Sponsored by Stone Ambassador
We spoke to a number of interior designers who choose our partner Stone Ambassador’s surfaces (Zenith and Vasari) for their projects. Here they share their thoughts on what’s trending in kitchens. From warmth and earthiness, to using different stones (and bolder veins) in the one home, and mixing materials, we’re here to spill the beans!
Arty Kovacs, of Adelaide’s A Fitzgerald Design, is certainly seeing the move towards warmer palettes and she says we shouldn’t underestimate it. “This shift from cool greys, whites and minimalism toward richly layered warm earth tones represents one of the most significant tonal changes in Australian residential design in the past half decade. I think it’s happening because they create a sense of grounding warmth and emotional comfort, connecting interiors to nature and countering the sterility that cooler palettes often bring. By studying material innovation, designer feedback and real project applications, Stone Ambassador ensure new colourways harmonise with the evolving lighting finishes and spatial expectations.”
Arty thinks this shift has staying power, but the good news is there can still be a place for cooler palettes if they’re just warmed up a little. “This can be done via layering warm accent colours, warm lighting, natural woods and accessories which allow existing stones or greys to blend into the warmer trend without a full overhaul.”
In terms of which stone clients are choosing, Arty says they’re often using one stone for island benches and another for splashbacks, or combining stone with textured tiles or mixed finishes (polished and honed) to differentiate zones. “There is certainly growing demand for dramatic veining and high contrast patterns in stones, especially when paired with earthy tones to make the surfaces expressive. In our studio, we are pairing stone and porcelain with warm metals, aged bronze, textured woods, woven natural fibres and matte, oxidised finishes to add depth and contrast.”
Kate Cosgriff, of Melbourne’s Tomorrow Living & Co, says 2025’s kitchens are all about combining minimalism with warmer colours. She loves working with Stone Ambassador because they’re on top of what’s trending, as well as having a family of surface options which complement each other. “They’re great at knowing what works alongside certain cabinetry for kitchens and bathroom vanities. Story and direction also speak volumes when it comes to the Stone Ambassador range as you can see a pattern of a stronger stone surface and then its ‘cousin’ being a more pared back version. For example, the infamous Taj Mahal in the Vasari range has quite a strong and striking presence, but then you’ve got the new Le Taj in Zenith which has a similar undertone but a different overall effect.”
Being able to choose from a vast and complementary range such as Stone Ammbassador’s makes it easier for designers like Kate to introduce different stones in the same home. “For example, I have a current project in Mount Eliza where I have given the hero to Taj Mahal (Vasari Porcelain) in the kitchen and rumpus room and then I’ve drawn it back in the wet spaces such as the laundry and the bathrooms by utilising Travertino Ivory (also Vasari), which was specified to blend more into the travertine tile selections. This allows the Taj Mahal to be the striking stone within the home that you will be sure not to forget, but also allows for an appreciation of the Travertino Ivory in the bathrooms with its beautiful texture and more subtle effect.”
Kate’s also enjoying the trend for Venetian plaster. “It’s simple yet impactful paired with stone materials. Its consistent nature allows it to offset the feature within a stone piece. Not only this, but it’s waterproof so works very well in wet spaces.”
Nikki Hogan, of Nikki Hogan Interior Design in Melbourne, definitely sees the move towards warmth too. “I completely agree that there’s a strong pull toward warmer, earth-based tones in home design and styling right now. But as a timeless designer, I don’t believe it has to be all or nothing. Over the past five years, we’ve seen a big shift away from the black, white, and grey trend that once dominated. The key now is finding clever ways to incorporate these warmer tones without going too far into a passing trend.”
She adds: “For me, it’s about really watching where design is headed, not just what’s hot right now. I look at how people want their homes to feel and choose colours that reflect that shift. That’s why the new Zenith colours work so well with today’s warmer palette — they bring in that earthy, natural vibe people are craving, but still feel timeless and not just trend-driven. I mean have you seen their new Rosé and Le Taj? They will be Hollywood blockbusters!”
She adds: “I don’t see cooler stones or palettes as being replaced by warmer tones, but rather complemented by them. It doesn’t have to be either/or. For example, a perfectly paired walk-in robe in crisp whites and soft greys feels even more special with a Rosé centre island from the Zenith range layered in. It’s about keeping the classics at the core, while adding subtle warmth where it feels right. “If you already have calacatta marble, add warmth through your artworks and styling, leaving you with a timeless canvas that’s still warm and cosy.”
Marija Novosel of Adelaide’s Marija Rose Design, says: “I feel homes have been warming up for a while now. A cosy feel to a home is a win in my books and at my level of the market, stone is a must. I am enjoying more natural patterns and textures being embraced nowadays.”
Naomi Firns of Adelaide’s Naomi Firns Interior Design, adds: “I feel that post-pandemic there has been a big change. Warm tones have that cosy, home-like feel and with so many people working from home and spending more time there, we’re naturally being drawn to that sense of comfort. Life also feels busier than ever, so when we come home, we want to feel calm, and these warm tones really help create that feeling.
“Stone Ambassador has really stayed ahead of the curve. Their new Zenith range includes colours like Le Taj that perfectly capture this demand for warmth and at a really accessible price point.”
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