As an interior designer or architect, you will want to be selective with whom you trust and choose as your dedicated stone supplier. You need to remember that for many clients, the choice of stone represents the biggest material selection within their project. Think of the disappointment your client will feel if the buying experience is not to a high standard or even worse, the material selected has flaws and not to their satisfaction.
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White marble is just a beautiful type of natural stone. It creates a minimal, sophisticated aesthetic and it’s not difficult to see why it’s chosen for so many luxurious residential and commercial projects around the world as a material for use both internally and externally. As marble is a natural stone which is rich in calcium, it will continue to subtly change over time adding to its character. White marble is especially susceptible to these intricate changes. Once white marble is properly maintained and cared for, its unique beauty will continue to shine over the years. Here at Euro Marble, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite types of white marble and their best uses for your
project:
Carrara marble is an extremely popular white marble here at Euro Marble in Sydney. It’s a very clean stone with subtle grey veining. Identifiable by its thin, feathery, linear grey veins against a white background, carrara marble has a delicate vulnerability to its aesthetic. Many of our clients are building designers, architects and end-users who purchase carrara marble for use as kitchen benches, backsplashes, statement fireplace surrounds, floor tiles and shower walls.
Calacatta is a classic Italian marble with a slightly more pronounced colouring than carrara marble, which hails from the same region. It contains grey, beige or gold tones against a warm white backdrop. Calacatta marble is a great choice of natural stone for fireplace surrounds, large floor tiles, backsplashes and kitchen or bathroom benchtops.
Calacatta is a classic Italian marble with a slightly more pronounced colouring than carrara marble, which hails from the same region. It contains grey, beige or gold tones against a warm white backdrop. Calacatta marble is a great choice of natural stone for fireplace surrounds, large floor tiles, backsplashes and kitchen or bathroom benchtops.
Statuario marble is almost a hybrid of carrara and calacatta in its appearance. The white in statuario marble is quite striking in its brightness and this makes it a valuable natural stone. It’s long been used to carve statues and this popularity has crossed over to residential and commercial construction. Our customers often use statuario marble for large floor tiles, kitchen benches, backsplashes or even wall panels.
Thassos is a white marble which heralds from the island of Thassos in Greece. It’s known to be a ‘sparkly’ marble which is great for brightening up rooms due to its light-reflection qualities. Thassos marble is often used for staircases, kitchen and bathroom countertops as well as floor tiles.
The above are just 4 of the white marble options available here at Euro Marble. We also have Santorini white marble and royal white marble as well as white options in other types of natural stone showcased below.
Call or email us today or drop into our Sydney Showroom to discuss your white marble or other natural stone requirements!
One of the most common questions we get asked by clients here at Euro Marble is “How much will our natural stone benchtop cost?” We understand that kitchen renovations can be an intimidating experience due to cost but if you consider the value a new marble benchtop provides t your home or office space and you regularly maintain the surface then the investment is almost always worth it!
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When exploring for natural stone options for your new build or renovation, you would have no doubt come across a variety of different types of Calacatta marble. Its logical to assume that because all these materials share the same name, that they all look alike and are the same.
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Once used to grace the insides of churches, hotels and large estates, today white marbles like Statuario Venato are easily accessible to source to help add that touch of luxury to homes, bars, restaurants, commercial lobbies, offices and building exteriors.
Statuario Venato is one of the most popular and sought after materials in the world, quarried in the Carrara region of Italy that is timeless and has been used for centuries. The luxurious and dramatic stone can be used to clad walls, flooring and useable surfaces however there are a few pointers to note before making the commitment to purchase this stone:
Statuario Venato is Grey and White in Colour
Marble Always Needs To Be Sealed
Clean The Natural Stone Promptly
Use PH Neutral Detergents
Inspect the Slabs
Here at Euro Marble, we have a variety of different sizes and thicknesses of Statuario Venato in stock including:
2cm Thick Slabs
6cm Thick Slabs
At Euro Marble, our stone experts travel to Italy to physically inspect the blocks prior to purchasing to ensure that only the very best materials land on our shores and into your kitchen or office space. Check out our Online Inventory of rare and precious natural stones or call us on 8585 2999 to speak to one of our professional sales staff in arranging an appointment to view these in person.
