Stone Depot

5 Things Your Travertine Loves (and 5 It Absolutely Hates)

5 Things Your Travertine Loves (and 5 It Absolutely Hates)

Overview 

Biophilic design is all about bringing the calming feel of nature into your home. And guess what pairs perfectly with this style? Natural stone crazy paving tiles! Their organic shapes, soothing shades and intricate patterns help create free flowing and elegant spaces, be it indoors or outdoors. Whether you are styling a backyard, pool area or garden pathway, crazy paving makes everything feel more connected to nature. 

If there is one thing Aussies love, it’s being outside and having fun. Even when we are indoors, we still want a breezy, nature-inspired vibe where sunlight is pouring in, greenery everywhere and materials making the space feel warm and real. That is also the reason why biophilic home design always trends amongst homeowners and designers. It cent per cent makes our homes feel closer to nature. And when you pair biophilic design with crazy paving tiles, the beauty extremely enhances.  

These free form stones have been trending in all kinds of landscapes lately, be it your backyards, patios, pool edges and even living rooms. They slot right into biophilic design because they feel organic, imperfect in the best way and make spaces look more unique and connected. And since they are often made from natural stone like Travertine, Limestone, Marble or Sandstone, they pair beautifully with Australian architecture and landscaping styles.  

What is Biophilic Design? 

Biophilic design is mainly about strengthening our connection to nature. Natural light, earthy materials, different textures, flowing shapes and anything that makes your home feel peaceful and alive becomes a major part of this design style. Instead of sharp lines and shiny surfaces, biophilic design leans into softer edges, calming colours and textures that remind you of the outdoors. In Australia, where outdoor living is basically part of our personality, this design style fits perfectly. 

What is Crazy Paving? 

Crazy paving tiles are pieces of natural stones laid in a random, freestyle pattern. No two stones look the same and that’s the beauty of it. The uneven shapes and varied shades give your space a unique yet timeless look. 

We also call crazy pavers as flagstone pavers. They break into irregular shapes and have lovely colour variations. Being made from natural stones, they are highly durable, weatherproof and last for ages without any frequent wear and tear. From rustic to contemporary coastal, they easily adapt to different styles. 

Why Crazy Paving Tiles Works So Well in Biophilic Design 

Biophilic design celebrates nature’s randomness and that is exactly what crazy paving brings to the table. Nothing feels overly structured or too perfect. The stones sit together organically, much like stones in a forest or pebbles on a natural path. 

Here are why crazy paving tiles and biophilic design are basically best pair – 

The irregular shapes mimic natural landscapes. 

The shades feel soothing and earthy. 

The tonal variations add warmth and depth. 

It works beautifully with native plants, wooden accents, water features and soft outdoor lighting. 

Whether you are going for a modern, coastal or Mediterranean-inspired home, crazy paving fits right in with biophilic design without trying too hard. 

Design Benefits of Using Crazy Paving Tiles for Biophilic Spaces 

1. Natural Shades and Patterns 

As crazy paving tiles are made from natural stones, they often come in warm and soft shades. The soft colour palette makes spaces feel calmer and more cohesive. When the sunlight spreads on the stone, the surface heavenly catches the light in all the right places. 

2. Organic, Free-Flowing Layouts 

Because each stone piece is unique, no two areas ever look alike. The layout feels relaxed and effortless like something you would see in an old European courtyard. This randomness reduces visual rigidity and adds softness to your design. 

3. Creates Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Flow 

Crazy paving tiles are a beautiful way to connect indoor and outdoor zones. When used in alfresco areas, sunrooms or transition spaces, it blurs the lines and makes the entire area feel like one big, open environment. This is exactly what biophilic design wants. 

Where to Use Crazy Paving Tiles in a Biophilic-Focused Home 

1. Patios and Alfresco Areas 

These are the easiest spots to create a biophilic theme. You can add outdoor seating, potted greenery and warm lighting and you have got yourself a cosy forest like garden. 

2. Pool Surrounds 

Crazy paving tiles stay cool underfoot and look beautiful around water. The irregular layout adds a laid-back resort vibe that many Aussie homes love. 

3. Garden Pathways 

Nothing feels more natural than a well-designed natural stone pathway through your garden. Flagstone pavers are perfect for this because they look like something you would find in nature. 

4. Entryways and Sunrooms 

You can use crazy paving tiles in indoor transition spaces to create a cohesive, earthy feel the moment you walk in. 

