Is quartz still rising in popularity? Are miters still a favorite? Is natural stone being used anywhere else but countertops? Over the years, trends seemed to be somewhat stagnate. But as the price tag on quartzite drops and homeowners are opting to do more in their houses than ever before, some new design trends are becoming apparent. Stone World had the opportunity to speak with two fabricators from different parts of the country to learn more about current trends in residential design, and what’s on the horizon for the coming year.

“A couple of years ago, the quartz market took over because, I believe, of their aggressive marketing,” said Buddy Ontra, owner of Ontra Stone Concepts in Bridgeport, CT. “I am now seeing more natural stone on my end and the reason I specify ‘on my end’ is because I have been doing a lot of multi-family units — like affordable condos and apartments — and I am seeing some of the old classic granites becoming popular again. You can also get more out of a granite slab than a quartz slab. When it comes to regular homeowners, it seems that they are still choosing quartz more often because they believe it is more durable.