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If you’re in the market actively searching for interior surfaces for your residence and commercial projects or have been in the past, you no doubt would have come across the material “Quartzite”. If you have been scratching your head wondering what it was and where it came from, we can assure you that you haven’t been alone.
Below are a few details about what you need to know before you venture down the path of purchasing a quartzite material:
Quartzite is quarried in blocks and cut into slabs like any other natural material. It is a strong metamorphic rock that starts as a sandstone and over time and under immense heat and pressure turns into the quartzite that it is. The material is great for kitchen benchtops, vanities, fireplaces, walls and stair treads and risers
Quartz is a man-made, engineered surface and must not be confused with the natural Quartzite material. As they both have similar sounding names they are often mixed up by builders, architects and interior designers however their properties differ.
If you’re looking for a natural Quartzite slab that will make a long lasting impact, take a glimpse into our Super White product
Quartzite is similar to a granite in the sense that it is very durable and resistant to many chemical attacks, extreme hot temperatures and scratches. As its formed, the empty spaces within the sandstone are filled with what is known as Quartz (the hardest known mineral) and once fused together with the added combination of heat and pressure the stone and will stand up to what can be dished out. There are many varities of performing Quartzites so be sure to ask your stone professional for assistance in this area.
Quartzite like all natural stone isn’t completely indestructible. Like all natural stones it will still need to be properly sealed and maintained. All spills from acidic liquids or foods should be wiped up promptly and the stone should be cleaned with PH neutral detergent to promote its longevity.
Many fabricators and suppliers will throw around the term Quartzite quite loosely in the industry. It may often be the case that they are describing a marble or dolomite material so it is important to talk with your provider of choice and completely understand what is required to maintain the quartzite of your choice.
Quartzites present us with a sophisticated, earthy toned backdrop that is trending in interior design right now. The stones typically creep towards the lighter colours like grey, whites and beiges that often resemble the look of marbles however with less maintenance.
visit us at Euro Marble and one of our expert sales staff will take the time to show you our vast collection of Quartzite materials that will wear well in the application you had intended to use it in. Give us a call on 8585 2999 or email us at sales@euromarble.com.au to organize an appointment.
Euro Marble is often visited by many who are remodeling or building new kitchens. They love the look of Italian white marble and are shown three different types being: Calacatta, Carrara and Statuario. This almost always begs them to ask the question, “Does it matter which one we choose? Aren’t all Italian Marbles the same?”
To the untrained eye, most white marble materials may look the same however there are differences. The most popular Italian marbles are from the Calacatta, Carrara and Statuario families mentioned above. From block to block, these three types may resemble one another however there are distinct differences and it is important to explain so you are selecting the right one for your design intent.
The Carrara marble tends to be more of a greyish to White in background colour with less large dramatic veining and more fine, linear veining that graces the slabs
Calacatta marble is prized for its white to milky white backgrounds with dramatic, thick veining that can range from grey to taupe coloured with undertones of brown and gold. Calacatta marble is far more luxurious and often bears a higher price tag than its counterpart Carrara.
Statuario is the most precious of them all known for having a stark contrast of a crisp white background and grey veining with little to no gold or brown coloured veining.
All three families will vary from slab to slab and from block to block as no two slabs are identical. The unique appeal of each marble slab is what makes each project personal and a reflection of the consumer’s individual style. What is most important than deciding between the three names is choosing a stone that is aesthetically fit for the area in which you had intended to use it in.
At Euro Marble, we have a vast display of precious, exclusive and rare Italian marble varieties. You can see these in person at our showroom and warehouse conveniently located 15 minutes from Sydney’s CBD or visit our sample galley page of Italian marble for a sample snapshot.
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Home Renovations can transform homes from drab to fab. However, not many of us have unlimited funds so we need to make decisions on where to spend to make sure we are getting ‘best bang for our buck’.
