Stone baths were once the stuff of dreams unless you were a princess or the wife of an oil magnate. Today, stone baths are affordable, versatile and well within reach.
Natural stone in the bathroom is a timeless trend, and today, granite and marble have made room for other beautiful stone such as quartz. Quartz has gained popularity as a sometimes more affordable option that is less prone to damage. It has the look of marble, but is non-porous which makes it more durable and easier to keep clean. With so many choices that can fit virtually every budget, it’s no wonder that a stone bath is now on almost every homeowner’s list.
Standing in the middle of a room; tucked into a private niche; sunken, elevated or recessed; the tub is a welcoming sight at the end of a long day. The tub itself can be encased in limestone, travertine, onyx or quartz. Adding backsplashes of decorative stone, mosaics, etched or glass tiles can create significant visual appeal. Generous decks surrounding the tub put candles, scented oils and soft towels within easy reach.
The sculptural freestanding bathtub, an increasing popular choice, is bold and beautiful, and suits many decorating styles. A freestanding tub doesn’t need a lot of space and can be used to make a dramatic statement in a smaller bathroom.
Just as the tub is considered a luxurious necessity, the shower is equally important as a place to invigorate body, mind and spirit. Imagine a shower clad in rugged slate or creamy limestone. And, with shower walls offering large expanses for creativity, do not overlook the opportunity to generate dramatic design. Dress a wall in a field of mosaic tiles or cover the wall in a large travertine tile and splurge on decorative accents. The look is stunning.
While traditional porcelain floors are still popular, a stone floor is similarly weighty but with a greater sense of texture and luxury. The smaller bathroom floor space may allow you to use a more costly stone for greater impact within your budget.
Thoughtfully considered bath and shower amenities are as vitally important as the room’s appearance. A small seat or bench, a recessed niche or exposed shelf are all important features that should not be overlooked. Again, let your imagination play with textures, colors, materials and design.
Perhaps more than anything else, the vanity defines the style of the master bath. There are endless options. A clean, reflective metal stand with cool slabs of pale colored marble creates a classic bath. A sleek blonde cabinet capped with thick slate offers an Asian or contemporary feel. A retro-fitted antique dresser crowned with a slab of limestone imparts an aura of romance.
Along with the vanity, the sink is a focal point as well and can be used to create a strong design statement. Vessel sinks that sit on top of a vanity rather than within it are popular. Many designers continue to choose a simple white under-mount porcelain sink so that it doesn’t fight for attention with the vanities, faucets and countertops around it. An under-mount sink is easy to clean and doesn’t eat up counter space.
Stone floors and surfaces never go out of style, and with minimal maintenance they stay beautiful for a lifetime. They are also available in a variety of colors and patterns to match any decor or to stand alone as the centerpiece of a room.
Color plays a critical role in bathroom trends. Some years, it’s all white; others, it’s black. Blue is always popular in hues of navy, cerulean, Caribbean blue, teal, grayish blue and robin’s egg blue. Adding a pop of color makes the bathroom both fun and fresh.
The possibilities for a glamorous and soothing bathroom are endless. Just remember the qualities of each type of stone and select the type best suited for each area of your bath. Use your imagination to create the bath of your dreams. It’s available and it’s affordable.
Founded by John Antunes over 35 years ago, Distinctive Granite and Marble has become the lowcountry’s leader in granite, marble, quartz and natural stone. The Antunes family personally selects stone from quarries around the world and is a complete resource for commercial and residential stone, with thousands of slabs in hundreds of varieties. Combining modern technology with old-world craftsmanship, Distinctive offers superb stone fabrication and installation. The company remains committed to fine quality, broad selection, excellent value and personal service. Distinctive has showrooms on Hilton Head Island, in River Walk (Okatie), Beaufort, and Pooler (Savannah).
