A hard act to follow

Portugese Barreme

Homes and Interiors

WEARING WELL: Stone is back in vogue. Interior designer Jamie Hempsall talks you through the best options.

There was a time when carpet and natural floorboards were the only realistic options when it came to domestic flooring. However, in recent years, the trend to re-introduce stone flooring into the home has grown considerably.

Stone is an incredibly flexible material that can be a solution for virtually any area in the home. While the initial outlay can be considerable, stone is one of those materials that ages with grace, getting more beautiful as it absorbs the years and builds on it character.

The appeal has been further heightened with the development of modern under-floor heating systems which ensure areas finished in stone need no longer be cold to the touch.

As with any flooring, there are differing qualities and types.

Jason Cherrington, CEO and founder of Lapicida, agrees, saying, “Stone is natural, and careful selection and fastidious attention to detail is essential to achieve consistency. It is available in a wide spectrum of grades, not simply the variety name.”.

Jason relies on Lapicida’s family of stone experts to hand-pick grade “A” natural stone, with quality as their watchword, which is why this Knaresborough-based firm are now arguably the UK’s leading importer (www.lapicida.com – 01423 400 100).

One of the other beauties of stone is that its appearance can be drastically altered by the finish. I have found clients who abhor high-gloss granite work-surfaces, but melt when they see it in a leather finish, which provides a sensual and visual treat wherever it is used.

Varieties of stone differ wildly, so here is an elementary guide to the key types:

Limestone is an organic sedimentary rock formed over millions of years from tiny shells and micro-skeletons. It has subtle tones, is hard-wearing and, historically, has been used to pave English cathedrals and, French and Italian palaces.

Grey Jerusalem Tumble Limestone

Pure limestone is white or almost white, and impurities create colours. Limestone tiles can be extremely hard-wearing, but qualities vary so you need to check carefully.

Suggested uses: Primarily internal – high-traffic areas; kitchens; bathrooms; swimming pools; conservatories.

Paonazza marble

Marble is a metamorphism of limestone. Extreme temperatures and pressures create marble, destroying any fossils and sedimentary textures present in original limestone rock.

It is renowned for its high gloss finish and colour array. It hints at luxury wherever it is laid.

Suggested uses: Primarily internal – bathrooms and showers; formal entrance halls and foyers; kitchen worktops/floors; wet rooms; hallways; living areas; conservatories.

Travertine is also a metamorphism of limestone. It is a unique, versatile and cost-effective stone. No two tiles are the same, which means there is no need to match them. Good quality Travertine can be hard-wearing in low-footfall areas such as bathrooms.

Over the past five years, there has been an increase in the use of Travertine which has meant an influx of inferior imports, so buy the best quality you can afford.

Suggested uses – internal, medium to low traffic areas such as bathrooms walls and floors; some living areas; swimming pools; conservatories.

Sandstone is a sedimentary rock composed of quartz or feldspar, or both.

Incredibly versatile, it can be used indoors and out to create formal and informal rustic effects. Some sandstone is suitable for outdoor paving.

Stunning in its reclaimed state, it can be seen in stately homes throughout Britain.

Suggested uses – both external and internal – wall tiles; floor tiles; paving.

Granite is a course grained igneous rock formed from magma and is revered for its strength and hardness. It is a practical choice for high-wear-and-tear surfaces. It varies greatly in colour, from shades of pink to dark grey and black. Amazingly, the Great Pyramids of Giza are made from granite.

Suggested uses: Primarily internal – kitchens; floor tiles; wall tiles; work-surfaces.

Slate is a fine-grained metamorphic rock composed mainly of quartz and muscovite. Slate is split into slabs and split again into thin sheets.

One of its major characteristics is a very flat or riven surface and it is naturally durable and heat-resistant.

Suggested uses: Both internal and external, high-traffic areas – walls; floors; bathrooms; kitchens and utilities; conservatories; swimming pools.

Terracotta is a clay-based unglazed ceramic. Specially prepared clay is partially dried and cast, moulded, or hand-worked into the desired shape. After further drying, it is fired in a kiln covered with sand, then cooled slowly.

