Ayşin Sevgi Karakurt Macit / Architect /AS Architect
Natural stone and its use in architecture are on the rise as an expression of quality. Given the value that it adds to spaces, natural stone frequently appears across a wide multitude of projects, regardless of type or scale. We use it extensively throughout our own projects, and pay special attention to using local materials specific to the region of the particular project. Even though more and more high quality natural stone-like materials are being manufactured, especially as digital printing technology advances, I nevertheless feel that such diversity has consequently made the use of natural materials that much more valuable. When it comes to naturalness, durability, and aesthetic strength, there is no doubt in my mind that artificial materials will always trail behind their natural stone counterparts. Natural stone’s use will only elevate across all fields of architecture and interior design as a symbol of prestige. Its diversity in terms of both texture and pattern is always exciting for us architects, as we already are continuously immersed in similar materials. In this sense, we constantly are scouting out different patterns, colours, and selections. Various techniques developed specifically for surfaces, alongside marble’s own natural texture will not only enrich the architecture of surfaces in the coming year, but will also pique the interest of designers. Another thing that will gain importance is manufacturing technology that exposes and accentuates marble’s vein structure all the while preserving its natural colour scheme. Marble has also become quite popular over the past year or so as an accessory material. It’s also making more of a widespread appearance throughout functional service products as well.
Ece Satıbol Mimar / Architect / Lagranja Design
Because of its structure and longevity, natural stone lends itself well to timeless and classic design. Therefore, it would be wrong to say that it, especially stones of certain colours and textures, will only remain a mere design trend. The technology, possibilities, and spirit of design of any given period gives rise not only to what type of stone is used, but also how it is used as well. Technological advances now allow the material to be used in an more unlimited as well as practical sense, which means that where and how it is used is only bound to diversity in the coming year. For example, white Marmara, Uşak, and Afyon marble remain contemporary classics because of their sheer simplicity. However, when combined with metal and wood, they make interiors more opulent. More specifically, we see that honed, brushed, and even sandblasted marble has the power to take design in different directions. The same can be said for colour: local pink, blue, green, beige, and coffee-toned marble, too, give design a different flavour, so to speak. In the coming year we are going to see even more of both horizontal and vertical lining bring interiors and exteriors alike a sense of three-dimensionality. We at Lagranja Design draw tremendously upon the warm and natural look of marble, basalt, and travertine when flooring and lining our many tourism bureau, office, and restaurant projects. That said, now we’ve set our eyes on making stone quintessential in artistic objects, lighting elements, and furniture with the aim of enhancing our designs.
Eda Tahmaz / Interior Designer / EDDA Architecture
The use of natural stone in architecture, art, and design is nothing new. What’s more, the strong emotional and cultural significance of natural stone is tangibility. In more recent years, it has re-emerged as, perhaps, the most popular material among contemporary designers and designconscious consumers alike, who both are trying to alter natural stone’s more historical relationship with the notion of opulence. Natural stone now is no longer just an architectural material. Rather, we see it entering the realm of living spaces through accessories, sanitary ware, and industrial design as an element of illumination in its own right alongside glass objects, thanks in large part to advances in technology. What we are most likely to see is more and more façades being lined with ultra thin stone types such as granite and marble-again, in due part to the direction natural stone processing technology is taking. Ultra thin stone lends itself to giving façades a monoblock appearance. We also are going to see more precious-type stones entering interiors and high circulation areas (such as bathrooms and kitchens), as well as off-cut terazzo materials appearing in flooring and wall lining. Quartz, granite, marble, travertine, and limestone are also, it seems, going gain greater popularity-particularly anything with either a mat or a grainy finish. That said, we’re likely to see the terrazo look take on granderscales designs and more varied geometric patterns. With this, there may be greater emphasis on organic forms and geometric shapes as well as on brightly coloured flora. In terms of colour palates, current trends seem to be pointing in the direction of sage green and terra cotta, both separately as well as as a brilliant warm-cool combination. These two colours are also likely to be paired with retro-modern and geometric forms. Complementing this will be greys, beiges, whites, and browns, meaning that natural stone’s infinite array of colours and textures will continuously be at the forefront. Natural stone pairs extremely well with wood, leather, and steal. Marble symbolises luxury and style, and is the classic pick for any chic environment. While generally used in kitchens, bathrooms, and other living spaces, natural stone is also quite sought after by designers and customers alike when it comes to furniture, counters, flooring, sanitary ware, and lining on cabinets and drawers. Upper-scale homes are embracing more of an industrial feel. We have begun to see not only copper, leather, and wood, but also both monoblock and hand-carved natural stone being used much more extensively than in the past. Given that we also see natural stone being used more specifically for its texture and appearance, what I think we’ll encounter a lot more of is stone appearing.
