Natural stone & travertine

Natural stone gives a room something no composite can: a surface that is different everywhere. Travertine, limestone and marble belong to the same family but behave in very different ways.

The difference in brief

Travertine has open pores and a warm, sandy character. Limestone is more even and matt, with a muted grey or beige tone. Marble has pronounced veining and a glossier surface, which gives it a more formal feel.

Where stone works hardest

As a worktop, coffee table or single detail. Covering an entire room in stone can easily feel cold; one stone surface in a room of wood and textiles instead becomes a focal point.

Colours and materials around it

Beige and off-white bring out the stone's tone. Dark oak creates contrast. Brass adds warmth, black metal adds definition. Wool and linen are needed as a counterweight to the hard surface.

Things to consider

• Natural stone stains. Seal it, and expect a patina.
• Travertine comes both filled and unfilled — they look completely different.
• A matt finish ages more forgivingly than a polished one in kitchens.