stone bath surrounds, basins, shower trays and vanity surfaces are increasingly in demand, with large square basins winning out over more traditional shapes.
Stone is also ideal for cladding bathroom and wetroom walls. If you are using a lot, make sure that the floors and walls are strong enough to bear the weight. If in doubt, consult an architect.

If you're on a budget, consider cladding one wall with stone and painting the other three walls white, or mixing stone mosaic borders with ceramic or glass tiles.

FIRE SURROUNDS Stone fire surrounds suit both period and contemporary architecture. Make a feature of the fireplace by using colours and textures that contrast with the floor, like black slate, honed grey basalt and brown limestone.

Decide whether you want to draw the eye to the fireplace by choosing a contrasting monochromatic scheme, or if you would like to make the floor the main feature and create a seamless look with the fire surround.

KITCHENS Stone floors work brilliantly in kitchens, but choose carefully when selecting a stone worksurface as it has to be resistant to acid. Granite and basalt are ideal. Marble's patina will change with time, giving a beautiful aged finish.

The look of the moment is to have chunky worksurfaces, so false fronts are often used to give that look of a solid piece of stone without it actually weighing too much.

Black or dark granite looks wonderful in kitchens and because it is polished it will bounce light back into the room.

FLOORS A stone floor will last a long time, which is one of its advantages, so you need to choose one that you won't tire of too quickly. Classic looks include the chequerboard effect popular in Victorian houses or Georgian-style limestone tiles with black insets.

Stone works well alongside wood, natural flooring and rugs and the modern approach is to blend different materials and textures. If you want to use stone outside as well as inside, think about using the same type throughout. Always check with a reputable supplier that your chosen stone is suitable for your project, as they all have different qualities.

Ten top tips

• Stone comes in lots of types, colours and textures. More dramatic stones, such as rich chocolate and stylish grey shades, are selling well at the moment.

• It mixes well with lots of other materials, like wood, glass and ceramics. If you can't afford limestone, try travertine or slate.

• Marble looks set to compete with limestone as the most popular choice, but in its honed, rather than polished, form.

• Stone floors are both practical and beautiful. Some stones can be laid inside and out to link the house and garden.

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• If you choose a stone floor, think about having stone skirting boards made too.

• Solid stone bathroom fittings are popular, in particular large square basins and huge wall panels for shower enclosures.

• Mosaic tiles are the perfect way to cover imperfect walls. They can also be used to create borders on floors, defining areas and adding pattern.

• Unusually-shaped stone tiles are also popular. These can be used to create an artwork effect. • For kitchen worksurfaces, choose a stone that is acid resistant such as granite. Don't be put off by black; when polished it will bounce light back into the room.

• Stone fire surrounds work well in any style of home. There is a shift away from lighter stone colours to more dramatic blacks, charcoals and browns.