May 24, 2025
Hi Reader,
This week’s newsletter showcases Quartzite and other surfaces and materials that can help you make a bold statement in any space, while enjoying the benefits of durability, low maintenance and timeless elegance.
Quartzite has become increasingly popular as a luxury residential surface material over the last 10 years, as its availability has increased to meet growing demand, largely due to advancements in extraction methods.
During a recent presentation given by Decolores’ Thais Aiolfi, a geologist who focuses on natural stone, we learned the history and importance of modern quartzite extraction and the stone's superior qualities to its natural competitors: marble and granite.
Quartzite, a natural metamorphic rock, rivals marble's natural beauty, while also offering the durability of granite.
When considering luxurious, durable surfaces, homeowners need to consider a number of factors for their projects and rethink the versatility of existing materials for alternate uses. For example, we have marveled at the use of quartzite for flooring, interior and exterior wall cladding, and as artistic focal pieces — a form of natural art — as chairs, tabletops and wall décor.
Flavio Silva, of Elements Room in Southern California — where the presentation was held — said it best as he proudly and succinctly referred to quartzite and its natural stone peers as "God's Art".
Other low maintenance, high durability, attractive surface materials that we have covered include: Cork; Reclaimed Wood; Copper; Porcelain and Ceramic; and Millboard.
As we learn more about these materials, we have noticed a proclivity toward experimentation by top designers, as they gravitate toward materials that are environmentally safe, luxurious, and adaptable for inventive new applications and extensions.
PS: Our previous newsletter can be found here and our archive here.
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