Terracotta tiles provide a perfect warm and hard-wearing yet inviting floor finish.

Suggested uses: Primarily internal, high-traffic areas – walls; floors; bathrooms; kitchens and utilities; conservatories.   


There are three key elements to a successful stone project. Firstly, use a reputable stone merchant who will take pride in advising you. Secondly, choose the most appropriate stone for your project. Finally, have it fitted by an appropriately experienced tiler who will know how to make the stone work brilliantly for you.

When you are investing in a product such as this, you are really laying down a finish to hand on to the next generation.

Jamie Hempsall BIID is an award-winning interior designer. Visit him at www.jamiehempsall.com or contact him on 0800 032 1180.


This article was first published in the Yorkshire Post Saturday Magazine on 25th June 2011

Tread carefully to choose a flawless floor

Yorkshire Post - 15th July 2009 - Life & Style Section : Homes

Interiors


Interior Designer Jamie Hempsall explains how to avoid putting a foot wrong when choosing the best flooring option for your home.

Flooring is a make or break decision for any room. Choose well and you successfully set the tone for your scheme. Choose badly and you end up with a finish that jars and is expensive to replace; in terms of money, time and disruption.

Before parting with cash, draw up a list of key considerations, the most important of which are:

* The amount of wear the area will have.
* Is it subject to moisture?
* Does the floor need to act as a sound barrier?
* How slip resistant does it need to be?
* How much time are you willing to invest in maintaining your floor?
* Does anyone in the family suffer from allergies? Generally, the harder the surface, the healthier the floor.
* How durable is the product?
* Costs of material and installation?
* What sub-floor surface will you be laying on? For example, tiled floors cannot be laid directly onto floorboards, so you will incur extra cost for preparation.
* Budget. Generally you do get what you pay for.

Avoid being influenced by high fashion finishes, they may look great in the short term, but can quickly date and be an expensive short term indulgence.

Different floors have individual merits. Here are my guidelines to steer you in the right direction.

Resilient flooring – finishes that can bounce back to their original form after something is dropped on them; such as cork, linoleum and vinyl. A warmer alternative to hard surfaces such as tile. Flexible to lay (a good DIY project and helpful in difficult shaped areas), hardwearing and most finishes are bacteria resistant. Prices for most budgets.

Porcelain/ceramic tiles – easy to maintain and great in areas with moisture, or immediate access from the outside. Very hardwearing, but can be expensive. They require a level sub-floor and benefit from professional fitting. The overall effect can be harsh if not chosen well.

Wood – gives a rich, architectural finish and looks great stained or painted. It has a laid-back, rather than formal appearance. Not all floorboards look great, ensure yours are in good repair and of visual interest. Will require maintenance and show wear, but, if cared for, is a very durable surface. One of the most expensive options. Avoid if you have under-floor heating and opt instead for engineered planks. Requires specialist fitting.

Laminate – cheaper, quicker to fit for damp areas and can have a hollow sound when walked upon. Relatively easy to maintain, but needs care when installing.

Carpets and rugs – warm and help deaden noise. Not as durable as other surfaces and should not be installed in areas with moisture. Stain resistant treatments can help prolong its life. Probably the least hypo-allergenic option. Variety of price points, but a good underlay and professional fitting are essential for carpets. Rugs also provide a quick, cost-effective method to introduce contrast (such as texture or pattern).

Stone – the most permanent solution. Terrific for the minimalist look and excellent in wet areas. Cooler than other finishes, but good for underfloor heating as it retains warmth. Expensive and must be perfectly laid. Ideal for hallways in older properties and garden rooms.

Opting for a specific flooring type does not finish the design decision. For example, consider combining different types of hard surface, such as tile and steel, or break up a block of colour with borders or runners in a contrasting colour, material or pattern.

Alternatively, include contrasting textures in an area (such as carpet and stone), which can be both visually attractive and provide sensory stimulus.

Remember, preparation is paramount. A subfloor surface without lumps and bumps equals no trip hazards, easy installation and the longest life possible for your product.

Jamie Hempsall is one of the region's leading interior designers and a member of BIDA. He can be contacted on 01777 248463 or visit www.jamiehempsall.com