“Style and design surround us—impacting how we feel, the personality of a room, or the energy of a space.”
–Laura Grilli, director of product design for Daltile


are an undeniable centerpiece in any room.

Slabs: Large and Wide are the Word
Whether we’re talking about natural stone, fabricated stone, or solid surface sheets, natural, organic looks simulating the subtle or dramatic veining of marble are the trend. Slab surfaces are the hot look for countertops, flooring and wall cladding. And using a single large slab on a grand kitchen island, accent wall or floor allows for seamless designs with fewer joints. Large slabs are also a favorite for designers, who often specify two or three countertops cut from a single large slab to assure color continuity.
Sintered stone slabs are also gaining traction in the residential realm. Neolith, a leader in sintered stone fabrication, makes its product from natural minerals, such as quartz, feldspar, and other raw materials. “Sintering” subjects the minerals to extreme heat and pressure, mimicking the natural processes that creates stone over thousands of years, but in a much shorter time frame. And Neolith’s products are not limited to indoors. Outdoors, the surfaces facilitate air circulation which diffuses any water vapors from the inside out, while offering thermal and acoustic insulation.




Ceramics: Warm Earthy Hues and New Technologies
Show-stoppers at the recent International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings in Bologna, Italy were:
- colors ranging from amber to aqua to coral in all shapes and sizes
- new technologies allowing for incredibly tactile, three-dimensional surfaces and textures to perfectly replicate the look and feel of natural stones like onyx, marble, travertine and wooden planks.


Technology Broadens Practical Decision-Making

Just a few of the latest advancements:
- The Azerocare®Plus process– Developed by Antolini®’s research center, natural surfaces in marble, onyx and soft quartzite are much more resistant to spots and etching when they come into contact with acid-based, organic substances, such as lemon or wine.
- Densified Wood™ Technology, developed by AHF Products, is 100% real wood – not a laminate surface. But it’s more than six times more dent resistant than traditional wood floors. It’s four times more scratch resistant than traditional wood floors. And its waterproof to help protect the wood from pet accidents with Cleantivity™ antimicrobial technology that inhibits the growth of bacteria.
- Northann Corp, an American technology innovator and producer of natural and sustainable material-based products, introduces 3D printing technology for interior finishes. Its cutting-edge technology produces high-quality floorings, wall panels, and decorative panels.

right: SpreadStone™ pre-mixed stone coating for interior and exterior surfaces from Daich Coatings is made using 100-percent real stone that is water, heat and UV resistant. It comes in 11 colors that can be layered to give dimension.

Carpet: Not your Grandma’s Wall-to-Wall Shag
Times and trends are changing, and there’s a newfound desire for the coziness wall-to-wall carpet brings. Wool remains the most beautiful and luxurious of all fibers—natural and highly regarded for its strength, durability, crush resistance, cleanability, and comfort. Modern technology adds stain resistance and pet protection that doesn’t wear or wash off. The best are made with renewable plant-based materials.
That thick carpet in bright, interesting patterns that you’ve seen at luxury hotels is finding its way into home design. For minimalist spaces or rooms with neutral furniture and walls, a carpet with vibrant colors or intricate patterns can instantly draw attention and add a layer of visual interest. In open-plan homes, bold carpets can help define separate zones or areas within the larger space.


The Bottom Line:
Incorporating the warmth of natural wood, the organic texture of stone, or the calming softness of natural textiles into home surface selections is a powerful way further the indoor-outdoor connection. We bring nature’s elegance and serenity into our indoor living spaces. And in return, we erase borders by giving similar attention to detail to outdoor surfaces.
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