Functionality, durability and ease of maintenance are the reasons for the wide use of natural stone in covering residential floor surfaces. Its decorativeness represents an important aesthetic element in design solutions that strive to refine the living space. Therefore, it is not surprising that natural stone tiles are amongst the dominant trends in the flooring market in 2024.
Floor. The largest area that dominates the interior. Stone. Once a symbol of luxury, opulence and wealth of ancient palaces, used to build buildings that must last. Stone floors today. A large and diverse market where there is a sea of natural stone tiles, so customers often ask "Where to start?"
If you are still in doubt whether to choose a stone floor in your space, it is important to know what kind of material it is, how to make the best choice for the functionality of the room and which design trends dominate in 2024.
Natural stone floor in living space
Stone Lasts Forever
Stone is an incredibly strong and durable natural material that will last for decades without any problems and with little maintenance. If you want a home where you plan to live for a long time, stone floors are an excellent solution. They are excellent for public spaces where there is a high frequency of people and for the renovation of old houses, where they will fit perfectly in terms of style.
It is excellent as a decoration. It is one of the few materials that can be used both outside and inside at the same time. There are many colors, textures and shapes. The same type of stone in the house and outdoors connects the space and in combination with large windows and sliding doors creates a stunning effect.
In conditions of global warming and high summer temperatures, its ability to stay cool in extreme situations only gives it an advantage. In winter, with built-in underfloor heating, it conducts and retains heat well, so it can become a luxurious way to heat the space.
Types and Shapes of Stone for Interiors
Different types of stone have their own properties: color, hardness, density, porosity, resistance to wear, impact, frost, heat and sound conductivity. The color is determined by the type of mineral that dominates, so the spectrum of colors is rich and diverse.
Granite is very resistant to external conditions and wear. Its color palette is wide, from light gray and yellow, to pink, red and green, with shades of black, etc. It is found all over the world, it is easy to process and polish, so its price is very affordable in relation to its quality. Granite does not forgive mistakes during installation, the floor must be perfectly flat and strong enough to withstand its weight.
Marble is softer than granite and is much more suitable for indoor use. Due to its softness, it is very easy to process. It is sensitive to stains, so spilled liquids must be cleaned immediately. Marble belongs to stones with a high density, so if it is built into a thicker wall, it can be compared to lead in terms of radiation protection.
Marble stone floor
Slate comes in different colors and textures, it can provide both a rustic and modern effect. It is more resistant than other types of stone, tolerates water well and can be an excellent non-slip floor.
Travertine is a porous stone with natural holes that occur during formation. In order to use it, it must be well processed, sealed before installation and once again covered with a special coating. It gives a nice rustic look to the space. If left unprotected, this stone will absorb liquids and create stains on its surface.
Stone Floor Trends in 2024
The stone used in the interior can be cut, polished, fired, carved, edged, and can be of regular or irregular shape. It provides an unlimited choice of possibilities and creations. There are stone blocks, rough slabs and broken, worked tiles on the market that are smooth, polished, matte, rough, brushed or rough.
Natural stone tiles are amongst the dominant forces in flooring trends for 2024. Their refinement and luxurious appeal stand out.
The dark colors of the stone floors, such as black marble, give the space a touch of elegance and character. Dark granite also dominates, which can be integrated into both traditional and contemporary design solutions.
Dark granite stone floor
Designer chic is turned to irregularly shaped stone. Many people are now looking for a certain sense of "imperfection" in their floors. Surfaces with irregular, curved and organic shapes create a comfortable and pleasant environment.
Within the floor trends for 2024, materials with old, burnt and even rusty effects are common. This type of material was already present in bathrooms and kitchens, and now it is moving into bedrooms and living rooms.
Simpler design solutions offer dark tiles as a contrast to the lighter colors of the wall and furniture, or a lighter marble floor that highlights the darker pieces of furniture.
For those who do not follow trends and are true to their taste, manufacturers offer refined and unique textures such as champagne-colored limestone tiles, light cream sandstone tiles with ivory tones and olive toppings, as well as the eternal elegance of a black and beige checkerboard pattern with a tumble finish tiles.