Thoughtful design carries a project beautifully from one season to the next. Natural stone remains a trusted material for designers and trade professionals, offering durability and versatility across a range of projects. Our Designer Spotlight explores how natural stone helps shape enduring interiors.

Designer Spotlight: MB Sullivan Design

Instagram: @mbsullivandesign

Mary Beth Sullivan of MB Sullivan Design creates spaces that balance character and sensibility. They create interiors that are authentic and true to their clients’ visions.

“The client’s primary request was that we thoughtfully incorporate their collection of antiques. These pieces carry incredible history and patina, so it was essential that any new interventions felt authentic and harmonious. The living room is tucked into the center of a 1906 farmhouse on California’s ‘Lost Coast,’ and it has an intimate, almost cocoon-like quality. We leaned into that sense of heritage and warmth.

The fireplace became the anchor of the room. It needed to feel as though it had always been there. We selected materials that echoed the natural aging and depth of their antiques, ensuring the new gas insert felt seamlessly integrated within the historic shell of the home.”

The architecture of the 1906 farmhouse guided many of their decisions. MB Sullivan Design was inspired by early American rural homes. They also looked to European interiors–particularly English country homes–where antiques and architectural stone coexist effortlessly. The goal was to create that layered, collected-over-time feeling, where every material carries weight and authenticity.

“We worked closely with Mary Malik in the Houston showroom, and she made the entire process incredibly seamless. After providing the specifications for the new gas firebox, her team quickly developed detailed drawings and helped us refine the fireplace surround proportions.

What stood out most was their precision and craftsmanship. They understood the importance of scale and subtle detailing, especially when designing something meant to live alongside centuries-old antiques. The collaboration felt truly supportive. [MATERIAL] translated our design intent into a beautifully executed, custom stone surround.”

Honed Black Marble Fireplace

“We gravitated toward a honed black marble with soft movement and depth. The finish was critical; we wanted something understated rather than overly polished.

The honed texture allowed the material to feel grounded and timeworn, complementing the patina of the antiques rather than overpowering them. The darker [hue] added contrast within the room’s softer, natural palette, giving the fireplace presence while maintaining a sense of quiet elegance.

As we move into spring, there’s often a desire for renewal and lightness, but that doesn’t mean abandoning depth. Natural stone and tile offer a timeless foundation that transcends seasonal trends. We’re seeing a continued appreciation for materials that feel organic and enduring. Rather than bold, fleeting statements, clients are gravitating toward stone with character: subtle veining, natural variation, and finishes that feel tactile and authentic.

Even something as simple as introducing stone or tile in a small but meaningful way, like a tabletop accent, can create impact while maintaining longevity.”

Designer Spotlight: PROjECT interiors

Instagram: @projectinteriors

PROjECT Interiors is a Chicago-based interior design firm that creates interiors that are practical, personal, and storied. Each project pairs thoughtful design with the client’s vision from concept through completion.

“This project was such a fun pivot for us. We had previously designed two modern, urban homes for this couple, so when they moved into a 1920s co-op in Chicago’s Gold Coast, designed by Robert De Golyer and rooted in Beaux-Arts tradition. It felt like, okay… challenge accepted.

The specific space we’re talking about—a parlor just off the primary bedroom—was imagined as a moody, layered sitting room with a fireplace and desk moment. Intimate but elevated. It needed to feel like a retreat within a retreat.

The clients have an incredible collection of mid-century furniture and art that has migrated with them from home to home, so our job was to reinterpret those pieces inside a more classic architectural envelope. We preserved the historic trim and molding, then layered in bold stone, dark portals, and sculptural forms to create that tension we love: modern Art Deco meets tempered Parisian glam.”

“Design is storytelling. This building itself, with its 1929 bones and European classical lineage,  naturally steered us toward French influences. There’s a quiet nod to Paris in the detailing and symmetry, but we filtered it through a Chicago lens. Think Deco curves, strong geometry, bold materials.

The materials needed to honor that layered narrative. Classic, but not precious. Glamorous, but grounded.”

Dark Marble Tile With Rich Veining

In the parlor, the firm leaned into saturated tones, smoky reflective surfaces, polished brass accents, and rich textiles like velvet and bouclé. Marble with rich veining instantly anchored the fireplace.

“The depth of the stone against the preserved architectural detailing created this beautiful tension between old and new. MATERIAL’s curation is incredibly thoughtful. 
We were working with an existing fireplace, so customization was key. The MATERIAL team helped us tailor the stone precisely to our sizing and detailing needs, which made all the difference. In historic buildings especially, nothing is ever perfectly square; you need partners who understand that nuance.

Beyond that, they just have an incredible eye. We were pulling multiple stones across the project, and they helped ensure everything played nicely together (existing historic materials with our new selections) without feeling matchy. It felt collaborative, not transactional, which is always the sweet spot.

The marble is polished and dramatic, while other elements—like walnut wood and leather—temper it with warmth.”

Transitioning To Spring

“For this particular project, our materials skewed polished and proper, very in keeping with the building’s era. But looking ahead to spring 2026, I’m craving more earth. More texture. More honesty.

We’re seeing a major shift toward rough-hewn finishes, leathered slabs, troweled-looking tile, and volcanic materials. There’s something so powerful about materials that feel untouched—porous, matte, elemental. Natural stone is only becoming more relevant, especially as people want authenticity over gloss.

We’re in a moment where people want spaces to feel soulful again. Natural stone and tile, especially when they’re a little imperfect, deliver that every time.”

Elevate Your Next Project with MATERIAL

Since 1965, MATERIAL Bespoke Stone + Tile has been delivering the very best in world-class stone, glass, and tile. For more information on our fireplaces, schedule a virtual appointment online or contact us by phone to learn more about our showroom locations.