Beyond the Countertop: Unexpected Uses for Natural Stone in Your Home

If you instantly think “countertop” when you consider natural stone, think again. In this blog, we will look at unexpected uses for stone in your home to make the most of this versatile material.

Fireplace Surrounds/Cladding

Fireplaces tend to be forgotten in the summer as people spend more time in their outdoor space. However, your fireplace should maintain its appeal regardless of the season. A fireplace surround is generally the wall above the fireplace. It can also stretch up from the floor, around the fireplace, and up to the ceiling.

Natural stone is the high-end finish you need to transform a boring fireplace into a stunning, year-round focal point. Although some stone options, such as quartz, might not be the best choice for the heat produced by your fireplace, granite as well as ultra-compact Dekton and sintered Laminam are ideal.

Whether you choose something neutral, dark and edgy, or highly textured or patterned, you can completely transform an old fireplace into a modern feature that creates a welcoming, cozy, and sophisticated space.

Fireplace Hearth

The hearth is the floor directly in front of the fireplace. When this area is overlooked, it makes the fireplace feel unfinished. Installing a natural stone slab hearth captures the flickering firelight, adding warmth to your space.

When the fireplace is not in use, a stone hearth adds an attractive design element that can tie in to other areas of the home, such as the kitchen counters. Using this approach works particularly well in open-concept homes where the kitchen overlooks a fireplace in the den or family room.

Kitchen Backsplash

Backsplashes are the finishing touch that separates a basic kitchen from a fabulous one. They can include the space between the cabinets and counters, be restricted to a smaller area such as above the sink, or be used to create a focal point behind the range.

Natural stone kitchen backsplashes are très chic, whether you choose a stone that blends in with your counters, want to create a higher-end look alongside trending butcher block countertops, or are trying to add texture and contrast.

Waterfall Countertops

Natural stone is the ultimate choice for waterfall countertops. The cascading stone feels fluid, pleasing the eye with a sense of purpose and unity. This high-end detail instantly elevates your kitchen counters and island as the ultimate splurge in kitchen counter design.

Kitchen Walls

The trend to extend tile beyond the confines of the backsplash is creating stunning drama and unity in modern kitchen designs. Using natural stone slabs is also trending, creating a seamless finish without all the busy grout and tiles. Natural stone walls can be used as a focal point or to create a neutral kitchen design encompassing the counters, walls, and backsplash.

Customized Range Hood

Range hoods have become a statement piece in kitchen design, often outshining the once-popular island. Natural stone can be used to create a wide variety of rangehood designs, from Victorian charm to rustic country, and elegant French chateaux to sleek and modern urban. The shape and architectural element of the range hood can also be customized to reflect different aesthetics, such as a straight, flat design or a sloped, angled look.

Bathroom Backsplash

Backsplashes are not just for kitchens. Installing a natural stone backsplash behind your kitchen sinks or vanity creates a very polished look. A bathroom backsplash also helps to reduce moisture that can lead to mould. Solid slab backsplashes are very affordable options, as they don’t require time-consuming cutting and grouting and costly additional materials like grout.

Bathroom Shower Surrounds

Nothing beats the timeless beauty of natural stone in your high-end shower. With the sophisticated feel of a luxury hotel, your morning shower helps set the tone for your day. The seamless look of a solid slab shower surround is also much easier to clean than the busy detailing of subway tile and grout. That gives you more time to relax.

Freestanding Tub Surrounds

The combination of a luxurious walk-in shower with a deep, freestanding soaker tub transports you to a stress-free retreat. Surrounding your tub with the same natural stone as your spacious shower creates a beautiful, neutral space where you can sink into the warm, soothing waters and feel all the stresses of the day melt away.

Customized Tables

Customized tables allow you to infuse your own designs into your home, creating statement pieces that get noticed. You can express yourself through bespoke, high-quality natural stone furnishings that meet your specific taste. Coffee tables, dining tables, and smaller console and side tables can all be designed to your exact specifications.

Built-in Desks

If you work from home, having an organized, attractive workspace helps you focus on the tasks at hand. Built-in desks complete with drawers and cabinets allow you to create a workspace that works for you. The workspace can also be used for homework, paying the bills, and more.

Outdoor Projects

As summer weather seems to last longer than ever, it makes sense to make the most of your backyard. You can expand your backyard into a three-season living space, allowing you to spend hours entertaining, relaxing, or exploring your inner chef skills. Natural stone surfaces are tailored for outdoor use, including bar tops, outdoor kitchen counters, fireplace surrounds, a stone accent wall, and bespoke outdoor furniture.

These ideas can offer inspiration to find new uses and applications for natural stone. Natural stone is a beautiful material that deserves more space in your home. From the kitchen to the bathroom, and the fireplace to your home office, natural stone is relatively low-maintenance and versatile.

Contact the Natural Stone Experts at Quartz Co Surfaces

The professionals at Quartz Co Surfaces are here to offer ideas to create beautiful spaces. Natural stone is an exceptional, versatile material that goes beyond the kitchen. Whether you’re interested in exploring one of these ideas or are considering a completely different design project, we’re here to help.

For more information, you can book an in-person or virtual consultation or visit one of our showrooms near you.