Keen to embrace the coastal location and honour the prestigious penthouse position, she settled on the intricate texture of Taj Mahal stone from Cav’art Designer Stone to create unique features and maintain flow. The effect is spellbinding. While choosing stone to soften might seem contradictory — incorporated in sweeping curves at the bathroom vanity and around the fireplace in the living room — the surface provides an anchor for the aesthetic of the home’s calming interior.

It’s in the kitchen, though, where the stone’s captivating colour and texture are used to its greatest effect. Combined with premium Farmers cabinetry in limewashed oak and Taubmans Cotton Sheets, it blends effortlessly with the scalloped texture of the island’s base and the oak of the barstools and flooring.

Here, as in other areas, brass highlights — in the form of handles and tapware — were chosen specifically to complement the stone’s creamy tones, with the combination upping the luxe factor.

A soft palette, with a touch of glamour, was the wish from this home’s owners, and it has certainly been granted in this top-floor oasis.

Design Kate Lawrence Interiors
Build iSpace Solutions
Photography Ryan Linnegar Photography

For more information

Cav’art Designer Stone

The post A Stellar Stone Project appeared first on Completehome.

The showroom and warehouse are indeed a treasure trove for the discerning renovator or someone looking to create a unique home for themselves. Pietra Stone Gallery has a large variety of products for different natural stone applications. Categories include tiles for flooring and walls, pavers for the outdoors and pools, slabs for benchtops, splashbacks and vanities, you name it!

Based in Melbourne, Pietra Stone Gallery is among the highest-rated suppliers of natural stone products in Australia. The company directly imports natural stones from many quarries around the world. Pietra Gallery has achieved extensive expertise in selecting, procuring and supplying natural stone from other countries. Its broad range of natural stones includes marble, granite, travertine, limestone and quartzite, with various applications in the construction industry and interior design. The products are ready for immediate delivery too.

Pietra Stone Gallery believes the variety it provides is what elevates it above other companies, and after six years in the business, it is ready for the next step — working with interior designers, architects and builders across the country to create synergy with their design requirements and Pietra’s products. Most of all, they want to see natural stone used more and more across Australia.

For more information

Pietra Stone Gallery

The post Romancing the Stone with Pietra Stone Gallery appeared first on Completehome.

Industry-leading LATICRETE® products provide complete system solutions from the substrate up through the grout for virtually any type of tile or stone installation in commercial, industrial, and residential applications.

LATICRETE offers an array of products for all types of installations, including adhesives & mortars, grouts, sealants, thick-bed mortars and screed, sound control, uncoupling membranes, anti-fracture, vapour reduction, waterproofing, professional maintenance and care products for tile and stone. All LATICRETE products are designed to be compatible with one another, working together to provide a comprehensive, warrantied installation and ways to protect, clean and transform tile and stone projects for years to come.

When selecting the installation system for your project, consider the value and peace of mind that a LATICRETE warranty can bring. LATICRETE provides comprehensive commercial and residential warranty programs. However, our best guarantee is more than 65 years of experience with industrial, commercial and residential installations in every imaginable climate around the world.

Our vast array of premium products covers the entire installation process, and by investing in a LATICRETE system you’re not just getting installation materials – you’re getting the expertise to install them to the highest standards. Our team of technical sales reps are highly trained in all aspects of tile and stone installation, and will be present to provide support, training, and expert information anywhere, anytime.

By using a combination of LATICRETE products to form a complete single source system, both the term and the scope of the warranty are dramatically increased, including up to a lifetime warranty! LATICRETE has got your next installation covered – contact us today to learn more about using a LATICRETE system on your projects!

For more informiation

Laticrete

sales@laticrete.com.au

The post The Most Comprehensive Assortment of Innovative Tile and Stone Installation Materials appeared first on Completehome.

With more than 15 years of experience, he shares some professional advice on the beauty and benefits of natural stone.

Kitchen & Bathroom Quarterly: Tell us how you got started in the natural stone industry.

