New Trends In Luxury Home Finishes

An interesting article from Luxury Portfolio. As luxury realtors, we are always curious what we will see become more fashionable in the future and what trends that are currently hot may go out of style. While we see an abundance of granite and marble in use today, the use of Onyx could make a home even more unique and stand out even more. Here is the article:

While uncommon amenities and a noteworthy setting bring distinction to any residence, it is often the luxury finishes that make it truly exceptional. A home’s surfaces — countertops, floors, tiling and more — speak volumes on the personal style of the discerning homeowner. Fine stone and tile finishes in particular add richness to any room.

“Onyx is the reigning stone right now,” said Robert Briggs, owner of Granite & Marble Resources and its luxury line, Maestro Mosaics. The stone has a transparency to it that allows light to shine through — making onyx perfect for stone sconces and lamps. Many homeowners backlight their onyx, creating a stained glass effect. In addition, onyx has become a top choice for sinks, floors, tiling and kitchen backsplashes. And while onyx is available in several hues from dark green to red, the golden honey onyx is the hottest trend in luxury homes.

A spectacular example of the use of onyx can be found within this Bradenton, Florida home. The magnificent marble master bath leads to a courtyard embellished with transparent onyx floors, and the incredible home theater features an onyx bar. “We are seeing homeowners coming in and looking for exotic materials, such as onyx, to differentiate their homes,” said Chris Dowling, vice president of sales at Design Works of West Florida, who supplied most of the materials in this home.

Donna Kaufman, listing agent of the Florida property, added, “In today’s market, where marble and granite have become so commonplace, the incorporation of exotic materials really helps a home stand apart from other homes.”