Efe Kağan Hızar / Interior Designer / Studio Vertebra
It goes without saying that 2019 -a period that has been all about timelessness, the return to as well as the protection of nature, and greater consumer awareness- saw the use of environmentally sensitive increase dramatically. This will continue well into 2020 as well. People are also beginning to think more consciously about sustainability, starting at production. We have to pay close attention to how the lining materials we use are produced and whether or not their production harms nature in the process. From the factory to the show room floor, now we place tremendous importance on just how environmentally friendly the materials we chose are. That said, we also ask ourselves whether that it is we’re going to buy was manufactured under humane working conditions. In essence, design now goes hand in hand with environmentalism. Natural stone is easy to incorporate both indoor and outdoor spaces, and is particularly resistant to weathering. Being natural and timeless in terms of texture, natural stone is suitable for a broad rage of structures. Thus, it is important that one select just the right type of stone according to not only the function but also to the texture of their building as well. Natural stone stands out because of how durable and elegant it is, and will continue to be present in highcirculation spaces that designed with a certain sense of aesthetic in mind. What we will see trending in 2020 can be summed up in two words: timelessness and naturalness. When we add minimalism (which manifested itself in 2018 and became part of our lives in 2019) into the mixture, we are going to see people begin to opt for more durable, chic, and minimalistic varieties of stone. Beiges, earth tones, whites, and greys will gain popularity because they create a sense of integrity by melding with the structural features of their backdrop. Marble, granite, quartz, limestone, agate, and travertine won’t be going out of style any time soon. Advances in technology means that how natural stone is used in our living spaces has diversified. For most of us, art now no longer about paintings and sculpture alone. From stands made from elegant materials to decorative accessories, many a product has become a work of personalized signature art in its own right. Generally limited in number, they have the power to transform a space into something else entirely. From ambitious flowerpots and classic coffee tables to flashy kitchen appliances and TV unit accessories, we now are able to observe the presence of natural stone in objects ranging from the very large to the very small. Whichever you choose is entirely up to your personal taste.
Emre Erkal Mimar / Architect / Erkal Mimarlık
In the coming years, sustainable design will no longer be optional but rather a commonly agreed upon standard. Increased awareness and sustainable design practices will further increase the shift towards using natural stone, particularly if its local. I feel that designers will also begin to gravitate towards pairing stone types that contrast one another, namely black and white. For instance, upon designing the façade as well as interior of the recently completed Biodiversity Research Centre & Museum, we incorporated, we were sure to highlight limra stone and basalt. Beyond white and black, architects may also draw upon metallic textures that allow a play between light and reflection. Technology has now made the processing of stone easier, insofar as that it has broadened the range of thicknesses and surface textures from which one can choose, and which means that you can incorporate it into a much wider array of spaces. What is implies is that marble and granite are likely to become vogue. Architects and designers might also look towards varieties of stone that play with dimension. What I think is that the Bauhaus Movement, which has seen quite the revival throughout the architectural world upon its 100th anniversary, will continue to dominate well into 2020, and will next year’s colour, texture, and form trends.
Feza Ökten Koca / Architect / Elips Tasarım
The use of natural stone will inspire not only flooring and wall design, but also furniture and decor. In the coming year, out will go polished stone, and in will come aged, sandblasted, and hammered stone. Natural stone has now become the preferred material of design projects, be they residential spaces, offices, hotels, cafes, or even restaurants. In residential projects, one would only see stone in primarily in bathrooms and common spaces. Now, new treatments have elevated its profile to the point that it is now used in a much broader and more diverse array of applications. When we talk about natural stone within the context of architecture, what usually comes to our minds first are marble and granite – but those constitute just the tip of the iceberg. Let’s not forget onyx marble, travertine, and basalt. Onyx, for instance, is light permeable, and often used in office waiting rooms and as wall lining. Beyond that, we are going to see architects and designers incorporate a lot more yellowish stone – types into their work as well. The grey tones of previous years will make way for beiges throughout many new design products.
Mehtap Kocaman / Architect / MK Architects
When it comes to the year ahead, I find it useful to interpret tends in natural stone designs through a different lens. It goes without saying that 2019 was a very challenging year for the construction sector. For a rather long time now, we have witnessed very rapid structural transformation in the name of urbanization, especially on the residential end of the spectrum. To make matters worse, the slump in the economy has slowed everything down to a near-grinding halt, forcing consumers to refrain from spending. While individualism varies greatly both in the material and in the immaterial sense, including what a person consciously chooses to eat and drink, how and where they spend their time, and even what kinds of materials they choose. The conscious user now feels more comfortable in places where they can be one with nature, and therefore gravitates towards spaces that grant them that. They want to see wood, natural stone, and flora side by side. Considering how stressful the age we live is, the materials that we thus chose ought to make the individual feel safe and tranquil. I think that the period that awaits us will place boutique-like solutions at the forefront. Given the diversity of natural stone, architects and designers have tremendous flexibility at their disposal when designing indoor and out spaces. It also is for this very reason that, are free to be architects wishing to be “authentic.” In this context, I feel that stone is going to become more present in the exterior and interior façades of not only exhibition structures but also of single-family dwelling units, alongside flooring and furniture as well. As we enter 2020, I also think that people will attempt to steer clear from artificialness and opt more for colour palates based on light, pastel, and earth tones, like silver travertine and Perla Brown… We most often come across ceramic tiles in bathrooms. That said, we more often than not need to adhere to standard dimensions when we install sanitary ware. Nevertheless, stone in any form is a very versatile material for vertical surfaces and more, to the point that architects and designers are now experimenting with stone in sinks, counters, tables, coffee tables, and furniture.
