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Collection by Diana Budds

Romancing the Stone

From the warm tone of travertine to the pitch black of Indian granite to the industrial edge of gabions, natural stone products lend a lot to the tactility and mood of a structure.

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Locally sourced Italian slate covers the ground floor rooms; the coat rack near the entrance is from Zanotta.
Locally sourced Italian slate covers the ground floor rooms; the coat rack near the entrance is from Zanotta.
A modular shelf system by Alu provides a more sculptural take on the classic bathroom vanity in this Toronto home.
A modular shelf system by Alu provides a more sculptural take on the classic bathroom vanity in this Toronto home.
Inside the sleeping cabin, a fireplace built of local granite marks the midpoint between two bedrooms and a bathroom. The floors and walls are wrapped in warm-hued Douglas fir.
Inside the sleeping cabin, a fireplace built of local granite marks the midpoint between two bedrooms and a bathroom. The floors and walls are wrapped in warm-hued Douglas fir.
Only glass separates Farmer and Kozely from their backyard (and Celtic cross reproduction) when they shower. The shower floor is ipe wood; the walls are covered in one-inch-square travertine mosaics.
Only glass separates Farmer and Kozely from their backyard (and Celtic cross reproduction) when they shower. The shower floor is ipe wood; the walls are covered in one-inch-square travertine mosaics.
Stainless steel appliances, including the Sub-Zero refrigerator, Fisher & Paykel dishwasher, and Viking oven and cooktop, are seamlessly integrated with the natural maple paneling that Erik used here and throughout the house. The marble used for the countertops is Bianco Carrara. “It’s just a very clean palette,” he explains.
Stainless steel appliances, including the Sub-Zero refrigerator, Fisher & Paykel dishwasher, and Viking oven and cooktop, are seamlessly integrated with the natural maple paneling that Erik used here and throughout the house. The marble used for the countertops is Bianco Carrara. “It’s just a very clean palette,” he explains.
The tiny budget still allowed room for some strategic splurges, such as the vivid green Verde Ming marble in the house’s only bathroom
The tiny budget still allowed room for some strategic splurges, such as the vivid green Verde Ming marble in the house’s only bathroom
Schenk discovered native flagstone in the basement of Large when they tore away the old wood wall lining, and fell in love with its rough and cool exterior.
Schenk discovered native flagstone in the basement of Large when they tore away the old wood wall lining, and fell in love with its rough and cool exterior.
A large rectangular cut in the back wall of the house creates views from the entrance through a courtyard to the trees and lake beyond.
A large rectangular cut in the back wall of the house creates views from the entrance through a courtyard to the trees and lake beyond.
The Herbsts designed the home with a covered terrace to encourage outdoor living in the island’s temperate climate.
The Herbsts designed the home with a covered terrace to encourage outdoor living in the island’s temperate climate.
A striated concrete wall designed by Pollen Architecture & Design contrasts with the rough limestone rock of the home’s existing stair column.
A striated concrete wall designed by Pollen Architecture & Design contrasts with the rough limestone rock of the home’s existing stair column.