Suzanne went further, acknowledging ‘not money of us can afford to spend from an unlimited amount of money, so knowing where to be savvy with where you decide to spend up, and where you can save comes down to making smart choices. By making smart decisions about selections and fittings, you can save a heap of money, while still getting a great home renovation. Suzanne has put together her top five tips on where to save and when to splurge on your home renovation.
Home renovation by Amerex Renovations and Additions featuring a stunning kitchen makeover.
By far and away, a stone benchtop is an absolute must. If you can only afford to spend up on one splurge item then this is it. I would say that almost 100% of our clients are choosing natural stone benchtops in their home renovation and extension projects nowadays. They have simply set the benchmark for quality homes.
Why are they so popular? They look good, feel nice to touch and with durability and longevity on their side, they will continue to provide style and class to your home for years to come.
They are easy to look after and if and when the time comes to sell your home, a great kitchen is one of the big ticket items that many home buyers are looking for. It stands to reason then that a stone benchtop will contribute to the value of your home both now and into the future.
Kitchens are the hub of the home and scrimping on costs on this room is something that you will regret later on. If your kitchen does not stand the test of time due to poor quality finishes and fixtures, it may limit the resale value of your home.
Your kitchen is used every day and needs good quality fixtures, appliances and finishes to withstand the treatment it will get. Spend here and thank yourself later.
Quality choices mean that you won’t be stuck with replacing tap ware or repairing your cheap appliances in just a couple of short years. This could you more over time than if you had chosen better quality in the first place!
If you don’t have home security, get it. If you are about to undertake a home renovation, there is a good chance you will need to perform electrical work too.
This provides you with the perfect opportunity to build in security at the same time as other electrical work. Doing it at the same time will be less expensive that fitting at a later time.
Not only that, but an effective security system will save you money in the long-term while providing you and your family with great peace of mind. You cannot put a price on keeping your family, possessions and home safe. So while this will initially cost money to set up and install, it will save you in so many ways. Including savings on insurance claims for theft and damage (which often leave you out of pocket), and also help prevent a break-in to your home, saving you from the stress, inconvenience and emotional trauma that this can cause.
Bathroom tiles can look great without being expensive. Seek out the assistance of a local tiling company or interior designer who can help you to design and select tile patterns and colours to match your style, without costing you a fortune.
There are often sales where you may be able to get premium quality tiles at a discounted rate. Tiles are often reduced to clear the last remaining stock, so a word of caution, make sure there is enough stock to meet your needs, while also allowing for wastage. If you get close to the end of your renovation and do not have enough tiles and need to order more, chances are they may come from a different batch, so you may find that the colour or texture may vary and therefore not match your existing tiles.
By choosing appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, refrigerators and freezers with a high energy rating you can save on future electricity bills. You will need to balance out the purchase cost with the long-term savings to make sure that you end up in front.
Ideally you will find a find an affordable appliance that also has a high energy rating so that you are winning on both fronts. With energy bills seemingly on the rise everywhere, this is a smart idea to save you money on an ongoing basis. Choose wisely now and thank yourself over and over in the years to come when those bills roll in.
Smart choices and a blend of both splurge and save items for your home renovation can really deliver great ‘bang for you buck’ in your home renovation.
Think beyond the immediate cost of an item and factor in the long term benefits and rewards too. Sometimes spending more for an item initially will deliver cost savings in the future!
We talk to Suzanne Burke, the General Manager at award-winning renovation company Amerex Renovations and Additions who said ‘Doing an entire renovation on the cheap is not recommended and can look terrible and even devalue your home instead of adding value’.
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Image Source: https://pixabay.com/photo-3689922/
This article was written by Culpan & Company.
Building the custom home of your dreams is an exciting but extremely involved process. There are a wide variety of things to consider and hundreds of choices to be made. That’s why your input is so valuable to the custom home builder you’re working with. Once you settle on an overall design, you’ll need to start thinking about the smaller details like what kinds of materials you want used for impactful features. That’s why it’s important to consider the many key benefits of incorporating marble into your custom home design.
While it may not be the first material that comes to mind when building a custom home, marble has been historically used as one of the most beautiful and lasting materials in the world. In fact, it has been used to create numerous well-known statues, buildings, and more. If you’re searching for ways to leave a lasting mark on family and friends while increasing the value of your home, it’s important to consider adding a number of marble features in your custom home design.
