At NKE, we partner with various architects and interior designers on some of their projects that requires work on natural stones. This week, we caught up with one of our favourite interior designers Nidhi Karnani for her opinions on the latest trends in which natural stones are being used, some expert opinions and tips to keep in mind, while working with marble.
The most popular natural stone choice:
According to Nidhi, marble has always been and continues to be most of her clients’ preferred stone of choice. Flooring is the most important element in bringing a well designed space together and the options with marble are endless.
While customers are open to experimenting today more than ever before, light coloured marble is still preferred over darker shades, thanks to the myth that dark marbles makes spaces look smaller.
Pure white marble is often an exorbitant choice, reserved for a few with deeper pockets who often tend to associate only white as being ‘classy’.
Pro-Tip: As grand as dark marble looks, there is a tendency for it to display signs of deterioration like fading and scratches more prominently than lighter marble. For example, walking paths will be visible on darker marble, even after restoration.
Trend Alert
Trend Alert 1: In-Lays: Right from Stainless steel strips, mirror in-lays, marble on marble in-lays and even mother of pearl in-lays, the options that people are willing to experiment with, is what breathes a unique look into each of their homes.
Pro-Tip: While choosing in-lays, picking material that is compatible with your marble will come in handy during restoration. Each material react differently to restoration process and this difference may be visible in the long run.
Counter Measures: Brass in-lays are a great option for those who are concerned about maintenance. Brass can hold marble polish well and shows no difference or deterioration when exposed to marble maintenance procedures.
Trend Alert 2: Marble in Seabed Finish
Marble in seabed finish is a trend that is slowly catching up. It’s a different way of treating the stone where there’s a lot more character to the texture to the marble
Trend Alert 3: Creative Laying Designs
Creative laying designs also have an impact in bringing a well designed space together. For example - Seabed finish marble accompanied by mirror or marble in-lays v.s marble with hammering work and handwork in-lays look completely different from each other
Trend Alert 4: Think Beyond Flooring
These days, marble is not restricted to only flooring alone. There are many creative ways in which marble is used to create beds, basins, decorate walls and even ceilings, given the right kind of support.
EXPERT OPINIONS
Opinion 1: Creative styles of cutting marble: Use interesting patterns to cut marble and give your space a new look. Factory cut marble is cut and laid differently from the usual big slabs of marble. Making patterns with cut marbles is more economical and reduces a lot of wastage as well.
Opinion 2: Nidhi’s favourite natural stone:
Given an option, Nidhi would like to use Kota flooring in her projects. Kota she says, is an Indian natural stone, known to be strong and all withstanding. Given its versatility, Kota can be used in many ways, in a rough or smooth finish. It can be used as flooring and even as kitchen counter tops.
Opinion 3: On artificial marble: As an interior designer, Nidhi does not recommend the use of artificial marble. The quality of artificial marble, varies based on the production process or the brand. Since it is still at a nascent stage, these stones must be chosen with great care and an expert’s guidance.
Follow the NKE Blog for more insights
At NKE, we take a lot of interest in bringing to our readers, insights on the latest floor care trends. Architect Speak focuses on the best design and processes on natural stones. Follow this space for insights straight from reputed architects in the industry.
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