Every unforgettable kitchen remodel truly begins with a single focal point that sets the tone for the entire space. In the heart of the home, nothing inspires awe quite like exquisite stonework. Stone unites timeless elegance with unmatched durability, tying together every corner of the kitchen. Its natural patterns and textures infuse the room with warmth, depth, and beauty, all while offering practical benefits for daily living. Let’s explore how to thoughtfully incorporate stone into your kitchen remodel, drawing inspiration from our recent project for a family in St. Louis, where stunning quartz countertops and a dramatic backsplash breathed new life into their living space.
Food Prep Area Countertops
It should come as no surprise that countertops are one of the most impactful ways to showcase stone in a kitchen. These kitchen fixtures draw the eye of any visitor or homeowner alike. However, they also need to be functional for everyday tasks.
Stone countertops are valued for their exceptional strength and durability. These natural materials are highly resistant to scratches, chips, and wear and tear that come with a well-loved kitchen.
Popular choices for stone in the kitchen include:
- Granite
- Quartz
- Marble
- Quartzite
- Soapstone
The heat resistance of stones allows you to place hot pots and pans directly on the surface. Many stone countertop options, including quartz, are non-porous and easy to clean. That makes them less susceptible to bacterial growth from food than other materials.
Visually, stone countertops offer a high-end, custom look. Each slab features unique veining and color variations, making them functional art pieces that enhance the beauty of your home.
In a recent St. Louis remodel, the family opted for quartz countertops, appreciating their blend of style and practicality…especially with kids. Quartz is non-porous, resistant to staining, and easy to maintain.
The stunning white quartz featured subtle veining that added visual interest without overwhelming the space. Its luminous finish reflected light, making the kitchen feel brighter and more open. It paired beautifully with the wooden cabinetry, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere while still maintaining a touch of elegance.
Island for Hosting
Once countertops are chosen, their versatility allows you to extend the same beautiful stone throughout the kitchen, including the island.
Matching the island stone to perimeter countertops creates cohesion and flow, while choosing a contrasting stone can make the island a dramatic focal point. Coordinating the stone’s color and finish with cabinetry ensures a balanced, harmonious look.
In the St. Louis remodel, the family used the same quartz on both their bar and island. This decision created a seamless, cohesive look that unified the space.
Choosing the porcelain-esque quartz with black and gray veining gave a modern vibe that worked well with the medium-hued wooden cabinets. The light, airy quartz contrasted gently with the wood, making the kitchen feel more open and spacious.
Demand for kitchen islands has skyrocketed over the last decade for good reason. Islands have evolved from simple prep stations to multifunctional hubs for cooking, dining, and entertaining.
Modern families value the extra workspace, storage, and seating an island provides, making it a central gathering spot for casual breakfasts to lively dinner parties. The island’s durable stone surface withstands heavy use, whether rolling out dough, serving appetizers, or hosting friends for drinks.
Backsplash Brings Small Touches to the Forefront
An eye-catching backsplash is often the unsung hero of the kitchen. This feature quietly ties together the room’s visual elements while providing essential protection for the walls.
When chosen thoughtfully, a stone backsplash can mirror or complement your countertop and island materials. Implementing a stone backsplash can create a sense of cohesion that elevates the entire space.
Some homeowners opt for a subtle stone in the same material as their countertops for a seamless, unified look. Meanwhile, others prefer bold veining or textured finishes to produce a true statement wall.
Contrasting stones can add sophisticated visual interest to a kitchen. On the other hand, patterned stone tiles introduce movement and artistry to this feature.
Ideas for stone backsplashes include:
- Classic Carrara marble for timeless elegance
- Textured slate for a rustic, earthy vibe
- Travertine tiles for warmth and a subtle pattern
- Granite with bold veining for dramatic flair
- Polished quartz for a sleek, modern finish
In the recent St. Louis kitchen remodel, the family chose to extend their quartz countertops up the wall to create a full-height quartz backsplash. This design choice provided a seamless, cohesive look that amplified the kitchen’s light and airy feel.
The subtle veining in the quartz added just enough visual interest without overwhelming the space, while the easy-to-clean surface proved to be a practical solution for a busy family kitchen. By using the same stone for both the countertops and backsplash, the design achieved a harmonious flow that truly brought the entire room together.
Make It Pop with Accent Walls
Want to really make a statement in the kitchen? Stone accent walls are a powerful way to infuse warmth, texture, and a touch of rustic charm into a kitchen. This bold choice instantly elevates the space with natural beauty.
Two excellent choices for accent wall stones are stacked ledgestone and honed limestone. With its varied depths and rugged edges, stacked ledgestone creates a striking visual effect that adds depth and dimension.
This stone is ideal for placement behind open shelving or around a range hood. Its tactile surface brings a cozy, inviting atmosphere to the kitchen, while the natural color variations in the stone complement a wide range of cabinetry and finishes.
Honed limestone, on the other hand, offers a softer, more refined look. It has a smooth, matte finish and subtle tonal shifts that give a more modern flair.
This stone works beautifully as a feature wall, lending understated elegance and a sense of tranquility to the room.
Both options are not only visually appealing but also highly practical, providing durable, low-maintenance surfaces that withstand the demands of a busy kitchen while maintaining their timeless appeal.
Get Bold with Stone Flooring
Stone flooring is an inspired choice for those looking to make a bold statement in their kitchen, often seen in luxurious remodels where every detail is carefully considered. While not the most traditional approach, natural stone floors offer a unique blend of durability and elegance that can elevate the entire space.
Stone floors are exceptionally resilient. They easily withstand heavy foot traffic and the daily demands of a busy kitchen. Plus, cleaning and maintaining them is simple.
Stone flooring also grounds the room. It provides a solid foundation that complements other stone features, such as countertops, islands, or accent walls.
Each stone option brings its own character. Slate offers rich, earthy tones and a textured surface. Travertine introduces warmth with subtle patterns and creamy hues. Limestone brings a subtle, elegant appearance to the kitchen, with its gentle color variations, ranging from soft creams and beiges to light grays.
Choosing stone flooring creates a kitchen that feels timeless and sophisticated. Plus, the natural beauty of stone endures for years to come!
Considerations Working with Stone for Remodel
Incorporating stone into your kitchen remodel is an excellent way to infuse the space with lasting elegance, strength, and a cohesive design.. However, achieving a truly custom look with stone requires specialized skills and equipment.
Customizing stone surfaces involves precision tools for shaping, cutting, and finishing, which are not typically found in a standard home workshop. Each type of stone has its own unique characteristics, such as hardness, porosity, and veining patterns. Understanding how to work with these qualities is essential for a flawless installation.
Professionals bring the expertise needed to match patterns, align seams, and create smooth transitions, ensuring a cohesive, high-end result.
Leaving stonework to the pros offers several advantages. Experienced fabricators and installers have the training to handle the material safely and efficiently, minimizing the risk of damage and ensuring a perfect fit.
They can also provide creative solutions for unique layouts, edge profiles, and finishes, allowing you to truly personalize your kitchen.
Most importantly, working with skilled professionals gives you peace of mind, knowing that every detail is handled with care and precision. This way, you can enjoy the process and the finished product, confident that your kitchen’s stonework will stand the test of time.
Stone Kitchen Remodel In St. Louis
Transforming your dream kitchen into a reality is within reach, and the right team can make all the difference. At Mosby Building Arts, we’re here to guide you through every step of your kitchen remodel, offering expertise and support to help bring your vision to life. Whether you’re looking to update a few key features or completely reimagine your space, our experienced professionals are ready to assist. Contact us today or call us at 314.909.1800.