Timeless, natural beauty - our conversation with Artisans of Devizes on the benefits of using natural stone
Hardwicke Limestone floor at our recent Surrey Country Estate project
At Alexandra Young, we believe in creating spaces that not only reflect our clients' unique styles but also connect with the beauty and strength of nature
One material that consistently plays a pivotal role in our design projects is natural stone, supplied by Artisans of Devizes - a local British brand specialising in natural stone flooring, custom stone creations and luxury tiles.
From its timeless elegance to its remarkable durability, natural stone adds depth, texture, and a sense of luxury to any interior. Whether used in flooring, worktops, or accent features, this versatile material elevates a space while offering the unmatched benefits of sustainability and longevity.
We sat down with Artisans to discuss the reasons for choosing natural stone and how it enhances both the aesthetic and functional qualities of a design.
Tell us about the different types of natural stone and bespoke services you offer.
At Artisans of Devizes, we’ve been sourcing and crafting natural stone for over 35 years, offering everything from classic limestone flagstones to intricate, bespoke stonework. Our expertise spans flooring, wall cladding, worktops, fireplaces, staircases and architectural detailing.
With an in-house team of artisans and a fully equipped workshop in Wiltshire, we tailor each project to suit our clients.
Whether it’s precision-cutting stone for a listed country house or, as we did for Alexandra Young on a recent project, crafting a statement basin for a contemporary space.
What makes natural stone a timeless choice for interiors?
Natural stone has an inherent beauty that only improves with age. It tells a story through its variations, fossils and textures - no two pieces are ever the same! It’s also remarkably versatile, working just as well in a grand period property as it does in a minimalist, modern home.
Unlike man-made alternatives, it develops a unique patina over time, giving spaces a depth and authenticity that’s hard to replicate.
A statement bespoke basin in Zofia Limestone in our recent Barn Conversion project
How should homeowners approach choosing the right stone for their home?
Start by considering both aesthetics and practicality. The character of the stone should complement your home’s architecture, but it also needs to suit your lifestyle. A busy family kitchen, for example, might benefit from a durable limestone with a tumbled finish that hides wear beautifully, while a bathroom could be transformed with a polished marble for a luxurious feel. Our team is always on hand to advise on the best fit for both function and style.
What factors should be considered when selecting stone for different rooms - kitchens, bathrooms, hallways?
Each space has different demands. Kitchens need durable, easy-to-maintain surfaces, making dense limestones, granites and quartzites ideal. Bathrooms often call for stones that can withstand moisture, like honed marble or limestone. Hallways benefit from hardwearing options like flagstones, which age gracefully underfoot. Finish also plays a role. Honed or tumbled stones offer a softer, more lived-in look, while polished finishes create a sleeker, more refined aesthetic.
Are there particular types of stone that suit period properties versus contemporary homes?
Absolutely. Period properties often suit aged or reclaimed limestone and marble, where the patina adds to the character of the space. Traditional English limestones, like our Hardwicke or Trusloe, sit beautifully within heritage settings. For contemporary homes, sleek, large-format stones such as polished marble or textured basalt create a more architectural feel. However, the beauty of stone is that it can bridge styles as pairing a classic limestone floor with modern fixtures can create a stunning contrast.
Our Surrey Country Estate project showing the installation of Hardwicke Limestone flooring and a bespoke Costa Smeralda Granite worktop.
What are the main advantages and challenges of using natural stone for flooring, bathrooms, and kitchen worktops?
Stone is incredibly durable and timeless, adding value to any home. However, different stones have different properties - some are more porous and require sealing, while others are naturally resistant to stains and wear.
The key is selecting the right stone for the right setting and maintaining it properly. A well-sealed limestone floor, for example, is highly practical in high-traffic areas, and a honed marble worktop, though softer, gains a beautiful patina over time.
How does stone perform in high-traffic areas? What about underfloor heating compatibility?
Limestone, sandstone and granite are excellent choices for high-traffic areas, as they are incredibly hardwearing. Finishes like tumbled or brushed can help disguise wear and tear, making them ideal for busy spaces. Natural stone is also an excellent conductor of heat, making it perfect for underfloor heating, warming up beautifully underfoot while retaining heat efficiently.
What’s the difference between off-the-shelf and bespoke stone flooring? When might a client opt for a bespoke option?
Off-the-shelf stone flooring is pre-cut to standard sizes and finishes, offering convenience and cost-effectiveness. Bespoke flooring allows for complete customisation - whether that’s oversized flagstones for a grand entrance hall, hand-cut mosaics for a bathroom, or intricate inlays for a more decorative approach. Clients often opt for bespoke when working on period restorations, where matching existing stone is essential or when they want a completely unique look tailored to their space.
Artisan’s Tetbury Terracotta in a herringbone pattern at our Victorian Townhouse project
How do different finishes affect the look and feel ?
Each finish influences not only the aesthetics but also how the stone interacts with light, touch and daily wear.
Honed is smooth and matte, offering a contemporary yet understated look. It works well for floors, bathrooms and worktops.
Tumbled has softened edges with a weathered feel and is ideal for period properties or creating a lived-in look.
Polished gives a high-gloss and reflective finish, perfect for statement pieces like marble worktops or shower walls.
What are the current trends in stone? Are clients leaning toward any particular types, finishes, or bespoke elements?
We’re seeing a shift towards warmer, earthier tones like soft beiges, honeyed limestones and rich marbles like Calacatta Oro. Textured finishes, like brushed and antiqued surfaces, are also gaining popularity as they bring a more organic, natural feel. Bespoke elements, such as integrated stone sinks, fireplace surrounds and book-matched slabs are increasingly requested, particularly in high-end residential projects.
Can you share a particular project where stone transformed a space?
One standout project was an English country estate in the Surrey Hills, where we worked closely with the design team at Alexandra Young to create a cohesive, textural scheme. The clients embraced natural materials, with our Hardwicke limestone forming the foundation of the interiors. We created bespoke elements, including handcrafted kitchen worktops and seamlessly integrated stone vanity tops (see image), which not only enhanced the practicality of the spaces but also added a layer of understated luxury. The end result was a home that felt effortlessly connected to its surroundings, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern living.
We added an Artisans of Devizes bespoke stone vanity top and splashback to these repurposed antique commodes and a bespoke Juparana Bordeaux granite shower wall
How does your bespoke service work, and what can clients expect from the process?
Our bespoke service is a true collaboration between client, designer and artisan. It starts with a consultation to understand the project’s needs, whether that’s a custom-carved staircase, a made-to-measure worktop or a set of individually cut floor tiles. Our workshop team then sources the finest slabs, meticulously cutting and finishing each piece to ensure a perfect fit. Clients can expect craftsmanship at the highest level, with every detail carefully considered, from the veining in a marble slab to the way a grout line aligns with cabinetry. It’s this attention to detail that makes bespoke stonework truly special.