Melda Dikmen Gürel / Industrial Designer / Treso İç Mimarlık
If we were to reflect somewhat on the history interior design, we see that natural stone had progressed from being used in flooring and fireplaces and then becoming a central element of more personal items such as tables, coffee tables, and accessories. In the coming year, we are going to see all of that. Marble, in particular, is an indispensable material in projects where the design language is rooted in the power of contrast. Beyond that, the area where we are likely to come across stone on a wider scale will be large-scale wall lining. We should get ready to stumble across impressive marble walls both in common areas as well as in individual homes. Terrazzo surfaces, which essentially repurpose stone fragments, constitute one trend that will continue to push its way into the year to come no matter where in the world you look. Likewise, as maximalism takes minimalism’s place in 2020, we are going to see natural stone included a broader range of fields, and with greater diversity. Modern design is embracing natural stone more and more with each passing year. There is little doubt that its naturalness, strength, aesthetic, and sustainability will ensure its widespread raise, not to mention raise its profile in the coming years. Therefore, it is no longer possible for us to limit its use to certain types of buildings and spaces. The marble that you see in large hotel foyers today can also be used to clad the walls of houses as well, and there bring just the right material balance. Natural and everlasting, marble is found in nearly every branch of architecture, merging expert knowledge with expert techniques. More specifically, we see that marble’s use has grown exponentially in recent years. When it comes to colour, we generally prefer not to define a tone palate and to constrain designs within that. If we were to think about a project within the context of where its situated, its user, the volume of the area where the material(s) will be used, lighting, and the design language that we want to create, we soon become aware of just how critical it is that we select our materials with the utmost of care. Instead, if we were to talk about which products excite us the most, they would be Ice Jade and Matrix marble. We also are seeing natural stone more and more in decorative items, tables, and service units. That said, because of stone’s high cost, we feel that we ought to take on smaller scale architectural and design projects in order to make it more accessible, thus granting greater number of people the ability appreciate natural materials. It goes without saying that natural stone is only going to gain an even larger presence in architecture and design because it has the ability to soothe.
Onur Özkoç / Architect / Motto Mimarlık
In the coming year, I would like take on design projects that emphasize natural stone’s own unique qualities. Over the past couple of years, I’ve noticed there being more of an emphasis on the texture of stone (among other materials) in design. However, granted that every type of natural stone comes complete with its own unique set of patterns, characters, and perhaps most importantly, its own unique story, it therefore adds a dimension of meaning to design that no other material can offer. Consequently, I expect that design that tells stone’s “story” will play out in a much more significant way in the coming year. On the one hand, architects and designers will continue to use natural stone more extensively in projects where the focus is on symbolism. On the other hand, they may also opt to use it more extensively both in individual homes and housing complexes. Natural stone’s strong character will also become more omnipresent I think in more intensely used parts of dwellings. Although we generally tend incorporate grey tones throughout much of our work, I think that they will be gradually replaced by warmer tones. Beige tones, in particular, are likely to gain more popularity. On the other hand, there is no doubt in my mind that we will also continue to use black and white stone as well because of their intensity. To me, stone is and has always been a powerful communicator, which therefore is why many artists prefer to work with it. I feel that there always will be a demand for it, and that artists will continue to invite it into spaces. In terms of everyday use, we also will experience natural stone beyond tables, fireplaces, and furniture. When we go beyond functionality, sometimes a simple block of stone can have a very distinguished character in and of itself, even in its rawest form without needing to take on any particular function; and, if as a mere object, stone will always find itself a place within the scope of whatever design it is incorporated into.
Zuhal Aslan / Architect / Liona Mimarlık
I think that we will start to see natural stone cut, thinned, and even formed into different geometric shapes, and used in various objects and accessories. In fact, we now are all part of a global design platform whereby designers are striving to give natural stone a new and different lease on life, so to speak, in terms of form, function, and perspective. We at Liona Architecture, are continuing to focus our efforts on this under our new brand line, Liona Concept. We are re-interpreting marble, one of our main four natural materials, by pushing its boundaries in order to make it more delicate and sculptural. The value that natural stone adds to design is enormously high, and it is for this very reason that I feel that it is absolutely indispensable for interior projects. It moreover provides a great visual balance when used in combination with wood and metal. Therefore, whatever the space, it is sure to become more popular. Natural stone very much my material of choice throughout most of my design work, especially in my more high profile projects. I always try and bring marble into the foreground. In terms of colour, black, white, and grey will continue to dominate much of 2020, just as it has this past year. That said, the most dominant types of marble likely to emerge from that will be Bianco Carrara, Smokey Grey, Baltic Grey, and Bruno Perla. Basalt will also continue to be integrated across an array of different surface types, not only as in façades but also throughout flooring as well. When it comes to interiors, marble will continue to be part of a a broad range of applications spanning wall cladding to furniture, albeit with a much softer finish – most notably the “leather finish”, which involves removing the marble of its gloss in order to bring out its original state, thereby giving it a more natural look. What I sense is that it be the central material of minimalist interiors.
