Elevate your home design: the timeless elegance of natural stone

Written by

22 October 2023

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4 min read

When it comes to natural stone, not all are equal in quality. We speak to high-end stone specialist Skheme to discover the quality stones used in top architectural projects

Marble is a highly sought-after natural stone in the world of architecture and design. Its unique and elegant appearance, characterised by intricate veining patterns, has made it a favourite choice for various applications in both residential and commercial projects.

The veining in marble is a result of geological processes that occurred over millions of years. It forms when underground water sources and various minerals interact with the limestone or dolomite that eventually transforms into marble. As these minerals and water flow through the stone, they leave behind traces and deposits, creating the stunning patterns and veins that are so characteristic of marble.

The liquid-like patterns in marble are often seen as a testament to the natural beauty and uniqueness of each piece of this stone. No two marble slabs are exactly alike, making it a truly one-of-a-kind material for architectural and design purposes.

Quartzite is aesthetically similar to marble, but more durable. Typically, quartzite will have a glassy, soft appearance. The resilience of quartzite means it can hold its own in high-traffic areas in the home and handle the heat in busy kitchens, says Skheme director Marco De Clerico.

“It’s a harder stone so it is difficult to damage and wears very well over time. Like marble, it comes in a wide array of colours, veining patterns, and crystal-like translucency to deliver a distinct design statement. In the heart of the home, a quartzite benchtop can bring sophistication or add dramatic flair — depending on your personal style.”

Deeply veined Pacific quartz from Skheme.

Companies like Skheme play a crucial role in sourcing and supplying high-quality marble and other natural stones from around the world to architects and designers. These materials are used in a wide range of applications, including countertops, flooring, wall cladding, and even artistic sculptures. Skheme's ability to provide a diverse selection of marble and quartzite allows architects and designers to choose the perfect stone to enhance the aesthetic and functionality of their projects.

“The use of these exquisite natural materials can significantly elevate the overall look and feel of a space, making them a popular choice in the world of design and construction.”

Skheme has supplied a wide range of projects with stunning marbles and quartzite from around the world. Here are some of Skeme’s projects that demonstrate the versatility and beauty of natural stone.

A rounded and routed edge makes a feature of the Palladian marble in this blush-infused Sydney house.

Skheme's Palladian marble features on the counter top and their Epoca Blush tiles are displayed on the floor.

BLUSH HOUSE | SYDNEY NSW

Blush House focuses on neutral tones with bursts of personal touches and splashes of blush throughout the home. Playful curves for the ceiling and benches add a level of visual excitement.

Skheme’s Palladian marble adds those special touches of blush in both the kitchen and bathroom with fluted cabinetry adding in the curves that are celebrated throughout the design. Featuring an almost translucent effect, Palladian marble showcases streaks of gold, blush, bronze, and soft grey and due to the nature of marble, can be fabricated into incredible shapes and curves.

Skheme’s Epoca natural stone slabs were used throughout the kitchen and bathroom, fabricated into beautiful island benchtops and vanities.

Skheme’s Epoca marble adds a dream-like appeal

KILLARNEY STREET | MOSMAN NSW

Killarney Street, Mosman is a sun-drenched modernist apartment situated on the top floor surrounded by treetops and sweeping views.

Undergoing a full renovation, the style is heavily influenced by modernist movements as well as a splash of Australian natural landscape themes.

Clean, block elements are the focus here, utilising natural wood and stone for a simple, comfortable, and stylish interior. Skheme’s Epoca natural stone slabs were used throughout the kitchen and bathroom, fabricated into beautiful island benchtops and vanities, including an innovative TV cabinet. Skheme’s Epoca marble is one of our most popular stones. Its soft white and grey veining adds a dream-like appeal while being understated and versatile.

Skheme's Ruby slabs feature in this Mosman home.

PRETORIA RESIDENCE | MOSMAN

Located in the beautiful suburb of Mosman, sits a stunning home where both bathrooms have been recently refurbished. The master bedroom’s ensuite features Skeme’s bright Ruby marble slabs fabricated into a twin vanity unit. The vibrant purple, green and pink hues are the focus of the minimalist bathroom and complement the crisp finishes.

Skheme's Lloret slabs create a recessed detail in the Brookfield Properties HQ in Sydney.

The dark grey marble slabs add a rich depth to the corporate space.

BROOKFIELD PROPERTIES HEADQUARTERS | SYDNEY

Located on Carrington Street in Sydney’s CBD, Brookfield Properties Australian Headquarters features a strong modernist design influence and plays with the vast internal space.

Designed by Bates Smart and built by Multiplex Construction, the Headquarters uses a minimal palette of white, steel and Skheme’s dark grey marble slabs, Lloret. Splashes of deep ochre bring a vibrancy to the otherwise understated interiors.

The gallery-like space plays with light and curves and emphasises the dramatic staircase and multi-level building.

Brookfield Properties HQ featuring Skheme's grey Lloret marble.

New Stones now available at Skheme:

Opal Quartzite

Cara Granite

Pacific Quartzite

Explore stunning natural stones by Skheme