The SHS Field Guide to Timeless Materials: Natural Stone

Natural Stone

There are materials that decorate a home, and materials that become part of its identity. Natural stone is the latter.

Stone holds history. It has weight, texture, variation, and an inherent sense of permanence that manufactured surfaces struggle to replicate. It also has something we value deeply: it does not need to be perfect to be beautiful.

This guide is our studio-level perspective on natural stone, why it endures, where it shines, and what to consider when you want it to feel timeless.

Project Old Orchard | Photographed by Naimh Barry

Why natural stone always reads elevated

Natural stone has a visual complexity you cannot fake. Even when the color is quiet, the movement, veining, and mineral composition create depth. It grounds a room without making it feel heavy.

We love stone because it:

• Connects interiors to nature in a refined way

• Adds texture without pattern

• Develops character over time

• Works across styles, from classic to contemporary

• Immediately signals permanence and quality

Timeless design is rarely about the loudest finish. It’s about the most believable one.

Project Lakeshore | Photographed by Naimh Barry

The major stone families and their personalities

Not all stone behaves the same. Each type has its own feel, durability profile, and patina story.

Marble

Reads: classic, luminous, architectural

Best for: bathrooms, hearth surrounds, accent surfaces, lower-traffic kitchensMarble has a softness that makes it feel romantic and elevated. It will etch and patina. We see that as part of its charm, as long as you choose it intentionally.

Limestone

Reads: calm, matte, old-world

Best for: flooring, fireplaces, wall applications, quieter countertopsLimestone often has a gentle, powdery look. It brings an instant sense of age and restraint.

Travertine

Reads: warm, Mediterranean, sculptural

Best for: vanities, tables, floor tile, feature momentsTravertine’s pores and movement create incredible texture. Filled and honed finishes can feel very tailored.

Granite

Reads: grounded, traditional-to-modern depending on selection

Best for: hardworking kitchens and high-traffic applicationsGranite can be extremely durable. The key is choosing a slab that feels calm and not overly busy.

Quartzite

Reads: refined, durable, high-end

Best for: kitchens, statement islands, full-height backsplashesQuartzite is often chosen when you want the movement of marble with more resilience. Always view slabs in person. Variation is the point.

Soapstone

Reads: velvety, moody, quietly utilitarian

Best for: kitchens, wet bars, fireplacesSoapstone darkens and softens with use. It’s an honest material that looks better the more it’s lived with.

Slate

Reads: earthy, textural, slightly rustic in the best way

Best for: floors, mudrooms, exterior thresholds, fireplacesSlate can bring depth and practicality, especially where you want grip and durability.

Project Lawrence Park | Photographed by Naimh Barry | Styled by Kaela Shaw

Finishes: where timelessness is often decided

Finish changes everything. It determines how stone reflects light, how it feels, and how it ages.

Polished

• Higher reflectivity, more formal

• Shows veining clearly

• Often feels “dressier”

Honed

• Matte to low-sheen, soft and architectural

• More forgiving visually

• Our go-to for many timeless applications

Leathered or brushed

• Textured, tactile, rich

• Can be incredible on quartzite or granite

• Adds depth without shine

Tumbled

• Aged, softened edges

• Beautiful for floors and backsplashes when you want character

If you want stone to feel timeless, prioritize finishes that look natural in daylight and do not rely on gloss to feel special.

Project Lakeshore | Photographed by Naimh Barry

Where natural stone makes the biggest impact

Stone can be used everywhere, but a few applications consistently deliver that “anchored” feeling.

Kitchen countertops and islands

Stone in the kitchen becomes a daily touchpoint. When selected well, it sets the entire tone of the home. Consider how the veining reads from a distance, and how the undertone interacts with cabinetry and floors.

Fireplace surrounds

This is one of the most timeless places to invest in stone. A good surround becomes architecture. It does not need decoration.

Bathroom vanities and shower walls

Stone in a bath reads serene and elevated, especially when paired with warmer materials like wood and plaster-like finishes.

Flooring

Stone floors add instant permanence. They also create a beautiful continuity between rooms. Limestone and travertine are especially strong here when you want a softer, quieter surface.

Accent moments

Think: a stone plinth, a niche ledge, a bench in the shower, a small stone tabletop. These details can add a signature without overwhelming the space.

Project Old Orchaed | Photographed by Naimh Barry

Patina: the point, not the problem

A timeless home is not frozen. It changes with you.

Natural stone often shows life:

• Marble can etch from acids

• Softer stones can show subtle wear

• Soapstone deepens in tone

• Honed finishes can develop a gentle sheen over time

We see patina as a design choice. If you want a surface that never changes, stone might not be your best match. If you want a home that becomes more beautiful as it’s lived in, stone is unmatched.

Project Lakeshore | Photographed by Naimh Barry

What to consider before you commit

A few thoughtful decisions upfront determine whether stone feels effortless or frustrating.

1) Start with lifestyle, not a photo

How do you cook? Do you host? Do you want a pristine surface, or are you comfortable with character? This influences the stone family you choose.

2) Always view slabs in person when possible

Photos flatten stone. Undertones shift. Movement reads differently in real light. Slab selection is where the magic is.

3) Think about scale of veining and movement

A heavily veined slab can be stunning, but it becomes a major visual element. For a calmer home, quieter movement often feels more timeless.

4) Consider edge profiles and thickness

These details change the entire look. A thicker edge can feel substantial and classic. A slimmer profile can feel modern and refined. Both can be timeless when done intentionally.

5) Pair stone with softness

Stone loves contrast: linen, wool, warm woods, plaster-like finishes, and aged metals. These pairings keep the home from feeling cold.

A final studio note

We return to natural stone again and again because it holds up aesthetically and emotionally. It brings gravitas without trying. It elevates a home while still feeling grounded.

If you’re building a space meant to last, stone is one of the clearest ways to communicate that intention.