New looks in stone for 2007

Natural, durable and really easy to look after, stone provides a practical and incredibly stylish flooring option. Its varied tone and texture complements both contemporary and traditional interiors and, unlike most other materials, stone actually looks better with age.

Always a popular choice for the kitchen, stone is now being used in adjoining breakfast and garden rooms, and often patios too, creating a continual flow and a spacious feel. Large tiles, in particular, are very popular, often measuring 600 x 600mm square or in random sizes of 600mm x ‘up to’ 1200mm. Bespoke tiles over 1m in length are also available from specialists.

Whilst neutral honey-toned colours are always a popular choice, recent months have seen a bold move towards darker stone and slate floors. For the very latest look, choose ebony floor tiles with contrasting white grout. Lay alongside light toned walls and accessorise with woolly rugs to soften the look.

For a lighter toned but equally modern floor, choose pale limestone tiles with a clean, honed surface and sharp square edges. Or for a modern traditional feel, large, aged burgundy flagstones with subtle colouring and billowing pillowed edges.

Indigenous offers a wide range of terracotta, slate and stone products, which are individually sourced by its founder, Joss Thomas, from around the world. For more information, visit indigenoustiles.com or see Indigenous on Stand No. 1614 at the National Homebuilding & Renovating Show (NEC 22-25 March, 2007). Indigenous supports the registered charity Anti-Slavery International: antislavery.org charity no 1049160.