Nathan Karpenko: I actually studied geology in school and inevitably ended up working with natural stone. I started in 2003 after 13 years in the hotel industry, but it was last year I decided to go out on my own and start CAV’ART Designer Stone. I really had a passion for natural stone and helping people. I could see there was an opening in the industry and saw myself doing something different and daring.

KBQ: What are some benefits of using natural stone?

NK: The main thing with natural stone is that it’s a diverse product. No two slabs are the same and each piece is unique with its own variations. It’s an emotional selection and not something that can be man-made or digitally printed. There’s a focus now on natural stone, with people wanting to invest in themselves. You can pretty much find a well-priced and durable stone to work with most budgets.

KBQ: Do you have advice for renovators using natural stone for the first time?

NK: They need to ask the right questions to ensure the stone is suitable for the applications they want to use it for. We’re open and honest and if they choose something like the wrong kitchen benchtop, we’ll recommend a material that’s better wearing. We also give advice about care and maintenance, which is easy to forget in all the excitement. It’s not a hard thing to maintain if you use a good sealer the first time.

KBQ: Natural stone and porcelain are often used in bathrooms and kitchens, but what are some unconventional design uses?

NK: In the kitchen particularly, people are using it broadly. It was mainly seen as a benchtop material, but designers are using stone all over the kitchen now such as in vertical applications on cabinet doors, as rangehood cladding, on cooktops and splashbacks. Kitchens are bigger now because people need the space for entertaining, so they’ll also have a back butler pantry with porcelain tops because it’s so hard and well-wearing. In bathrooms, people are having a fully integrated sink made of stone or cut the walls from stone.

KBQ: What are some common misconceptions when using natural stone?

NK: Stained marble is the biggest. People always say if a glass of red wine is left on a marble bench it will leave ring marks. It’s a reaction with the minerals in the marble that can etch and burn the face of the marble and occurs mainly in darker or polished finishes. People were using cream and beiges which were on-trend and not as well-wearing as white marble. But now we recommend a honed matt finish and mainly white Italian marble which is denser. And it’s still a really good idea to use a sealer to protect against staining.

KBQ: Which natural stone trends are you seeing now?

NK: Brazilian quartzites are really popular because they’re so beautiful and you get amazing colours, almost like it’s an artwork. The next thing is texture. People used polished marble for years but now it’s more a honed leather finish so you can feel the veins and texture. People love that tactile feel. They’re also available in bigger slabs, which fits the bill for bigger kitchens.

KBQ: What sets CAV’ART Designer Stone apart from other natural stone suppliers?

NK: Being a niche business we really focus on quality over quantity.We don’t want to be the biggest, but we have a good range with great service. We make it a stone selection experience rather than a task. It’s a bit of a daunting process to select stone in a warehouse, so we try to take the fear away and be serviceable and open. We also try to be daring with the colours we bring, colours that people haven’t seen before.

For more information

CAV’ART DESIGNER STONE

The post Q&A with Nathan Karpenko of CAV’ART Designer Stone appeared first on Completehome.

Set beautifully into rural surroundings, this freeform pool sits on a hill with an enviable outlook. Natural stone paving and timber decking have been chosen to complement the style of the pool and gently fit with its environment. Castlemaine random stone paving is the perfect choice for this project, with its warm, earthy tones of brown, gold and terracotta. It’s sourced from the original Castlemaine stone quarry in Central Victoria, one of only a few local quarries still producing.

This iconic stone has been mined since 1953 and has truly stood the test of time. It’s a popular choice due to its durability, gorgeous colouring as well as its availability in so many forms. It’s also slip resistant and salt tolerant, which is why this unique stone is ideally suited to use around pools where these factors are so critical.

“The organic-shaped Castlemaine stone steppers add another earthy element to the picture,”adds John Hardy, sales and marketing manager at Yarrabee & Castlemaine Stone Solutions. Castlemaine random paving has also been used on the ledges and steps within the pool and as the waterline tile.

