We have been providing Utah homeowners with marble and granite countertops since our company’s inception. Through the years, we have noticed two specific words that are often used to describe marble and granite: classy and elegant. You will see them throughout the industry utilized in product descriptions, marketing materials, web content, etc.
The interesting thing about it is understanding why the terms are used. What is it about marble and granite that make people think of class and elegance? On the one hand, we might think the way we do about these two materials because we have been trained to do so by marketing. On the other hand, there could be something inherent to the materials that appeal to certain aspects of our brains.
We are not scientists or psychologists. We don’t know what goes on inside the brain. But we do know why our industry considers marble and granite both classy and elegant choices for kitchen and bath.
The Beauty of Natural Stone
At the top of the list is the beauty natural stone offers. Let us be honest about the fact that our brains can usually distinguish between natural and synthetic products. And for some reason, our brains also have a bent toward the natural.
Marble and granite are both natural stones created by the forces of nature itself. As such, it offers distinctive veining patterns and countless color variations. Every slab is unique. Nature creates a beauty that engineered materials cannot perfectly replicate.
The Timelessness of Natural Stone
We often refer to marble and granite as being timeless in their aesthetics. There is a reason this word is used. Architects and builders have leaned heavily on granite and marble for centuries. Just think of ancient Rome and Greece.
Old Roman bathhouses, theaters, and palaces were filled with natural stone. So were Greek temples and universities. And it wasn’t just walls and steps that were made of stone. Stone was a common material for furniture, workspaces, and more.
Humanity has such a rich history with stone that we see it as a timeless building material. We would imagine that some people are even reminded of ancient Rome or Greece every time they look at their marble or granite countertops.
Its Association With Luxury
As architects and builders began moving away from stone toward other less expensive building materials, building with stone became a sign of wealth. Stone became a luxury item that wasn’t found in more common homes and businesses. To a certain extent, that is still true today. Many people would still prefer to build with stone but simply cannot afford to do so.
Natural stone’s luxury status adds to its appeal as a material for kitchen and bathroom countertops. And with luxury comes the idea of elegance. Those with financial means prefer to surround themselves with elegant things. A preference for stone signifies that it is an elegant option.
It’s a Matter of Perception
In fairness, all of this is really a matter of perception. There are those people who do not see marble and granite as either classy or elegant. They think of stone countertops as old-fashioned and outdated. For this segment of the population, engineered products are the better option. That’s okay. To each their own.
The reality is that materials like marble and stone are popular in American kitchens because homeowners consider them classy and elegant. They appreciate the aesthetic granite and marble countertops offer. As long as the preference for stone in the kitchen continues, we will feature these two wonderful materials in our Utah showrooms.
