WK Stone's new Crystalline silica free range, Quantum Zero in Verona Gold.
Stone emerged as a hot topic in 2024 with the July 1 ban on engineered stone, leaving many masons, suppliers, specifiers, and consumers uncertain about the future of our preferred countertop material.
“There was a lot of uncertainty when the ban happened, but we found we could produce a product that's still just as hardy and beautiful, which is exciting," says Julie-Ann North, Marketing Manager at WK Stone.
Established in 1989, Australian-owned supplier WK Stone has seen its fair share of design trends. Julie-Ann reflects on the popularity of stone in interior design over the years: "We started off selling natural stone, and then engineered stone became popular due to its affordability."
“Now we’re seeing several key trends and products shape the market, including silica-free stone innovations such as our new Quantum Zero Stone and Quantum Porcelain range, along with various finishes and applications.”
Explore the top 4 stone trends in interior design for 2025
1. Crystalline Silica-free stone innovations
The Government ban on engineered stone last year sparked innovation in the stone industry by developing zero-silica products and repurposing the use of porcelain.
“We were ahead of the ban on July 1 with a March launch of our new Quantum Zero collection, a crystalline silica-free stone. Priced on par with engineered stone slabs,” says Julie-Ann. “To accomplish this, we worked with our suppliers immediately to produce a product that was just as durable and beautiful.”
Quantum Zero certainly meets the demand with its heat, stain, and scratch-resistant benefits accompanied by the non-porous and easy maintenance consumers prefer in their wet areas.
Stunning Calacutta Borghini Marble.
2. Earthy tones and finishes
“In terms of colours and finishes, we've noticed a shift from greys to warmer tones, including golds, warm whites and even greens,” says Julie-Ann.
“Don’t get me wrong, people still love their greys, and we introduced 33 colours from our existing range into the Quantum Zero collection, but there is also a large focus on natural, earthier palettes integrated,” she adds.
Julie-Ann notes pairing the warmer tones alongside timber pieces, such as cabinetry and shelving. “These earthy tones pair beautifully with organic timber finishes–whether timber laminate or raw timber.”
Curvy additions with Quantum Zero in Monte Bianco.
3. Application trends
While a popular and affordable bathroom choice, porcelain’s heat and water-resistant features make it an ideal engineered stone alternative. Due to its slim profile, porcelain is now incorporated into kitchen design, particularly in splashbacks.
Other application trends include a resurgence in butler’s pantries, bars and curved benchtops, while Julie Ann remarks on the growing demand for larger kitchen islands.
"People love bench space, and with family and guests often found eating or socialising with the cook around the island bench, we’re now installing 5-metre-long islands, with stonemasons joining them for a seamless finish,” says Julie-Ann.
Timber cabinetry adds warmth beside Quantum Zero in Super White Palazzo.
Angelico Palazzo is part of the Quantum Zero range.
4. Natural stone
Given natural stone's timeless appeal, incorporating it into modern designs can be beneficial. The current trend in natural stone finishes is an increased interest in more exotic natural stones prized for their organic beauty and origin.
Julie-Ann remarks, “We are seeing the Taj Mahal quartzite, Super White, and exotic quartzites in vibrant colours like pink and turquoise hitting the design scene. All quartzites are very popular right now."
Julie-Ann adds that consumers need to be aware of the additional care required with natural stone. “There is more durability in granite and quartzite compared to softer stones like marble or limestone, which are more porous and require more maintenance,” notes Julie-Ann.
“But if you want that big wow factor, you can't beat natural stone."
View the WK Stone range on ArchiPro today or experience WK Stone’s new Quantum Zero product range in person, along with porcelain and natural stone finishes, by visiting a WK Stone showroom at the following locations along with distributors in Tasmania and New Zealand:
New South Wales; 129 Fairford Road, Padstow NSW 2211
Victoria; 52 Babbage Drive, Dandenong South VIC 3175
