Crafting our surroundings to our hearts’ content is pretty much the human condition. How often do you find yourself vacuuming, buying a new plant or searching your favorite blogs for interior design inspiration? Our surroundings are very important to us and it’s through tapping into our natural desires do business owners have a better understanding of their customers. Although a strong web presence and good word-of-mouth do their part to boost sales, there’s nothing quite like stepping into a beautiful building to get customers talking.
Gleaming stone and marble pillars are a classy way of bolstering your business’s first impression, hailing from thousands of years of human history to our very own modern day.
Natural stone slabs have been used in architecture for nearly as long as we’ve been around. They’re a solid foundation on which to build a home or business, with the added benefit of being environmentally friendly. Checking off all of these little positives right off the bat will help you and your brand get the most out of your investment. Hardscaping initiatives are on the rise and now has never been a better time to get in touch with some old-fashioned methods. The Census Bureau’s recent survey on construction revealed 20% of new homes looking into hardscaping.
Dipping into a little art history never hurts, especially when you’re feeling your way around interior design for the first (or tenth) time. Ceramic tiles, a mundane element we’re all used to, has been around far longer than many give it credit for. Ancient Indian and Mesopotamian architecture both have some of the world’s oldest ceramic tiles. It’s estimated they were first constructed from slabs of clay since 14,000 B.C. While it goes without saying, yet another benefit to ceramic slabs for sale are their impressive longevity.
But how do natural stone slabs translate into more money? There are some surprising trends to be unearthed on your way to a more lucrative business model. The environmentally quality of natural stone slabs generate not just visual appeal, but green appeal, with a recent study revealing 80% of travelers feeling it’s very important for both properties and buildings to implement eco-friendly design. This can mean decorating your hotel lobby with natural stone slabs or seeking out engineered stone models with eco-friendly leanings. Since visuals are often the first clue newcomers have to go off of, make sure it’s one that leaves a huge impact.
Marble is a unique type of stone that is much beloved for its sheen and ability to hold up to intense carving. It’s been used in architecture and design for thousands of years and still boasts impressive revenue in today’s interior design and hardscaping market. According to a study by the National Association Of Home Builders, marble flooring can last over 100 years with very little maintenance. When it comes to marble countertops, sculptures and surfaces without any foot traffic? It’s possible they could last for thousands. Over 90% of homeowners updating their countertops this year are turning to natural stone materials.
Take some extra time when looking for stone for sale. A 2017 Unilever study recently found there is a $1 trillion market opportunity for brands who do a superior job of communicating through visual design their company’s sustainability practice. An elegant stone pathway leading up to the main entrance or a glistening lobby carved out of marble will entice customers and portray your best intent all in one go. Looking to the past overmuch can compromise the present, but a glance over your shoulder now and then can remind you of the basics.
Our surroundings are important. How are you getting that across with your interior and exterior design?