Conclusion 

Certainly! Granite tiles are an exceptional choice for flooring, presenting numerous advantages that make them a sought-after option for homeowners and interior designers. Here's why utilizing granite tiles for flooring is a commendable decision:

Exceptional Durability: Granite, being a natural stone, boasts remarkable durability. When employed as flooring, granite tiles can withstand heavy foot traffic admirably, rendering them suitable for areas prone to high usage such as kitchens, hallways, and entryways.

Versatility in Finishes: Granite tiles offer a diverse range of finishes, including polished, honed, and flamed. Each finish imparts a distinct appearance and texture, empowering you to tailor your flooring to harmonize with your personal style and preferences.

Resilience Against Wear and Tear: Granite tiles exhibit high resistance against scratches, stains, and moisture, facilitating easy maintenance and cleaning. This resilience ensures that your flooring maintains its allure and practicality over an extended period.

Heat Endurance: Granite tiles possess innate heat resistance, rendering them an ideal choice for areas exposed to hot appliances or direct sunlight, such as kitchens or sunrooms.

Timeless Elegance: Granite's inherent beauty and sophistication stand the test of time. Whether opting for classic black granite or exploring more exotic hues, granite tiles infuse spaces with an enduring sense of refinement.

Enhanced Property Value: Installing granite tiles for flooring can elevate the value of your home. Prospective buyers often perceive granite as a premium feature, augmenting the appeal and desirability of your property in the real estate market.

In summary, opting for granite tiles for flooring represents a prudent investment, offering resilience, adaptability, and timeless allure. Whether embarking on a home renovation project or constructing a new dwelling, granite tiles are poised to enrich the overall aesthetic and value of your living space.

When it comes to selecting the ideal tile for your home, it's crucial to consider both functionality and aesthetics. Let's delve into the options across the categories you mentioned:

Walling:

Cobblestone: Perfect for achieving a rustic and charming ambiance. Ideal for outdoor walls, garden borders, or feature walls in living spaces.

Bluestone: Offers a contemporary and sleek appearance, suitable for both interior and exterior walls. Adds a touch of modern elegance.

Slatestone: Known for its versatility and natural beauty, it's excellent for accent walls or creating a warm, earthy atmosphere.

Flooring:

Marble: Classic and timeless, marble exudes luxury. Best suited for indoor flooring, especially in areas with lower foot traffic.

Stepping Stone: Creates a unique pathway in gardens or outdoor spaces, providing a natural and organic feel, enhancing your landscaping.

How to Choose the Right Tile for Your House:

Consider the Location: Indoor tiles like marble work well in living rooms and bedrooms, while outdoor tiles such as cobblestone or stepping stones are perfect for garden paths.

Durability Matters: High-traffic areas demand durable materials like slatestone or bluestone. For decorative purposes, marble can be used in areas with minimal wear.

Aesthetics and Style: Choose tiles that complement your overall interior or exterior design. Cobblestone and bluestone offer distinct styles for different preferences.

Maintenance and Cleaning: Factor in the level of maintenance each tile requires. Marble may need more care, while slatestone is relatively low-maintenance.

Budget Constraints: Different tiles come with varying price points. Slatestone and cobblestone are often more budget-friendly compared to marble.

Alright, when you're building your dream home, flooring is a pretty big deal, right? So, let's talk about marble, granite, and tiles and help you figure out what might be the best fit for you.

1. Marble Flooring:

Classy Vibes:

Marble has that classic, fancy look. It screams luxury.

If you're into making a statement, this might be your jam.

Stay Chill:

Plus, it stays cool naturally, which is awesome if you're in a warm place.

It's like having a built-in cool spot in your home.

Keep an Eye Out:

But, here's the thing – you've got to seal it regularly to keep the stains away.

And it can get scratched, so you might need a pro to keep it in top shape.

2. Granite Flooring:

Built to Last:

Granite is like the superhero of floors – tough, handles scratches like a champ.

Perfect if your place is a bit of a battlefield sometimes.

Natural Beauty:

Each slab of granite is a unique work of art. Adds a cool touch to your floors.

It's like nature's way of decorating your home.

Color Story:

But, fair warning, you won't get a million color options like some other floors.

So, if you're all about the colors, might not be your first choice.

3. Tile Flooring:

Design Playground:

Tiles are like the artists of flooring – so many colors, sizes, and patterns.

You can basically become a home designer with these.

Wallet-Friendly:

Won't drain your bank account like marble or granite.

A solid choice if you're looking to save some cash.

Easy Living:

Cleaning is a breeze, especially in busy spots.

And if a tile decides to act up, you can just swap it out without breaking the bank.

