64 2019 | TRENDS STONE TRENDS (continued) point, according to Shumaker. She and her team then carefully pair that focal point with other materials that won’t compete with the core piece. Neutralizing some elements – so there are layers of interest – is key. “Updating your backsplash or countertop will make a huge difference in your kitchen’s aesthetic,” said Epstein, who updates her own backsplash once every 15-20 years. “If you choose timeless materials, you shouldn’t need to update it any more frequently than that. If you need a complete overhaul, dig in, and do it!” Bathroom Trends Shumaker is noticing her clients are focusing on one special material in the space and pairing it with materials that complement its unique character. For a recent proj- ect, she and her client chose a unique marble that they cut in large pieces and installed in a herringbone pattern. It’s a classic design, but blown up in scale. Today’s homeowners are making a greater commit- ment to bold bathrooms that are making a statement and leaving behind the sparse and monolithic look of recent years. Whether it’s full-height wall tile installations, pat- terns on floors or walls, or selecting warmer and richer natural materials in general, bathrooms are not as cold as they’ve been in the past. The variety of natural stone options and applications are helping to shape this trend. Learn more about using natural stone in kitchen and bath design at www.usenaturalstone.org. Choose a colorful slab and decorate around it, advised Artistic Tile’s Nancy Epstein. Photo courtesy of Artistic Tile.