Trend Watch: Slate

Looking to add a dark, mysterious and sultry vibe to your interiors? Then let us introduce you to your next obsession. Slate is not just a roofing material; it’s now being used extensively throughout homes for its natural beauty as well as its hard-wearing properties.

For our trend focus for this month, we’re taking a closer look at how slate’s versatility, sophistication, and durability make it the surface material of choice for so many architects, designers, and homeowners the world over.

Why Slate?

Slate has been used as a roofing material for more than 200 years and many ancient roof slates are still in use today, something that clearly demonstrates the sheer durability of this hardy and beautiful material. But it’s not just for older or more traditional builds. Today, natural slate marries with cutting-edge architecture both inside and out. It’s a popular choice for roofing and cladding as well as flooring, walls, and so much more.

It has a beautiful natural texture that adds depth to any space and while colours range from near black to greys and mottled browns, it’s the perfect deep neutral shade that complements nearly any style. Whether it’s used in a country cottage kitchen or a contemporary designed open floor plan, its organic features will add a rough luxe look to any room in the home.

Slate Flooring

One of slate’s most popular uses is as flooring. Its unique character and rustic good looks give any hallway, kitchen or bathroom an elegant solution which is hardwearing enough to endure years of heavy footfall. Plus, slate works well with underfloor heating, retaining warmth and giving you more ‘bang for your buck’ when it comes to your winter heating bills.

Consider extending the slate from the kitchen or living area outside to a patio for a continuous aesthetic that will make your flooring look seamless and your home appear bigger.

Slate Worktops

Slate can also be used in the kitchen, creating a worktop that’s both practical and beautiful. Its resistance to heat means it can withstand extremes in temperature and sealed well, it’ll also provide great stain resistance. The natural patina it develops over time is seen by many as an added facet its beauty and versatility.

Slate in the Bathroom

Going for a spa-effect in your bathroom remodel? Slate might just be the perfect choice when used on both floors as well as walls. It creates a calm and understated luxurious feel and when combined with white sanitary ware, chrome hardware, fluffy white towels and a few plants, you’ll get that spa-at-home look quite easily.

Try using splitface slate tiles to create drama and elegance in a wet room or shower. In a space that normally has a lot of hard lines and surfaces, the texture of splitface will elevate the look and add interest to your walls.

Slate Around the Home

If you aren’t yet convinced about using slate on your walls or floors, there are plenty of accessories on the market to to help you dip your feet into the trend. Consider slate serving boards in the kitchen, slate coasters and mats for your dining room table, slate cakestands, pots and so much more.

You might also consider using slate as a paint colour in your home. Look out for dark greys such as Farrow & Ball Downpipe, Dulux Nightshades, or Designer’s Guild Notting Hill Slate 36, all of which will each give any space a dark, cosy look that’s both elegant as well as versatile.

How will you be using slate in your home this year? If you are looking for natural stone or slate tiles for your next project, be sure to take advantage of our free cut sample service!

You might also enjoy these posts on the Tile Mountain blog…

The Natural Beauty of Slate Tiles

Style on a Budget: How to Create Sumptuous Rooms Without Breaking the Bank!

Top Tips for Choosing Bathroom Tiles