Countertops are made from many different materials, and each material has a different set of conditions with which they work best. Due to the wide range of circumstances the different stones and woods can be used in, there are many interesting applications not limited to just the work surface in your kitchen or bathroom.
Large format stone is no stranger to being used as a tile in bathrooms, but the boundary can be pushed further to an even larger size. Thinner-cut marble and quartz can be applied as a backsplash in kitchens, creating a seamless look from your countertop to the ceiling. Granite works quite well with heat and can be used as your fireplace surround. Large format stone on a grander scale can be used as bathroom wall panels or even a backdrop showcasing large works of art. On a much smaller scale, countertop materials can provide extra detail and depth for curbs, caps, edges, and ledges!
Practically speaking, fewer walls mean fewer load-bearing construction points, less insulation for conditioning and noise reduction, and even less area for personal decor or art. In recent years, we even started seeing the reversal of open-concept design with an increasing need for virtual, work-from-home offices.
With a little creativity, the same materials used in your kitchen or bathroom can be used in other ways, providing consistency in color and tone throughout the home.