First and foremost, marble is a popular choice due to its durability in a wide variety of conditions. In fact, many historical structures worldwide have lasted hundreds of years and still stand today in pristine condition. This makes it the ideal material for various home construction aspects, especially indoor features. Even more, when you don’t have to worry about the elements, you can feel good knowing your features will last a long time while looking as beautiful as the day they were installed.
As one of the most recognizable materials in the world, marble comes in a variety of shades and colours. Even basic white, marble will catch the eye of your visitors instantly. That’s because it glistens under any light while creating a smooth surface, making it the ideal material for your bathroom, kitchen, and other areas of your home. It also comes in a variety of shades and colours, providing you with more flexibility in terms of overall design.
Typically, marble is sourced from large quarries in large slabs that can be crafted into distinct designs by specialty craftsman. Because of its versatility, it can be displayed in a wide variety of ways around your home. These include:
As a durable material in extreme temperatures, marble can be crafted into an elegant fireplace surround. With the ability to engrave custom designs, marble is the perfect choice for those who want to include intricate, unique features into their home design.
Due to its exceptional heat resistance, marble countertops are a favourite among those who love to cook. Stunningly beautiful it’s also resistant to scratches, breaking, and cracks making it a great choice over other countertop materials.
When it comes to historical structures, marble columns are found in some of the most famous and recognizable buildings in the world. As a reliable building material, marble columns create a luxurious and classic atmosphere inside your custom home.
If you really want to wow your visitors, adding a marble staircase can leave a lasting, powerful impression. Even better, you won’t have to worry about any wear and tear that’s common with wood-based stairs or pesky creaking in changing weather conditions.
Given its ability to come in a wide variety of shades and gradients, marble is the ideal home building material. If you want to elevate the decor of your custom home, it’s important to have your custom home builder reach out to a leading provider of quality marble products with your personalized design and ideas in mind.
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While there are many options when it comes to materials for flooring your home or business, few
have the impact of natural stone. It’s aesthetically luxurious and sophisticated, and cool to the touch during our hot Australian summers. However certain types of natural stone are better suited to certain rooms based on their composition and susceptibility to things like spills and heat among st other factors. At Euro Marble, we’re often asked about the pros and cons of different types of natural stone for flooring different rooms, so we’ve compiled the below list to help you choose the right stone for your dream floors:
Best Natural Stone for Kitchen Floors
For most Australians, the kitchen is one of the most high-traffic areas in your entire home. As a result, kitchen floors will be exposed to all sorts of spills and splatter, excessive heat close to ovens and high foot traffic to boot. Because of this, it’s important to choose a natural stone which will be functional as well as visually beautiful. Typically, granite and limestone are popular choices for kitchen floors as they are slightly more robust and less porous than stone like marble. Regardless of which natural stone you opt to use for your kitchen floors, it’s important to correctly seal and maintain them to keep them looking pristine for decades.
Best Natural Stone for Bathroom Floors
Natural stone can really take a bathroom to another level from a design and luxury standpoint.
However, bathroom floors will inevitably be exposed to surface water no matter how careful you
are. Granite is probably the best option for most main bathrooms as its not very porous and is less susceptible to absorbing moisture when compared to other types of natural stone. Any spills should be cleaned up quickly as they may contain acidic substances found in shampoos, body wash or even bleach or cleaning detergents used in bathrooms. Again, properly sealing and maintenance must be applied when choosing natural stone floors for a bathroom.
Best Natural Stone for Outdoor Flooring
When it comes to using natural stone as tiles or pavers for outdoor areas, travertine can be a great option. It’s a beautiful stone and is also very durable. When left unpolished, travertine has great anti-slip properties making it perfect for around the entrance of a house or by a swimming pool.
These are just some options for the best types of natural stone to use as flooring in different rooms around your home or business. Other areas such as living rooms or hallways can be ideal for marble as there is less potential of constant spills etc.
Get in touch with Euro Marble in Sydney today to discuss your individual project and we can offer friendly advice about the best natural stone for it!
