Luxe look: The interior upgrade that's taking over social media - and it's not what you think

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Social media loves the latest shiny new thing, so it's no surprise luxury design trends tend to focus on the novel and avant-garde. 

But when trendsetters seize on an interior upgrade that emphasises the exact opposite, it's worth sitting up and taking note. 

Stunning photos of surfaces made from natural stone are racking up millions of views online - providing the latest sign that something as old as the hills is very much in fashion. So why is this most ancient of materials experiencing a resurgence? 

Oliver Webb, director at Cullifords - a leading stone supplier - believes it's partly down to a growing desire for interiors that stand out from the crowd.

Interiors featuring natural stone are very much in fashion. Pictured is a Patagonia quartzite kitchen feature wall and island 

'Natural stone is a unique material, with every piece having its own textures, patterns and colours,' he says. 

'People want that beauty and sense of timeless elegance, while they also value the fact it's durable, repairable and recyclable. 

'We're seeing people who have already used natural stone returning to it, but also others who are only discovering it now because man made surfaces have become so common.' 

Oliver urges anyone wanting to witness the beauty of natural stone to visit the Cullifords showroom in Kingston Upon Thames, which stocks over 3,000 slabs.

 While there are lots of different types of natural stone to choose from, here are some of the classics - 

Granite 

One of the most popular choices for kitchen worktops, granite surfaces are durable and functional. 

The rock's formation from the slow crystallisation of mineral-rich magma also gives it a stunning appearance - a key attraction for Oliver. 

'Granite comes in so many different colours, ranging from greens, reds and blues to pinks and whites - while there are often crystals inside that give it a sparkle,' he says. 

Juparana Bordeaux granite brings a touch of sophistication to this bathroom 

'Some types feature some unusual, rich-coloured veining, although you also find plainer forms like Black Granite. The variety is a key part of its appeal.' 

Granite doesn't just vary in appearance, but texture too. With textures such as Satinato, Honed and Antique proving the new popular textures, that give a gentle and subtle natural feel. 

And while most granites will not be damaged by heat, there is always a small chance of thermal shock - making it wise to use a trivet for hot pans unless you've opted for one of the harder varieties, such as Lundhs Real Stone. 

The durable characteristics of granite also makes it suitable for designers wanting to add a touch of sophistication to bathrooms or gardens.

Natural Quartzite

If ageing gives wine its character, that's surely true on a far more epic scale for natural quartzites, which were originally quartz-rich sandstone before a process of heat and pressure caused the quartz grains to recrystallise and fuse together. 

These are responsible for the wonderfully wavy patterns that make quartzite a popular choice for a feature wall, particularly behind a bathroom basin. 

Harder varieties have the advantage of generally being more durable and resistant to scratching. This has an obvious attraction for worktops and kitchen islands, particularly when they are being used as a statement feature. 

Quartzite - like the fusion green variety pictured here - is a popular choice for kitchens 

'Natural quartzites have become popular since it started to be quarried over the last 10 or 15 years,' Oliver says.

'It is durable, but also features swirly veining and unusual colours that people aren't used to.

'Greens are really popular at the moment but you also get reds, blues and whiter shades too.' 

As with all natural stones, quartzite varies from soft to hard. While softer varieties are valued for their beauty, they require more care and are more vulnerable to stains and scratches. 

Marble 

There's a reason marble graces the interiors of so many country homes - surely no stone is more stately and elegant. 

Marble comes in a number of different varieties, with the most popular being Statuary, Calacatta and Arabescato. You'll find them today in some of the world's most famous statues, including Michelangelo's sculpture of David in Florence. 

Calacatta viola marble forms a durable material for this stylish kitchen island 

The unique patterns and colours in marble give every piece an individual character. Pictured here is a Rosso Dante marble bathroom

While the stone is white in colour, it can range from soft pink, greys and blues to stronger greens and reds - with unique veining and patterns that give every slab its own individual character.

The question of which colour to choose largely depends on the impact you want it to have in your home, explains Oliver.

'Strong colours, such as deep reds and blacks, rich greens and blues, and bold veined patterns, have long been popular with homeowners looking to create an eye-catching statement,' he says.

'They work well in opulent design schemes, where striking visual elements are key to creating a sense of grandeur.

'On the flip side, more muted marbles in soft greys and whites, and more subtle veining, are favoured with homeowners looking to create a calming space which exudes an understated elegance.'

As with other stones popular for work surfaces, marbles vary from hard to soft, but most will develop a patina from small scratches and possible staining if the sealant diminishes over time. 

Fortunately, stains can be removed from marble work surfaces fairly easily, and they can be re-polished in-situ if necessary. 

Onyx and Decorative Marbles 

For those seeking to make a bold statement, onyx and decorative marbles offer unparalleled opportunities for adding drama and artistry to a space.

Onyx, with its translucent qualities and striking bands of colour, can be backlit to create a mesmerising focal point in bathrooms, bars, or even as a unique wall feature. 

Decorative marbles, on the other hand, showcase intricate patterns and vibrant hues that elevate any interior.

Big impact: A Occhio di Pavone decorative marble vanity unit 

'Decorative marbles are all about making a statement,' explains Mr Webb.

'They allow you to introduce a level of artistry and individuality that's hard to achieve with other materials. Whether it's a vibrant green marble with swirling patterns or an onyx with its unique translucence, these stones can truly transform a space.'

Cullifords offers a wide selection of onyx and decorative marbles, each with its own distinct character and visual appeal. 

From the rich greens and reds of certain marble varieties to the honeyed tones and intricate banding of onyx, these stones provide endless possibilities for creating a truly unique and luxurious interior.

Want to give your home the luxe look? 

Visit geraldculliford.co.uk/contact/ to get in touch with the Cullifords team or follow them on Instagram @geraldcullifordlimited. 

Visit their stone yard (52 Lower Marsh Lane, Surrey KT1 3BJ) from 8am - 5pm, Monday to Friday.