Have you ever noticed that discussions revolving around stone countertops frequently allude to luxury? Perhaps you have noticed that you are more likely to find stone countertops in a luxury home as opposed to a starter house. But why? Why is there an association between stone countertops and luxury?
There is no scientific answer to the question. Still, it is possible to understand what is going on just by taking a good look at consumer perceptions. What people think about stone countertops says a lot about their appeal as luxury items.
Granite, marble, and quartzite are all materials from which stone countertops are made. There are others as well, including soapstone and limestone. We tend to throw in quartz even though it is technically a manufactured product. It is made by combining quartz minerals with resins.
Stone’s Unique Aesthetics
One of the hallmarks of luxury is uniqueness. Something that is so plentiful that anyone can have it doesn’t speak to luxury. On the other hand, something so unique that only a few can have it is considered luxurious. Stone countertops fit the bill nicely.
Homes across the country are outfitted with laminate countertops. Laminates are easy to manufacture and install, affordable for nearly any budget, and suitable for almost any decorating style. Stone countertops are just the opposite.
Every stone slab used to make granite, marble, and quartzite countertops is unique. Moreover, every piece cut from a given slab is also unique. That means every stone countertop is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Your granite, quartzite, or marble countertops are like no others anywhere else in the world.
Stone’s Unique Timelessness
Another important factor in luxury design is timelessness. A timeless material stands up year-after-year, decade-after-decade. It is tough and durable enough to withstand daily punishment and still maintain its beauty. In the end, such a material has more monetary value than less durable materials.
Marble, granite, quartzite, and quartz are all tough enough to last for as long as a family owns a home. They are tough enough to withstand daily punishment from multiple owners across many, many years. The timelessness of these materials makes them extremely valuable. And with that value comes the luxury designation.
There is also aesthetic timelessness to consider. Stone’s aesthetic beauty is not subject to design trends. It is not as though marble countertops are in today but out tomorrow. Stone’s aesthetics are consistently desirable even as other trends come and go.
Stone’s Value Adding Appeal
Rounding out the unique aspects of stone countertops are their ability to add value to a home. Adding value is every bit as important to the luxury lifestyle as any of the other characteristics discussed in this post. Luxury homeowners expect their properties to appreciate over time. Not only that, but they also expect the appreciation to be significant.
Kitchens and bathrooms continue to be among the most important rooms in a home for buyers. This explains why kitchen and bath upgrades are still big business. When people remodel their homes, they give priority to kitchens and bathrooms. This takes us back to stone countertops.
Stone adds value because it is tough and durable. It adds value because it is aesthetically pleasing. The combination of toughness and beauty makes stone countertops a luxury item for both kitchen and bath.
Decorating styles within the luxury home space may differ, but stone remains a tried-and-true material for the kitchen and bath. Wherever you find luxury homes, you are bound to find an ample supply of stone countertops, flooring, and even walls. Stone materials and luxury go hand-in-hand. And now you know why.
