Designed with a distinguished oriental concept in mind, Japanese Refuge is an impressive home boasting a unique blend of simplistic architectural elements. Constructed to embrace purity in design, Neolith sintered stone was used across the property.

About 10 years ago, former Stone World editor, Michael Reis, traveled to Carson City, NV, to visit James Donaire of Perfection Connection Marble & Granite, Inc. At that time, Donaire faced a lot of competition in the market, as he specialized primarily in middle- to high-end residential fabrication, with a very small focus on the commercial market.

Is quartz still rising in popularity? Are miters still a favorite? Is natural stone being used anywhere else but countertops? Over the years, trends seemed to be somewhat stagnate. But some new design trends are becoming apparent.

Located in Marsala in the Province of Trapani, Italy, architects Piero Laudicina and Maurizio Giammarino selected Margraf marble for the interior and exterior design throughout the private villa. The material was employed in a way that brings a unique aesthetic to the palatial residence.

While fabricators might see a light blue or a random project that uses different colors, generally what they are receiving requests for are materials with shades of white and gray for kitchen countertops.

Fila has completed a project, with Stone & Ceramic, Ltd. at The Royal Star & Garter building on Richmond Hill — a suburb of London, England.

A new two-story residence was recently built in Hinsdale, IL, which was designed to highlight unique natural stone elements in nearly every room.