Introduce Dark Opulence

 In recent years, the use of natural and engineered stone in darker tones has surged in popularity. Whether it’s a deep, rich granite in the kitchen or sleek, black marble in the bathroom, these striking stones offer a versatile and timeless aesthetic, which provides the perfect blend of opulence and functionality.

SOPHISTICATED OPULENCE

Opting for natural stone in a dark, sophisticated tone will add a sense of luxury and depth to any space. It is perfect for creating a contrast and pairs beautifully with both traditional and contemporary elements. Engineered stone offers the same eye-catching look, but with an enhanced strength and resistance, making it ideal for areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. Dark blues and greens are popular options, due to their rich yet timeless quality and feelings of grandeur. For a bolder aesthetic, opt for a dramatic black shade and for a subtle contrast, choose a stone that features white veining running through it, as this will help to soften the appearance so it’s less overwhelming.

HOW TO EMBRACE DARK STONE

In order to embrace dark stone opt for a statement piece, such as a granite worktop or fireplace and balance the intensity of the dark tones by pairing it with lighter accents and softer furnishings. A focal point can also be created in the bathroom by incorporating dark natural stone for the shower surround or vanity unit, or in the bedroom as a feature wall backdrop. Metal accents will add the perfect finishing touch to the décor, with brass and matt black hardware exuding a contemporary yet sophisticated elegance.

FILL THE ROOM WITH TEXTURE

Introducing natural stone to an interior scheme will create texture in various ways, offering depth and dimension, whilst a dark finish will add further visual interest to the space. The natural texture and movement within the stone is perfectly complemented by darker hues, with the veining appearing particularly striking. Ensuring there is plenty of natural light will only enhance the texture further. If a home is not blessed with much natural light, artificial lighting can achieve a similar effect, with carefully positioned lighting highlighting and accentuating textures.

PAIR WITH LIGHTER ELEMENTS

When introducing dark stone into the home, it is important to pair the scheme with lighter elements. For example, if a homeowner were to choose a dark kitchen worktop, decorating the walls in a lighter hue would help to balance out the scheme, providing contrast and preventing the space from appearing too dark and moody. Some homeowners have turned to experimenting with colour drenching, but this works best in large rooms which have ample natural light.

1. Cosmic Black Granite, 2. Titanium Blue Granite, 3. Lemurian Blue Granite, 4. Grigio Billiemi Marble, 5&6. Black Tempest Quartzite, 7.Emerald Glitter Granite, 8. Belvedere Satinato Quartzite, 9. Sapienstone Black Diamond & Grey Earth Ceramic.