Sareen Stone at Marmomac 2025: Global Inspiration, Local Vision

In September, Duncan and Ali attended Marmomac 2025 in Verona, Italy, with fresh insights into the evolving world of natural stone. The 59th edition of the world's leading stone fair brought together over 1,500 exhibitors from more than 50 countries, showcasing innovation, sustainability, and design excellence. "Marmomac is always an energising experience," says Duncan. "This year felt particularly forward-focused. Sustainability, technology, and design were all pushing the boundaries of what's possible with stone."

A Global Showcase in the Heart of Verona

Since 1966, Verona has stood at the centre of the international stone industry, hosting Marmomac where tradition and innovation meet. The city itself reflects this enduring connection: its Roman amphitheatre, built from local limestone and still standing proudly in the heart of Verona, offers a striking reminder of stone’s timeless beauty.

“There’s something poetic about discussing the future of stone while standing among buildings that have stood for hundreds of years,” Ali reflects. “It reminds you why natural materials matter. They’re beautiful and enduring.”

The fair’s scale and international diversity created a dynamic exchange of ideas. With tens of thousands of visitors and exhibitors spanning five continents, Sareen Stone connected with long-standing partners and discovered new boutique suppliers with unique materials and sustainable practices.

The craftsmanship on display at Marmomac speaks for itself. Sculptural stone installations showcasing the full range of what's possible, from polished marble to raw-edged slabs. This is where suppliers demonstrate not just materials, but vision.

Trends That Defined Marmomac 2025

Innovation on display at Marmomac 2025. This sculptural installation pairs carved stone with timber, showcasing the blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design that defined this year's fair.

Natural Texture Takes Centre Stage

A clear design direction emerged throughout the halls: natural warmth and texture. Softly honed and leathered finishes, earthy colour palettes, and understated elegance defined the latest collections. Beiges, creamy travertines, and tobacco-hued marbles created a serene, timeless mood that aligns perfectly with Australia’s contemporary design aesthetic.

“Designers are moving away from high-gloss surfaces toward materials that feel grounded and authentic,” says Duncan. “Texture was the hero this year. Stone that invites touch and celebrates its natural imperfections.”

Biophilic Design and Natural Connection

This trend ties closely to biophilic design, a movement centred on connecting people with nature through materials, colours, and light. By incorporating natural stone, timber, and organic forms, designers are creating spaces that feel more human, calming, and restorative.

Sustainability as Standard Practice

Sustainability was another major theme, reflected not just in materials but also in production methods. From recycled stone composites and water recovery systems to circular economy initiatives, the industry is evolving toward more responsible practices.

“It was encouraging to see how many suppliers are actively rethinking their environmental impact,” Ali adds. “We saw examples of recycled stone used in large-format tiles and decorative panels that looked every bit as refined as traditional products.”

Technology Meets Craftsmanship

Digital technology continues to reshape how stone is quarried, processed, and applied. Exhibitors demonstrated cutting-edge CNC machining, robotic arms capable of intricate sculptural work, and precision waterjet systems producing near-zero waste.

The STONE NEXT exhibition at Marmomac’s Plus Theatre highlighted the fusion of sustainability and innovation. ETH Zurich’s 3D-printed flooring project, made from 80% recycled material, was a standout example of how digital fabrication can give new life to discarded stone.

“What’s exciting is how technology is enhancing, not replacing, craftsmanship,” Duncan notes. “It allows architects and designers to dream bigger, to create complex forms while improving efficiency and reducing waste.”

Bold statements in marble. This Marmomac booth highlights the drama of large-format slabs and book-matched panels, from striking grey veining to warm tobacco tones. It's about showing stone at scale, the way it will actually live in a project.

Global Insights for the Australian Market

With Italian natural stone exports reaching record highs in 2025, global demand for premium materials shows no sign of slowing. Duncan and Ali see this as more than just a commercial trend. It reflects a deeper appreciation for authenticity and longevity.

“In Australia, clients are increasingly asking about where materials come from and how they’re produced,” says Ali. “There’s a shift toward conscious design, choosing stone not only for its beauty but also for its sustainability story.”

The range on display at Marmomac is incredible, from earthy greens and rich tobacco tones to soft neutrals. Each slab tells a different story, and seeing them at this scale helps you understand how they'll work in real spaces. This is where inspiration happens.

New Materials on the Horizon

Emerging market trends suggest opportunities for Australian suppliers to collaborate with international partners and introduce new, responsibly sourced materials to local projects. Sareen Stone is already exploring several promising options, including a neutral Portuguese limestone and a textured Turkish marble ideally suited to Australia’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

When stone becomes art. This mosaic installation at Marmomac shows the incredible skill that goes into working with natural materials, each piece carefully placed to create something both striking and timeless. It's a reminder that stone isn't just a building material, it's a medium for creativity.

Key Takeaways

Reflecting on their visit, Duncan and Ali identified three essential insights for Australian architects, designers, and homeowners:

Sustainability is now central, not optional. Responsible sourcing, recycling, and waste reduction are shaping the industry’s future.

Texture creates connection. Tactile, organic finishes foster emotional engagement with spaces.

Innovation and tradition go hand-in-hand. New technologies are empowering artisans and expanding creative possibilities.

“Natural stone has always been timeless,” Duncan concludes. “But now, it’s also forward-thinking, a material that embodies both craftsmanship and innovation.”

It's all about the details. At Marmomac, you get to experience stone up close—feeling the texture, seeing the natural variations, understanding how it'll actually look and feel in a space. That tactile connection makes all the difference when specifying materials.

Bringing It Home

Attending Marmomac allows Sareen Stone to stay at the forefront of international design trends while maintaining strong relationships with suppliers around the world. That means better quality, more variety, and deeper insights for Australian clients.

“For us, Marmomac is about connection,” says Ali. “With materials, with people, and with the future of design. We’re excited to bring back what we’ve learned and share it through upcoming collections and collaborations.”

Whether in the historic streets of Verona or the modern homes of Sydney, the message from Marmomac 2025 is clear: natural stone remains a material of beauty, endurance, and innovation, more relevant today than ever.