Interior Design Materials Guide: Choosing the Right Stone for Your Space
At Trevor Fulmer Design, every surface tells a story. Stone, in particular, is one of our favorite mediums; it’s grounded, architectural, and filled with personality.
Whether softly veined or boldly textured, the right stone doesn’t just elevate a space, it anchors it. From sculptural fireplace surrounds to sleek countertops and softly honed flooring, we’re drawn to materials that offer both form and function.
Below, we explore the different types of stone we reach for in our interiors, where we love to use them, and why they’re worth the investment. Discover our tips on how to choose the best stone for your lifestyle, budget, and application.
Blog Contributor:
Sophia Wensberg
“We don’t just choose stone for its beauty, we choose it for its story. The right material brings weight, intention, and a sense of permanence to a space that no other element can.”
- Sophia Wensberg
1. Marble
Best for: Kitchen countertops, vanities, fireplace surrounds, wall cladding, backsplashes
Price: $$$ to $$$$
Marble is a TFD staple; timeless, expressive, and always elevated. Calacatta, with its distinctive, high-contrast veining, makes a dramatic statement in kitchens, powder rooms, and anywhere you want an instant “wow.” Carrara, softer and more subdued, brings quiet sophistication and works beautifully in serene bathrooms or as subtle wall cladding. While marble does require care, we find that its visual impact and historical resonance make it a material worth celebrating. We often balance its natural drama with warm metals and tailored millwork for a layered, high-end look.
In our project Postmodern Naturals, we sourced a stunning green marble and finished the edge with a triple bullnose. This particular slab brought depth, richness, and a tonal cohesion to the green accents we introduced throughout the home; from artwork to upholstery. The sculptural detail of the triple bullnose added volume and presence, turning what could have been a simple slab into a piece of architectural art. It's a perfect example of how we use both material and form to bring dimensionality to a space.
Pros: Visually luxurious; timeless aesthetic; ideal for focal points
Cons: Requires regular sealing; prone to etching and staining
2. Quartzite
Best for: Kitchen countertops, high-traffic surfaces, islands
Price: $$$ to $$$$
Quartzite strikes that sweet spot between beauty and performance. It offers the nuanced veining of marble but with the resilience of granite, ideal for clients who entertain often or have busy households. We love its range: some slabs feel ethereal and airy, others read as earthy and grounded. Honed or leathered finishes add even more depth. Quartzite is a go-to when we’re designing kitchens that need to be hardworking but still feel incredibly refined.
In our Nautical Noir project, we selected a deeply veined quartzite to anchor both the custom dining room built-in and the fireplace surround. This stone had just the right balance of movement and contrast, subtle enough to support the other layered materials in the room, but dynamic enough to stand on its own. The rich tonal variation in the slab picked up on the darker notes in the cabinetry and complemented the moody palette throughout the space. Used horizontally as a surface and vertically as a sculptural cladding, the quartzite added a sense of permanence and quiet strength. It’s a perfect example of how we use natural stone to tie together architecture, materiality, and narrative in a refined, coastal-inspired setting.
Pros: Durable; heat- and scratch-resistant; visually similar to marble
Cons: Can be costly; some slabs require sealing
3. Travertine
Best for: Floors, walls, accent areas
Price: $$
Travertine brings warmth and texture in a way few other stones can. Its signature pores and earthy color palette give it a relaxed, organic feel. We love using tumbled travertine on bathroom floors, shower walls, or even entryways to create a sense of calm, especially when paired with natural wood and aged brass. It’s a more subtle statement, but one that leaves a lasting impression.
Not all stone has to strictly be for countertops or fireplaces, they can be used in accessories and decor. In the guest bedroom of Postmodern Naturals, we incorporated a travertine decorative box to introduce a subtle layer of texture and warmth. Its tactile surface contrasted beautifully with the soft bedding and refined finishes, grounding the space with a quiet, architectural presence. Meanwhile, in Skyline Sophistication, a sculptural travertine side table was placed in the primary bedroom, its creamy tone and organic form added a refined earthiness that balanced the sleek, modern furniture around it. These understated moments highlight how natural stone, even in small doses, can bring depth, material honesty, and design continuity to a room.
