Reinstating existing wall finish, floor or other material which has got traces of history and use all over it might seem quite painful. It is easier to strip the old and install the new, but there are benefits to embrace the challenge. It certainly implies on the look and feel of the space, however leaves you a broad range of aesthetic appearances that you can achieve as a result. Three most common options are to revamp timber floor, expose existing brick wall and reuse various finds creating modern edgy interior accessories. In this same sequence let’s have a look at them in a bit more detail.

/ sanding wood floors: Timber is an expensive natural material that ages beautifully, gaining even more valuable qualities with time. Firstly, it is one of the most hygienic materials which is prone to growing fungus and bacteria or having any pest infestation if properly maintained. This prevents any health-related discomfort which can be experienced around carpets and other unnatural finishes. Wood floors have good heat capacity, which largely contributes to insulating your room, making it look cosy and feel warm. It is also a very durable material with a long lifespan, as it can be sanded at least 5 times depending on its thickness. This means you can have a new looking floor with less effort and time spent than making a brand-new installation. Ultimately, in addition to all aesthetic values that make your home look authentic and luxurious, it also adds actual monetary value to your property.

/ refreshing exposed brick: Strength and longevity are two main qualities for which brick is so often used in construction. What we associate now, when we see it exposed in interiors, is charm, authenticity and historical connection. It adds warmth and texture at almost no expense in comparison to other wall finishes, on top of which - very little maintenance is required. It is not unusual, however, in the buildings that are 100 or more years old, that interior brick courses are not as neatly laid as you might wish. This is due to the specifics of the trade historically, where young masons in training would be learning the trade by laying interior brick walls. Also, it’s not only the craftsmanship, but the brick itself was of lower quality for interior than for exterior walls. However, by simply repointing the joints, the wall can suddenly feel much more attractive and give you the look & feel you aspire for.

/ using old copper pipes for home accessories and ironmongery: It is a great opportunity to get hold of original objects that were part of the building and re-use them bringing character to the space. Old metals, tiles, stone surfaces have inherent material properties that give them value. Durability, even if weathered and transformed with age, is part of the charm and chic of something that is natural and robust as well as flexible in terms of a creative application. A modern contemporary idea can transform and reimagine an object or a part of it and surprise you with its capabilities of function. The risk is that the overall setting has to be thoroughly considered and designed in detail to ensure the new unique object completes the picture tastefully. It has to be a strong idea and a simple design, which preserves the reused element in the best way.

/ Some more: Maintaining existing terracotta tile + keeping original architectural features if there are any (vaulted ceiling, original cornices, fireplaces or chimneys, tainted glass in windows etc.) is a very popular way to add charm to an interior of an existing building. However, like anything to do with old features that are being retained from the past and exposed in the new design, moderation is key. Excess can completely damage the look and the perceived value of the space as well as overwhelm the rest of a very well-considered character.

Further to all the conceptual, aesthetic, practical and monetary benefits discussed above, it is environmentally friendly and respectful to the planet to contribute to waste reduction in this simple and obvious way. Sustainability can be embraced by every little step we take. Re-using existing material, that has aged but yet is in perfect condition, is a big one. It is not only the way to save some money and be original & creative, but more importantly, it is also your way to make a meaningful change on a larger scale.

This short article talks about tips & tricks on selecting natural stone surfaces. Often, we experience excessive doubt and lack of clarity when it comes to choosing materials & finishes for different purposes. It is also quite hard to always rely on the judgment and recommendation of suppliers, hence to make it easier we want to discuss factors that are most important.

The most popular choices are marble and granite, however there are many more that can be used including travertine, limestone, slate, onyx and other.

STEP 1: Consider natural stone factors

Every stone is a unique formation from a different location on our planet with distinctive environmental conditions. Hence, every stone is unique in its qualities and how it reacts to various impacts. Mostly acknowledged features are:

GRANITE is a very structurally strong and impact resistant rock. It is a non-porous surface that never fades it colour, so is very good to use as counter tops. However, to maintain these qualities it is important to regularly reseal it as per manufacturers recommendations. The perfect characteristic of this material which makes everyone want if for the kitchen counter tops is that it is bacteria resistant.

MARBLE is widely appreciated for its aesthetic characteristics. But it is not only beautiful, it is rich with physical and technical qualities too. It is resistant to scratching and due to its strength can sustain heavy loads, which is why it is popular to be used in floors. Yet, appearance-wise, it demands knowledgeable care, as various chemicals might irreversibly impact the finish. Hence, due to being prone to stains it is not advisable to be used for kitchen counter tops, even though it is so attractive.

LIMESTONE and TRAVERTINE are both beautiful stones that mature and weather over time. Stone structure is relatively porous and therefore stains easily, so rarely used in interior applications, unless on walls or other vertical surfaces. Externally, though, it is very popular for both walls and floor construction.

ONYX is very distinct for its rich colour and active pattern. It transmits light beautifully but is also very resistant to physical and heat impact. Application-wise, it is practical to apply it to any surface – table tops, kitchen counter tops or walls which can be designed to let the light through from one space to another.

STEP 2 : Selection process

TYPE of stone chosen for the project depends not only on the designed look and feel intentions, but can be very much driven by the budgetary constraints too. Here the estimations must be considered carefully, as often the price is given in two parts: one is the cost of the raw material per/m2, which is then highly increased by the fabricator’s input. The latter includes cutting to size, applying the necessary finish, forming any designed shape and ultimately installing in place.

FINISH depends on the intended use and aspired aesthetics. The list of options is generous enough to make the stone work for you the way you want.

SUITABILITY or intended traffic affecting the stone has to be taken into account, as some are more resistant and hard wearing than others.

Finally, even though some level of MAINTENANCE is expected for any finish, frequency and type of maintenance will really be affected by how well you choose the stone. Sealing the surface of the stone is important as it will be exposed to various physical and chemical impacts. With a correctly specified seal and detailed maintenance programme, the stone will last for a very long time.

STEP 3: Consider the rest of the palette

Stones have got the exquisite power to add luxurious feel to the space. There is the risk of making the space look heavy and old-fashioned if the stone is overused or not matched correctly with the rest of the palette. Stone is a rich material that often is the hero piece or the accent in any room. By adding a very colourful and highly patterned stone, or using too much of it, in the room that is already busy will create a very overwhelming experience and stone will lose its presence.

STEP 4 : Quality checklists

One quality that is very hard to control is the pattern of natural stone. As obvious as it can be that the look of the natural rock at cut is unpredictable, this is something that you must be aware of. Each stone sample is unique, and it will not be replicated exactly in the final pieces. The pattern and direction of veins can be specified in the design stage, but there is another way too. To ensure the best match to the approved sample, it is possible to choose the slab at a quarry and know what to expect. This, however, will inflate the cost dramatically.

Lastly, the lighting in which the stone will be seen is not less important and has to be taken into account. The appearance of colour and tone can vary a lot depending on how it is lit. Therefore, to avoid disappointment, it is safer to look and pick the stone in a similar lighting condition to the one it will live in.

Ultimately, the beauty and charm of natural materials, stone in this case, is that it inherently has the strength and character that makes it a centrepiece. If the application is well designed and the stone is picked correctly, it will bring you joy indefinitely.