Timber has been incorporated into the landscape design — both the fence and also the pool surrounds. Around the edges of the pool the paving is broken up with random circles of timber decking to add texture and visual interest. “The rustic timber frame to the pool fence and the vertical timber fence add to the natural charm,” says John.

The pool was constructed by Aquadreamz Luxury Swimming Pools and designed by Lilly Sabo of Sabo Design Landscape Architects. The landscaping completed the project thanks to the fantastic workmanship of Michael Stephenson and his team at Formed Landscapes. “The finish and attention to detail are superb,” says John. “Perfectly aligned rounded timber elements and beautifully jointed Castlemaine Random Paving give this project the feel of quality it so richly deserves.”

For more information

Yarrabee & Castlemaine stone solutions 

Aquadreamz Luxury Swimming Pools 

Sabo Design Landscape Architects 

The post Enhance Your Pool With A Natural Stone Paving appeared first on Completehome.

After you’ve carefully selected a beautiful stone or masonry finish, and once your project is complete, it’s time to protect these porous surfaces which are prone to staining and damage over time with a permanent stain protection. Tiles, pavers and stone, especially near pool areas, can discolour and appear dirty due to the ingress and movement of water and impurities carried throughout the surface.

STAIN-PROOF sealers provide a permanent water- and oil-repelling barrier that protects against these forms of damage, extending the life of porous materials, reducing cleaning costs and keeping surfaces looking better longer.

Why protect porous poolside surfaces:
• Reduce maintenance
• Increase the lifespan of the surface
• Protect your investment
• Lower the need for contractors to be called back to jobs to fix issues

The chemistry in the STAIN-PROOF range of sealers is unique. Specially engineered molecules that are hundreds of times smaller than competitor sealers penetrate much deeper into the pores of the material, where they then bond permanently without affecting its look or breathability. This uniquely deep water- and oil-repellent barrier not only protects against staining, but also against structural damage caused by water ingress, freeze-thaw spalling and salt efflorescence.

With STAIN-PROOF sealers and cleaners, you know you’re getting the best protection to ensure your one-of-a-kind project continues to look good for many years to come. So why would you risk the end vision by using anything but the STAIN-PROOF range of world-leading sealers, consolidators and enhancers to protect your creation?

STAIN-PROOF is a part of the ICP’s specialty coatings, adhesives and sealers. To find your nearest dealer or accredited applicator, visit stain-proof.com.

For more information

Stain-Proof

The post Protect Your Pool With A Permanent Stain Protection appeared first on Completehome.

A passionate striving for perfection — from design theories to intricate details — has earned the company a well-deserved reputation among Australia’s best when it comes to kitchens and bathrooms.

A key to Enigma’s success is its energetic and positive approach to every project. The team view each job as an opportunity to add value through outstanding design and vast industry knowledge. Upon initial communication with an Enigma designer, a client will feel confident that they’ll be well looked after and offered a complete service that’s hard to find. Product selection also plays an integral role in Enigma Interiors’ success.

Making the right choice when considering painted finishes, laminate, timber, metal, glass, engineered stone or solid surface (Staron) will have an effect on longevity, functionality and the price tag.

For example, natural stone is often used when appropriate, but discouraged when not fit for purpose. This is why some of Enigma’s most awarded projects have featured Staron Solid Surfaces as benchtops, splashbacks and feature items.

Staron is durable, offering low maintenance, visual appeal and, more importantly, the ability to be seamlessly formed into intriguing shapes. From coved splashbacks to Origami-like island sculptures, Enigma Interiors has relied on the use of Staron for impressive results.

Since establishment, Enigma Interiors has manufactured and installed their creations, giving them the advantage when it comes to quality control, scheduling and costing. This also means a customer has the ability to see their project progress at every stage. Workshop staff are encouraged to take their time, get things right, rectify any mistakes and treat each job as though it was their own.

One call to Enigma Interiors and you’re in good hands as they guide you through the journey of designing and producing something truly special.

For more information

Enigma Interiors

The post Stunning kitchen by Enigma Interiors appeared first on Completehome.