Pros: Earthy, warm tones; tactile texture; budget-friendly
Cons: Porous and etch-prone; requires sealing
5. Soapstone
Best for: Kitchen islands, sinks, fireplaces
Price: $$$
There’s something undeniably soulful about soapstone. Its velvety matte finish, natural movement, and rich gray tones give it a quiet confidence. We love how it evolves over time, developing a patina that speaks to use and authenticity. For clients who appreciate natural materials that tell a story, soapstone delivers. It's especially fitting in coastal or historic homes, where subtlety and sense of place are key.
We selected soapstone for the cabinet countertop in Home Health Haven to introduce a tactile, organic element. Its matte finish and natural patina complement the wellness-focused palette while standing up to daily use.
Pros: Develops beautiful patina; doesn’t require sealing; naturally resistant to heat and stains
Cons: Soft surface can scratch or dent; limited color options
4. Granite
Best for: Kitchen counters, outdoor kitchens, utility areas
Price: $$ to $$$
Granite may be known for its practicality, but in the right tone and finish, it can feel incredibly polished; literally and figuratively. We often use granite in outdoor kitchens and utility zones where weather resistance and performance are non-negotiable. Indoors, we gravitate toward honed and brushed finishes to avoid overly glossy surfaces, creating a look that’s modern, textural, and grounded. It’s dependable but far from basic.
The fireplace in Transitional Classic features a honed granite surround that adds weight and refinement to the room. Its natural veining and soft finish provide a quiet contrast to the tailored millwork and traditional detailing.
Pros: Extremely durable; wide range of colors and finishes; ideal for high-traffic zones
Cons: Can feel heavy; polished versions may appear dated in some contexts
6. Bluestone
Best for: Outdoor patios, entryways, walkways
Price: $$ to $$$
Bluestone brings a grounded elegance to outdoor environments. Its dense composition and cool blue-gray tones create a sophisticated yet natural surface that feels timeless in a variety of settings. At TFD, we often specify bluestone in large-format pavers or custom patterns to define exterior transitions with strength and subtlety.
In Urban Outdoor Living, we used bluestone pavers to create a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces. Their durability made them ideal for Boston’s seasonal climate, while their textural quality added a tactile contrast to the structured garden elements and clean-lined architecture.
Pros: Highly durable; weather-resistant; rich, timeless appearance
Cons: Can retain heat in direct sun; may require sealing to prevent staining over time
7. Engineered Quartz
Best for: Bathrooms, laundry rooms, commercial spaces
Price: $$ to $$$
Engineered quartz is all about consistency and performance. For clients who want the look of stone without the upkeep, it’s a strong contender. We specify it often in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and multi-residential projects where functionality and a clean aesthetic matter most. Available in a wide range of patterns and finishes, it can convincingly mimic marble or concrete, depending on the design direction.
The kitchen in Modern Elegance is anchored by an engineered quartz countertop that delivers seamless style with low-maintenance performance. Its clean lines and subtle veining echo the project’s understated sophistication.
Pros: Non-porous; low maintenance; color-consistent
Cons: Not heat resistant; lacks natural depth and movement
Why Work With Trevor Fulmer Design?
At Trevor Fulmer Design, we curate stone the way others might curate art. Every slab is evaluated for tone, veining, and how it will live within the broader context of a space. Whether we’re sourcing a dramatic bookmatched marble or designing a carved limestone bench, we believe that materials should be both functional and emotionally resonant. We don’t follow trends—we follow intention.
Ready to design with material depth? Visit our Services & Process to start the conversation.
At Trevor Fulmer Design, we create modern interiors that feel personal, polished, and deeply connected to their environment. If you're ready to transform your home, we’d love to help you design a space that reflects your style and your view.
Interested in learning more? Explore our portfolio or contact us to start your project.