Hey there! Excellent question! Having had marble tiles at home, I can offer insights into their maintenance. While marble is undeniably stunning, it does require some care. Here's the rundown:

Sealing is Essential: Marble is porous, making it prone to liquid absorption. Sealing is vital to prevent stains. Initially, seal your marble and reapply every 6-12 months, providing a protective shield.

Daily Cleaning Tips: For day-to-day care, a dry mop or a soft broom is effective. Dust and dirt are not marble's best friends. Spills? Wipe them promptly with a soft, damp cloth to avoid long-term issues.

Gentle Cleaning Agents: Opt for pH-neutral cleaners; harsh chemicals can damage the marble's surface over time. A simple homemade mix of water and mild dish soap is both gentle and effective.

Watch Out for Scratches: Marble is sensitive to scratches. Avoid dragging heavy furniture without protection. Felt pads under chair legs and furniture act as superheroes for your marble.

Mind the Etching: Acidic substances like lemon or vinegar can cause etching. Clean spills promptly to prevent damage. Using a coaster for acidic drinks is a small step for you but a giant leap for your marble.

Regular Check-ups: Periodically inspect your marble for any issues. Early detection can save you from major headaches.

Professional Polishing: Every few years, consider professional polishing to bring back that brand-new shine.

Absolutely! Using black granite coping stones, especially the high-quality carbon black granite from Stone Depot, is a great choice for both your pool and garden edges. Let me break down why it's such a good pick:

Versatility:

Black granite coping stones are like chameleons for your outdoor space. They can easily fit into any design, whether you're jazzing up your pool area or giving your garden some extra flair. The sleek and classy look of carbon black granite adds a touch of fancy to it all.

Durability:

Granite is tough stuff! It can handle whatever the weather throws at it, making it perfect for both around your pool and in your garden. It doesn't fade, crack, or get messed up by the elements, so you're making a solid, long-lasting choice.

Heat Resistance:

Poolsides can turn into hotspots, especially on sunny days. But fear not! Black granite coping stones stay cool even when the sun is blazing, giving you a comfy and safe edge around your pool.

Low Maintenance:

Keeping things spick and span is a breeze with carbon black granite. It's smooth, so cleaning is easy, and it's stain-resistant. Your pool and garden edges will stay looking top-notch with minimal effort.

Aesthetic Appeal:

The deep, rich color of carbon black granite is a showstopper. It makes both your pool and garden look extra snazzy. Plus, it plays well with the plants and water features, creating a super stylish outdoor hangout.

Non-Slip Surface:

Safety first, especially around water! Black granite coping stones often have a textured surface, so even when they get wet, they're not turning into a slip 'n slide. Your pool area stays secure.

Absolutely! Natural stone pavers serve as an excellent enhancement for outdoor spaces, introducing a touch of nature's grace to your surroundings. Let's dive into the specifics:

Definition: Natural stone pavers are flat, solid pieces crafted from natural stone, commonly employed in landscaping and outdoor design to establish resilient and visually appealing surfaces. They come in various types, each boasting unique characteristics.

Types of Natural Stone Pavers:

Travertine:

Creamy and porous, creating a classic and rustic appearance.

Well-suited for patios and pool decks.

Granite:

Tough and durable, making it perfect for high-traffic areas.

Presents a polished and sophisticated look.

Limestone:

Soft and earthy, featuring natural color variations.

Establishes a relaxed and charming atmosphere.

Slate:

Rich in colors, commonly used for a textured and rugged aesthetic.

Suitable for pathways and garden areas.

Benefits of Natural Stone Pavers:

Durability:

Resistant to weathering, ensuring longevity in outdoor environments.

Withstands heavy foot traffic and various weather conditions.

Aesthetics:

Natural variations in color and texture provide a unique and timeless appearance.

Enhances the overall visual appeal of outdoor spaces.

Low Maintenance:

Requires minimal upkeep compared to other outdoor flooring options.

Easily cleaned with water and mild detergent.

Environmentally Friendly:

Sourced from the earth, making natural stone an eco-friendly choice.

Can be recycled or reused, contributing to a reduced environmental impact.

Common Uses:

Patios:

Creates a charming and inviting outdoor living space.

Walkways:

Adds elegance to garden paths or walkways.

Driveways:

Provides a durable and stylish surface for vehicle access.

Pool Decks:

Slip-resistant options available, ensuring safety around pools.

Installation Tips:

Professional Installation:

Engage a skilled installer for proper placement and longevity.

Sealing:

Consider sealing the pavers to enhance durability and resist stains.