When you’re gathering ideas for your home, take advantage of local restaurants and hotel lobbies for a chance to see different flooring and colors in person. Often new restaurants and other retail outlets will use the newest surfaces and combinations, and it’s nice to see their choices.

This restaurant really illustrates the drama a stone floor can provide. Although the pattern is simple squares, the variety of color and tone offered makes the floor a highlight in the space.

Do you have a large open format home? Rather than dealing with flooring transitions that can limit your décor options, consider making one flooring choice with enough personality to keep your home interesting for the entire living area.

Every type of stone has some differences, but some tone shifts are more dramatic than others. Talk to one of our salespeople to get a good idea of how much each type of stone varies from one square to another. For example, slate has dramatic shifts in color and texture, but most marble is pretty consistent.

With this mid-tone stone, you can go light or dark with your furniture and window coverings. This would also work with rich colors or metallics. One thing is certain; a floor like this will add drama and interest throughout your home.