Courtesy of EPIC Ceramic & Stone.
In the sun-drenched landscapes of the Golden Coast, luxury meets sustainability. It’s here that the stone selection for one’s home is more than just a task; art form. Because the right stone doesn’t just enhance a space; it transforms it.
Josiah Lilly, founder of EPIC Ceramic & Stone, discovered this at the age of 17. He quickly realized that stone and tile fueled his creativity–his true passion. Today, three decades later, he curates and installs stone for some of the most stunning $100 million homes. With a keen eye and deep expertise, Lilly shares key insights on selecting the materials that will transform your home’s aesthetic.
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Every piece of stone has a story, and knowing where it comes from can make all the difference in the selection process.
“All stone starts off in a mountain or quarry,” Lilly says. “Blocks of stone are extracted, transported to a factory and cut into slabs with either a polished or honed finish.”
When making your stone selections for your home, it’s important to look for markers like:
Courtesy of EPIC Ceramic & Stone.
The stone you select should be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. For example, endurance is essential in high-traffic areas like kitchens, entryways and outdoor spaces. Which stone best balances functionality and beauty? Lilly recommends quartzite. “It is a natural stone found mainly in Brazil and has become extremely popular,” Lilly says. “You get the beauty of marble with the performance of granite. It’s a great natural stone to use in any area of the home.”
For bathrooms or feature walls, marble and onyx exude luxury but require regular sealing. These softer stones develop a natural patina over time, adding character for those who appreciate aged beauty.
Bookmatching is one of the most significant challenges in stone selection, and artists like Lilly excel at it. Bookmatching—where adjoining slabs are mirrored to match the veining, pattern and movement of each other—creates a continuous flow.
“When it’s not done right, it’s painfully obvious,” Lilly observes. “Once you are in the stone business, it is impossible to not notice the tile and stone installations everywhere you go.”
This technique is striking on statement walls, fireplace surrounds and countertops.
So, how does Josiah’s team ensure perfection? The right technology. “We’ve invested heavily in cutting-edge technology that scans each and every slab we bring into our shop,” Lilly explains. “The scanned images are used to create a 3D layout for the fabrication work we will be doing, so the client knows exactly what the finished product will look like long before any cutting begins.”Every vein, seam and transition is planned for a flawless final installation.
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For that luxurious, ageless design, Lilly advises considering longevity. “I always let clients know what looks or materials I feel are timeless because, in the end, that’s the best way to go,” Lilly remarks.
Classic choices like white marble (think Calcutta or Carrara), travertine and warm-hued limestone have enduring appeal and seamlessly integrate into evolving design styles. For a bold statement, deep emerald quartzite, black marble or richly veined slabs add drama and personality to the home.
Whether you’re embarking on a complete house renovation or refining a single space, selecting stone is not just about picking a material—it’s about curating a legacy of design that will stand the test of time.
Courtesy of Ceramic & Stone.
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