Revolution in Design
– New Stone Technology Development Changes How We Design –
Revealed in a recent interview with Luxe Interiors & Design magazine Gurri president, Sami Kelmendi shares stone technology insights. Gurri is tuned-in to the latest trends in kitchen and bath design. According to Kelmendi ‘the living kitchen is the new living room.’ The kitchen has evolved into the focal gathering place of the home where families cook, dine, and entertain together. How do the new architectural surface materials affect the design of our homes?
This moment has brought about a demand for a more functional kitchen – one with sophisticated luxury surfaces that are maintenance-free but still look and feel high-end. People love to cook but they hate to clean. A primary reason why engineered and sintered stone has become increasingly popular. For a more in-depth view read – “Move Over Granite and Marble – Sintered Stone’s Popularity Soars” However, not only is stone being asked for the kitchen and bath but for interior design spaces as well.
Photo Caption: Metro Quartz Kitchen Island & Countertops from HG Stone
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“These products are being requested beyond kitchens & baths. Architectural surface materials are popular for interior decorative decor in hallways, foyers, flooring, living rooms, and fireplace surrounds as well.” — Gurri President Sami Kelmendi
Latest Stone Technology In Architectural Surfacing Materials Influencing How We Design
For instance, the only stone choices 10-years ago was natural stone. For ages, the luxury of marble has been the featured architectural design element in most bath and kitchen remodeling. Stone Technology advances have grown the category, influencing the manufacturing process bringing prices down with an array of unlimited choices. Hence designers now have more options for the use of architectural surface materials throughout the home. And, the reason Gurri has created a ‘one-stop-shop’ for clients’ selection of architectural surface material to final installation.
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“The idea that only small-format tiles should be used in small bathrooms or kitchens is hopefully over. Bigger tiles produce fewer joints giving spaces a more unified and spacious design while creating a unique design aesthetic. And they create beautiful accent walls too!” — Kelmendi stated.
Meanwhile, tile and technology trends change constantly and recent stone technology has only escalated those changes. The development of 21st-century architectural surface materials like engineered and sintered stone creates the look of natural stone. But with low maintenance, stain restraint qualities and easy to clean benefits. For example, this bathroom (pictured) uses a high-performance quartz surface from Porcelanosa. Kelmendi continues,
“Stone, the most enduring building material encapsulates the history of mankind from the building of the Great Pyramids almost 5,000 years ago to today’s interior design for kitchen countertops, bathrooms or decorative décor.”
Designers Can Now Recapture The Beauty And Look Of Natural Stone With Maintenance Free Alternatives
New stone technology surface materials like engineered or sintered stone are extraordinarily resilient. Further, they are non-porous, stain-resistant and maintenance-free – surfaces ideal for kitchen countertops, bathroom flooring, and walls. Since they do not absorb water, meaning mold and mildew are unable to become trapped in the stone. Therefore, they are resistant to bacteria growth, is a completely natural material and certified as antibacterial. In addition, helps the environment in actively removing polluting molecules. Sintered stone is a family-friendly product for those with allergies too.
The use of more anti-microbial and dirt-resistant finishes is one of the 2020 trends in the recent article of Kitchen & Bath Design News.
These alternative ultra-compact surfaces create a wholly new and original material category. Dekton, Neolith and Lapitec products are so durable they can be used for outdoor architectural building exteriors as well as interiors.
The Revolution In Stone Technology– Architectural Surface Material Creates More Design Options
Architectural surface material now available in large slaps, which require fewer grout lines supports the continuing minimalism design trend. The idea is, keep the aesthetic conflict to a minimum so the eyes stay focused on the key design element. In many cases, the focal point of a room becomes a unique stone element and not just for bathrooms
and kitchens. But also for fireplace walls, foyers, living rooms or bedroom accent walls, too! Kelmendi continues,
“Due to the advancements in stone technology development, the world is experiencing a new style in the kitchen, bath and interior decor design. At Gurri, where we blend traditional-old-world craftsmanship with state-of-the-art materials and the latest technology, we find it very exciting”