When stone becomes the star centerpiece in a home – and how I bring it to life with elegance and style

Interior designer Katie Harbison is one of Homes & Gardens' new Editors-At-Large for By Design, sharing her thoughts on decor. See the rest of her articles here.

I may be a little biased, but I can’t think of a topic more fitting for me to discuss than stone, decorating with marble in particular, simply because I’m in love with it. When used thoughtfully, marble is one of the most beautiful additions to a room. Like anything, though, too much of it can overwhelm the senses, but when the balance is right, it elevates a space like nothing else.

When I’m designing a home, these are the factors I always weigh to let stone become the true star of the show. The amount of stone within a room is my first consideration. In our projects, it’s common to see extensive use in kitchens and bathrooms, often layered across multiple surfaces. In these cases, I pay close attention not only to the stone’s color and veining, but also to how its finish will feel once it dominates such a significant portion of the space. Equally important is the balance it strikes with the other design elements and materials throughout the room.

Using marble at home will never disappoint. However, a marble with bold veining or strong contrast can easily overwhelm when applied across expansive surfaces. The key is striking a balance between impact and harmony, ensuring the stone elevates the architecture without overpowering it. Sometimes that means choosing a quieter, more understated variety when it will be used extensively, or embracing a dramatic slab but in a more restrained application. Ultimately, it’s about curating the relationship between the stone and its setting so it feels intentional, elegant, and timeless – never excessive or ostentatious.

When I work with marble, it is always the first finish I define; everything else in the room flows from that choice. At the design stage, I propose a marble direction to set the tone, which informs early visuals and helps establish the overall mood and material palette. But I never finalize the decision until I’ve visited the stone yards, for two reasons. First, there are moments when a truly extraordinary slab appears – something completely different from the initial concept, yet so inspiring it reshapes the entire design. In those instances, I welcome the pivot.

Second, no two slabs are ever the same. One piece of Calacatta Viola, for example, will look entirely different from the next. This is why I avoid committing to surrounding finishes until the marble is chosen – because the stone leads the palette. Its color, veining, and character dictate the balance of materials and ultimately define the scheme. Allowing the stone to guide the process results in a design that feels authentic, cohesive, and deeply attuned to the unique beauty of the slab itself.

When it comes to finish – honed versus polished – there’s no definitive right or wrong. It’s a matter of personal preference and the atmosphere you want to create. Personally, I tend to favor a honed finish. With its matte surface and slightly muted tones, honed marble carries a softness and a sense of ease. I hesitate to call marble understated, because it never truly is, but a honed finish takes the edge off its inherent drama, making it feel more subtle, timeless, and quietly sophisticated.

Polished marble, by contrast, heightens everything. The veining appears sharper, the colours deeper, and the surface reflective. It exudes glamour and boldness, almost demanding attention. While honed marble whispers with quiet elegance, polished marble makes a statement – both beautiful, but in very different ways.

Another topic that inevitably arises when working with marble is clients’ concerns about staining and wear. And the truth is, marble is a natural, delicate material that requires care if you want it to remain exactly as it looked on the day it was installed. Modern sealants are available – and we always seal our marbles before installation – but they’re not a perfect or permanent solution. They require maintenance, typically on an annual basis. I understand this isn’t the most exciting or practical task, and it can easily slip through the cracks as everyday life takes over.

That being said, I also appreciate a different perspective. For me, part of marble’s beauty lies in how it evolves over time. The soft etches, subtle marks, and gentle wear become part of its story. Rather than flaws, I see them as character – evidence that a home is being lived in, loved, and enjoyed. Our goal is always to design homes that feel warm and inviting, where clients can relax and appreciate their surroundings without worrying about every spill or scratch. A home should be lived in, not curated like a museum where everything feels precious and untouchable.

Ultimately, making stone the star is about restraint, balance, and respect for the material. When handled thoughtfully, marble becomes far more than a finish – it becomes the soul of the room. And to me, that’s when design truly comes alive.