Over the centuries, what constitutes a ‘modern home’ has changed as much as science, fashion, and media trends have. At one time, windows were small, ceilings low, furnishings crowded, and quarters close to preserve the precious heat from wood or coal stoves, but now, thanks to advances in air conditioning, we prefer large expanses of windows, vaulting high ceilings, and sparsely furnished wide open spaces we can stretch out in! Along with the shifts in architecture, we have seen changes in building materials, an overall shift away from wood and brick walls to durable artificial materials like vinyl and laminate. However, there is still one part of the modern home where traditional building materials are still in play- the flooring!
At one time, carpeting was very much in style, but even though they felt nice under the foot, they were traps for dirt and debris and notoriously difficult to clean properly. Even if you used a powerful vacuum cleaner regularly, they were stain-prone and required expensive shampooing procedures. Considering those difficulties, it’s not surprising that the flooring in today’s modern homes, no matter the material, is smooth and easy to clean, requiring only the occasional application of a Dust push mop to make them shine again! Today, we will consider the most popular flooring option of all time, one that looks just as good in a modern home as it did in the dwellings of man over the ages! Natural stone.
Natural Stone – The timeless beauty of natural stone flooring makes it just as popular today as it was in the halls of the ancients. Natural stone’s polished surface catches the light while you study the intricate grains and swirls that ensure no two pieces are ever exactly the same. Here are some of the many wonderful types you can choose from!
- Granite – Highly durable and scratch-resistant, this is what mountains are made of! Granite’s toughness makes it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas like entrance halls and kitchens.
- Marble – Beloved by the ancient Greeks and Romans, polished marble’s natural shine and the colourful veins running through it make it an eye-catching choice for ballrooms and bathrooms.
- Quartzite – All the strength and durability of granite with delicate traceries and subtle patterns.
- Travertine – The soft sandy shades harken back to ancient Egypt. The earth-coloured dry stone textures make it a terrific choice for outdoor patios and entryways.
- Slate – Highly moisture resistant, this smooth stone with a highly subtle grain comes in a variety of blue-grey and charcoal hues, making it a dramatic choice for large spaces like living and dining rooms.
- Limestone – A powerful blend of beauty, durability, and versatility, limestone can be found in a range of warm hues from soft orange to creamy gold, making it an alluring choice for cosy spaces and fireplace hearths.
Overall, natural stone has several advantages that make it a great choice for the modern home!
- Durable and long-lasting.
- Applicable to both indoor and outdoor use.
- Creates a venerable, luxurious atmosphere.
- Unique markings and textures.
Natural stone spans history from ancient to modern!