Isabella Arpino, Sales & Marketing Director for natural stone specialists, New Image Stone, explains how book-matching is an art that can transform interiors when working with natural stone.
The technique of book matching with natural stone has been used for hundreds of years. It is a reflection of stone veining patterns across a joint so that adjacent panels appear as mirror images. Marble and granite are great examples of the types of stone that can create this extraordinary effect and can create a dramatic statement in any room.
There is a growing trend amongst interior designers and property developers to bring the effect into the home, whether a classic or contemporary design. The technique works well grand entrances, staircases and other focal points. Marble floors, for example, where patterns run through the slabs can be very pleasing on the eye and leave a lasting impression.
The technique has been used for hundreds of years to create features in land marks such as the Chrysler Building, the art deco skyscraper in New York City. Another example is the marble wall on which plaque that commemorates the deaths of Ida and Isidore Strauss is mounted. The couple were the founders of Macy’s who chose to give up their seats on the life boats of the Titanic. The wall can be found in the entrance to the Manhattan store.
Book-matching is a hand finished technique that requires the skills of an artisan. New Image Stone offers a book-matching service for the developer and architect which begins with initial design concepts and ends with the perfection of the finished installation.
It is worth stressing that the right effect book matching effect can only be achieved with the right skills and experience. From the moment a project begins in-depth knowledge of materials is crucial. Once materials are specified and agreed, our skilled templaters will liaise with your interior designer or architect (as well as the other associated trades on site) to plan the best tile or slab for your book-matching project. The project is then overseen by our highly skilled stone masons.
We only employ skilled stonemasons with a love of natural materials that combines well with years of experience in stonemasonry, design, engineering and installation. We also use the latest computer controlled cutting and polishing machinery.
Different stones are suitable for different application and the specialist stonemasons at New Image Stone are able to offer expert advice on the right stone for your book-matching project. We can supply almost any kind of stone available in the world and in a variety of finishes such as polished, honed, brushed and antiqued. New Image Stone works closely with clients to provide a total service from the design stage through to installation. For more details, call New Image Stone on 01784 454 955.
