Natural Stone Tiles
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by: Sarah Maple
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Word Count: 512
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I’ve been doing up my kitchen…
Or should I say: we’re doing up the kitchen. The process of ‘doing it up’ is not inherently extraordinary, but in regards to time and space, this relatively simple procedure has come to occupy every last moment and every last centimetre of our lives.
As a family, we always strive to collude in a democratic manner when it comes to important interior design choices; despite some members seeming initially dismissive in regards to the transformation taking place at all. But as they find themselves stepping over power-tools and sheets of chipboard more frequently, I have recently come to expect my wife, son, or even mother-in-law to corner me at an inappropriate time, away from one another, in order to dispel a sudden interest in what’s going on.
The choices of natural stone tiles are currently a subject of some contention. My partner had originally expressed a preference for a blue pearl granite finish, as she claimed that it reminded her of the childhood spent letter-boxing on the Tors in Devon. This shamefully led to my suggestion: that it would only be a good choice if she is willing for that rose-tinted nostalgia of peat and drizzle to be replaced by images of multi-purpose cleaner and the smell of rubber gloves.
Though I hate to think that this has actually deterred her, she has begun to accommodate other tile-related thoughts, whilst my son has some vaguely intriguing ideas of his own. His allegiances lie with marble, but not the expected light grey versions one would expect in the foyer of New Scotland Yard, he wants black. ‘It’s classy,’ he argued. ‘That’s the point of spending the money on the kitchen isn’t it? Because you want to be classy. Well, black marble is about as classy you can get.’
I have to admit, I do find it difficult to accept advice on issues of classiness from a person who yesterday assured me that side-partings are cool again, but the thought of spooning a teaspoonful of brown sugar into an off-white mug of coffee against a black marble tile background does seem enticing – and sophisticated. But it was my mother-in-law’s opinions (and she’s usually such a traditional woman) that were the most unexpected. ‘How about a rusty-reddy colour,’ she said. ‘It’s warm isn’t it? Especially during winter.’
I couldn’t argue with that, there are a good variety of ‘warm’ tiles that range from autumnal to near-molten in colour. But isn’t it a little frustrating to step bare-footed onto a warm looking surface only to be shocked by the less than comfortable contact temperature. Shouldn’t a tile be honest? Cold and proud? I didn’t mention this supposition to anybody of course, they know that the final decision falls to me. And in fairness I deserve that responsibility. After all, one mention of the word grouting, and it’s amazing how alone one suddenly feels.
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About the Author
Stones of Distinction are one of the UK’s foremost importers and stockists of natural stone products sourced from the finest quarries around the world. For more natural stone tiles or all kind of tiles and slates and cast stone for your home, visit the Stones of Distinction website.
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