Sponsored by Cav’Art Designer Stone
If there’s one room people used to be wary of using natural stone, it’s the bathroom. But times have changed and with the right advice and guidance, homeowners and interior designers are increasingly specifying marble, limestone and quartzite as the hero in luxurious, hotel-like sanctuaries. Here, we look at four projects where stone is the star of the show, and ask their designers why and how they made their choices.
This bathroom in Sydney’s Maroubra by Kate Lawrence of Kate Lawrence Interiors, features Tundra Grey limestone
The stone was “absolutely integral” to the final outcome, according to Kate, and was one of the first selections she made. “My client had a very clear design vision, and the stone really became the hero in bringing that aesthetic to life. I tend to work with trusted suppliers, so my first stop was Cav’Art. Their team is always generous with their knowledge, which is invaluable in the early stages of a project. We were looking at two different types of limestone, and they advised us on which one offered better durability. That was a key factor for my client and helped us make a confident decision, both aesthetically and practically.”
Kate’s client was quite familiar with the nuances of using natural materials and understood that sealing the stone properly was a non-negotiable part of the process. “We ultimately chose Tundra Grey because it offers a beautiful balance of elegance and durability. It’s a natural stone that really holds its own in a wet environment. In my view, with the right sealing and maintenance, natural stone can perform beautifully in bathrooms.”
Kitchens and bathrooms are the two areas where Kate says people tend to invest the most, both emotionally and financially. “These spaces add real value, not just for potential resale or rental, but also for how we feel in our homes day to day. They’re spaces we start and end our day in, and there’s a strong desire for them to feel clean, calm, and considered.”
The Noblest project by Anita Nader of Anita Nader Interior Design, features Côte d’Azur Marble.
“For me, the stone sets the tone from the initial concept — it really brings the space together,” Anita says. “It’s one of the first design elements I consider, and everything else builds from there.
“This client was a dream — there was never any concern around selection or maintenance, especially after I introduced them to Nathan Karpenko at Cav’Art, who supplied all the stone for this project. I always like to educate my clients, and working with Nathan helps ensure they feel confident and comfortable with the care and longevity of the stone in each space.”
Anita’s a big believer in investing in and elevating the master ensuite and powder rooms in a home, helping give her clients the hotel feeling they’re after. “I include natural stone in all my projects — it’s non-negotiable. I love knowing it’s been specially selected for that one project, and we aim to create a beautiful space that our clients get to enjoy every single day.”
This bathroom in Sydney’s Artarmon by Lori Murray at March Twice Interiors, features Blue Layet Quartzite.
“We’re passionate about natural stone and the impact it can have when chosen thoughtfully,” says Lori. “It’s always a significant design decision for us, but particularly so when the surrounding palette is more subdued or traditional. In those cases, we rely on the intricacies and variation within the stone to tie together subtle finishes and tones and to become a focal point within the space.”
The client shared her vision from the start and was very open to using natural stone — not only in the bathroom but throughout the home. “The beauty of the blue layet quartzite we used is that its unique colour, veining, and tonal variation make it incredibly forgiving over time. Quartzite is also a more durable stone than some others, making it a great option for clients who may be concerned about long-term wear.”
Lori says the idea of home has evolved, and she’s seeing the same level of attention being given to more private spaces like bathrooms as to kitchens or living areas. “Social media and the access it has given to seeing inside other people’s homes has broadened people’s sense of what’s possible in these spaces. It’s almost permitted clients to invest in bathrooms to be just as “designed” as the rest of the home rather than overlooked because they’re not as visible.”
Bathrooms are increasingly being designed as true sanctuaries and Lori says that shift is here to stay: “There’s an emphasis on feeling — not just function. It’s where people begin and end each day, and creating something beautiful, calming, and tailored to the way they live can genuinely elevate everyday life.”
This project in Sydney’s Ryde by Naz Erani of Naz Design, features New York Marble.
“For this project, the New York Marble was love at first sight,” says Naz. “Its intricate veining and striking presence brought a sense of quiet luxury that instantly connected with the rest of the design.”
Naz says the concern about practicality in a wet room did come up with her client, and that it often does. “It’s totally valid. Natural stone can feel like a big commitment. As designers, it’s our role to walk our clients through the pros and cons and help them make informed decisions. But the truth is, with the advanced sealing and protective treatments available today, the maintenance factor is much more manageable. Once clients understand how it works, it usually puts their minds at ease.”
She agrees bathrooms have become much more than just functional spaces. “More and more, our clients are seeing the value in creating spaces that feel personal, luxurious, and calming — like a little retreat within the home. But beyond the immediate enjoyment, there’s also the long-term value to consider. A beautifully designed bathroom can absolutely increase the property’s overall appeal and market value. Whether clients are planning to stay long-term or thinking ahead to the possibility of selling one day, it’s a smart investment that pays off in both lifestyle and return.”
