2024 Stone Trends: From Soft & Earthy Tones to Bold, Contrasting Combos
Neolith is excited to introduce two gorgeous new colours, inspired by the majesty of nature and the earth’s hidden treasures – Everest Sunrise, a gentle, neutral quartzite-like finish with accents of gold that speaks of the spectacular beauty of Mount Everest at sunrise, and Cappadocia Sunset, where a medley of rich, tonal greys evokes the rugged splendour of Cappadocia’s volcanic peaks.
Crafted from raw, natural materials, these surfaces are quartz-free and recyclable, making them a smart choice for those wanting to design an environmentally friendly home. Like all Neolith products, they are made in carbon-neutral conditions. And they provide the superior durability and practicality Neolith is known for, being water, heat-, scratch-, stain- and UV-resistant, requiring minimal maintenance and zero resurfacing to perform beautifully for decades.
We sat down with Sydney-based interior designer Renee Renee, principal at Sage Interior Design Studio, to find out about how these new Neolith colours complement the latest design trends we’re seeing across Australia, and how she has used them in her own projects.
1.Liveable luxury
“Kitchens today are less practical, working spaces and more social hubs, prompting us to design more layouts conducive to gathering and dining,” says Renee. “Think nuanced stone surfaces, handcrafted joinery with gentle curves, and multi-tasking islands where you can prep meals, entertain or sit down for a family meal. From stone surfaces to paintwork, colours are soft and drawn from nature to inspire a sense of calm and connection. New Neolith Everest Sunrise and Cappadocia Sunset, which evoke warmth and a handcrafted elegance, embody this trend perfectly,” she says.
In this Sydney family kitchen, Renee has used Neolith Everest Sunrise, with its creamy, natural tones and flecks of gold, on the benchtops and splashbacks, paired with muted sage paintwork and subtle metallic accents. “This kitchen serves as a family hub, blending functionality with social appeal – a supremely welcoming space with a soft, inviting aesthetic,” she says. “And of course, with any Sage project, we love to use anywhere we can a hint of sage.”
This year, designers are running swathes of natural stone in tonal shades across large surfaces to create a calm, cocooning feel in spaces where you wish to relax, such as spa-like bathroom retreats. “Using generous expanses of stone across different surfaces, such as we’ve done in this Sydney powder room, adds opulence and tranquillity, giving your bathroom the feel of a five-star sanctuary,” says Renee.
“Here, we’ve run Neolith Everest Sunrise across the vanity and the wall behind the mirror to create seamless luxury, while eliminating any superfluous detailing to minimise the visual distractions, which we’ve then gently contrasted with Neolith Cappadocia Sunset on the floor. The effect is instantly soothing. Textured Venetian plaster walls on either side in a similar shade as the vanity and rear wall add to the cossetting vibe.
“To elevate the Neolith stone to the centrepiece of the design, complementary materials were carefully selected to enhance its beauty and uniqueness,” says Renee. “The finished design creates a rich and dramatic ambience, and reflects the owners bold yet sophisticated design style.”