SAI Stone’s innovative one piece pool corner brings seamless style to any pool design. This specially-cut paver creates a pool corner from just a single piece of coping, rather than the three to five pieces most commonly used. This gives any pool a pared-back and minimal aesthetic while also making installation easier and more cost-effective for builders and pool owners alike.

A one-piece pool corner also has the benefit of producing a truly perfect rounded corner whether working with an internal or external pool corner. Thanks to SAI Stone’s on-site templating system, many shapes are custom-created, meaning that the corners flow beautifully with each other in a way that is not seen with traditional pool corners. SAI Stone’s on-site templating system can even be used for a fully curved pool design.

SAI Stone are able to offer their one-piece pool cornering system in all stones and profiles, including Bluestone, Granite and Marble. Their local stone masons are highly skilled in curving stone and specialise in applications such as curved swimming pools and stone edging. Plus, with over 6000 linear metres of coping in stock at all times, SAI Stone is guaranteed to have the supplies needed for a residential project of any size.

For more information

SAI Stone

The post One-piece pool corner: an innovative paving solution appeared first on Completehome.

For homeowners Andrew and Samantha, it was a natural choice to use Antique Stone as they had known company owner Ian Stott for years, so they approached him to work on their pool renovation. “I already knew Andrew as we are both involved with Junior Aussie Rules clubs in Sydney and have been opposing coaches for a number of years,” explains Ian. “When it came to this renovation, Andrew called me and advised what he wanted to do. We met on site and discussed the options, and he realised there would be plenty of cutting of stone if he chose to use travertine. As a result, both he and his wife Samantha decided they could get a much better finish if they used Antique Stone pool coping and pavers.

“There are plenty of curves, so it means there was less cutting for the installer and you get a nice smooth finish around the pool edge. As we make the pool coping to size, you don’t end up with a multitude of cuts when placing the stone around a curved or freeform pool. It also matches the pavers we produced, along with the skimmer box lid and stair treads. The homeowners couldn’t have been happier with the result.”

Pool coping by Antique Stone adapts to the surrounding area, making it the perfect product to enhance value in a pool or entertaining space. Antique Stone provides pool coping in a wide variety of edge profiles to suit a range of tastes and styles, and can be connected to multiple sides of any piece. The product has a high non-slip surface, especially when wet. It is also cooler under the hot sun compared to sandstone, travertine and limestone, which is very important during scorching Australian summers.

Antique Stone has been operating since 1996 and Ian Stott has owned the company since 2002, specialising in pool coping, stair treads and wall capping to specific shapes and sizes. “This minimises cuts, which reduces the cost to install and waste to go to landfill,” says Ian.

Antique Stone carefully considers the environment in its operations. “Our factory has been recycling water and a majority of our waste for years,” says Ian. “As the stone is produced in Australia, we don’t have to utilise fuel to bring it by boat from the other side of the world, so our products are less damaging to the environment around us. Also, as the coping is made to the shape of the pool, we minimise the cutting required, meaning less waste to go to landfill and less dust in the air to affect people’s respiratory systems.”

The products are manufactured in Goulburn, NSW, and Antique Stone supplies mostly to New South Wales and Canberra.

For more information

Antique Stone

The post This stone pool coping is highly versatile and functional in any space appeared first on Completehome.

WK Quantum Quartz surfaces offer you maximum design flexibility, with more than 40 inspirational colours to choose from. It is the premium choice when looking for low maintenance, durability and superior quality. Complete the look with a seamless QUANTUMSIX+ porcelain splashback; at just 6mm thick it’s sleek, sophisticated and available in a stunning array of natural stone inspired colours.

WK Quantum Quartz offers a wide selection of natural stone, including marble, granite, limestone and travertine, sourced globally from the world’s finest quarries, so you can be sure that there is an option to suit every home.

WK Quantum Quartz has a network of distributors supplying Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and New Zealand.

For more information

WK Quantum Quartz

Originally from Best Homes magazine, Volume 10

The post Stylish surface solutions appeared first on Completehome.