Based in Canberra, Australia, Studio Black Interiors is an award-winning studio that masterfully combines functionality and aesthetics in residential design. In this interview with Lead Designer Maria Cerne, we discuss their approach to natural stone, the design process behind their projects, and the future of natural stone in interior design.
How did you come up with the idea to establish Studio Black Interiors? How would you describe your design approach?
Studio Black Interiors, based in Canberra, Australia, is an award winning studio that specialises in residential design, drawing on our passion and experience to create beautiful, family-friendly homes. Our design philosophy is simple – we believe in function driven design that enhances our client’s lifestyles without compromising on aesthetics. Our goal is to create spaces that are both beautiful and practical. We balance function, beauty, and simplicity, to design spaces that feel effortless.
What type of residential projects does your studio focus on the most (private residences, renovations, multi-residential projects, etc.)?
Studio Black Interiors is a boutique practice, that specialises in custom new builds, full home renovations, multi-residential projects and interior decoration projects.
How did you use natural stone in the Reid Project? What kind of stone did you choose and why?
Natural stone has been used throughout the Reid Project in the kitchen, pantry, powder room and living room spaces. Polar Ice Marble has been used throughout the home and was selected for its inherent beauty of nature’s colder climates. It’s an elegant and timeless stone with a classic white background and subtle warm veins of beige, pale pink and soft grey. Marble is always selected as the main hero of the space. The defining factor when selecting natural stone is how unique each slab of stone is. The colours, swirls and veining all adding something special to each space.
In what ways is natural stone an important material in your projects? How does it contribute to durability, aesthetics or sustainability?
Natural stone is a key material in our interior design projects because of its timeless appeal, durability, and sustainability.
Each piece of natural stone is unique, adding character and depth to our projects. Whether it’s marble, quartzite, or limestone, the natural veining and textures create a luxurious and organic feel that enhances any design style, from classic to contemporary.
Natural stone is incredibly strong and long-lasting. It resists wear and tear, heat, and moisture, ensuring that spaces remain beautiful and functional for years to come.
Natural stone is also an eco-friendly choice due to its longevity and minimal processing compared to synthetic materials. By incorporating natural stone into our projects, we ensure clients receive a balance of beauty, strength, and sustainability in their homes.
What are your most important criteria when using natural stone?
The most important criteria when selecting natural stone is it’s unique character, as well as it’s durability and longevity for our clients.
Each slab of natural stone has unique veining, texture, and colour variations. We carefully select pieces that complement the design vision, ensuring they enhance the space’s overall aesthetic while maintaining a timeless appeal.
We consider the stone’s maintenance requirements. Some clients prefer low-maintenance options like quartzite, while others are happy to care for marble or limestone with regular sealing. The right choice balances beauty with practicality.
What are the most preferred types of natural stone in interior design and how do you see the future of marble and natural stone?
The most preferred types of natural stone are marble, quartzite, limestone and travertine.
Marble is loved for its timeless elegance, and is widely used in benchtops, vanities, and feature walls. White varieties like Carrara and Calacatta are especially popular for their luxurious veining.
Quartzite, which is a more durable alternative to marble, offers a similar aesthetic with better stain and scratch resistance, making it ideal for benchtops.
Limestone with its soft, natural appearance, is great for flooring, fireplaces, and wall cladding, giving spaces a warm, organic feel.
Travertine, known for its textured and earthy appeal, is often used in bathrooms, patios, and flooring, adding a timeless, Mediterranean-inspired look.
The future of natural stone, particularly marble, remains strong due to its enduring appeal and versatility. The future will see an increased demand for sustainably sourced and locally quarried stone.
Honed, leathered, and textured finishes are also growing in popularity, offering more tactile and contemporary alternatives to the traditional polished look.
Natural stone will continue to be a staple in high-end interior design, but with an increasing focus on ethical sourcing, new finishes, and innovative uses.
+90 532 585 51 95
+90 532 585 51 95