A Finnish log house with a Californian flair

A house with warm Californian vibes in Finland’s cold winter. A strange combination? Not really: the combination of these two very different and far apart decorative styles is called Scandifornian, and reinterprets neutral Scandinavian interiors by adding touches of the American South in the form of ethnic patterns, animal prints, handicrafts, vintage pieces and dry climate plants such as cacti.

In this house, however, the influence between the two worlds is genuine, to the extent that it is also reflected in the floor plan: the house features many windows, a clear layout, functional rooms, good views and a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, just like on the west coast.

It was designed by Olavi Kujanen, architect and creative leader of the world’s foremost log house manufacturer, Kontio. Kujanen, who is also the owner of the house, travels a lot and drew inspiration for his design from his favourite area of Palm Springs, California.

Luxurious and timeless materials for the kitchen: the choice of Dekton

Dekton Entzo, a realistic and natural colour

A Silestone washbasin to finish off a luxury home

Located in Bukit Batok, a residential area in Singapore, this house conveys pure nature thanks to a project by Mesh Werk Studio that emphasises the relationship with nature in accordance with the owner’s wishes. Earthy tones and materials such as Silestone were some of the key elements that brought this project to life.

According to the studio, the biggest challenge was “the large number of plants the customer wanted to incorporate, so we had to choose worktops with a colour palette that would match neutral and easy to maintain materials.”

In keeping with the strong open concept, the kitchen is connected to the living and dining areas, with wood and white providing the link between the spaces. Designed as a living and functional space, the kitchen revolves around two work areas and an island that are separated from each other to allow natural light to enter through the windows.

And it was precisely the brightness and white colour that were key in choosing the worktops for the three volumes of the kitchen. “We chose Silestone White North because it is a white shade reminiscent of the beauty and power of nature, it fits perfectly the natural theme of the project, and it has the durability to meet the customers’ daily needs. We all fell in love with this colour. It suited our design perfectly.”

The bathrooms also feature Silestone, but this time the colour chosen was White Storm, a white shade that, like the softest calm after a storm, brings clarity and light to the rooms. In both bathrooms, White Storm was used for the vanity countertops and is complemented by tiles in shades very close to nature, such as green and beige. Wooden base units and mirrors, with a different design in each bathroom, complete the look.

“The high quality of Cosentino products has given us the peace of mind that comes from knowing that our customer’s home is equipped with the best worktops. We’re confident that the product will meet the high quality demands of our designs and even improve our work. I would recommend it to all our customers, especially if they’re looking for beautiful and high quality materials,” concludes the studio.

Casa Osho is not like other houses; and it does not pretend to be. Although this modern residential retreat is in Mexico, it draws its inspiration from the atmosphere of the island of Bali. Here, Buddhist practice is combined with the connection between man and nature, while at the same time harmoniously integrating Cosentino materials, especially those made from natural and sustainable stones.

The project is located in Morelos, Mexico, and is the work of a collaboration between the architectural studio M+M and interior designer Jess Fernández. “The central element, both visually and energetically, is the rose quartz surface of Prexury Rose Quartz, which was used to evoke the abstract image of a Buddha in this two-storey dwelling”, says the interior designer.

According to Fernández, they chose the Spanish company because of its natural textures, which perfectly matched the project’s approach. “In addition to the wonderful look and feel of Cosentino materials, their performance was also a key factor”, she further says. Both the colours and the excellent properties in terms of resistance, versatility and maintenance of the Prexury line were decisive.

Cosentino stones were widely used throughout the project. Their strong, almost ubiquitous presence creates straight lines that result in generous volumes and proportions in a space designed for enjoyment. But the choice for each space served its own purpose.

The project has a surface area of 757 square metres, where Dekton was the dominant choice for both interior and exterior applications, thanks to its versatility in terms of durability and its carbon neutral status. In addition, according to the interior designer, “for the kitchen worktops, both indoors and outdoors, we chose it because it withstands direct heat, while in the bathrooms it offers high scratch resistance”.

Exotic pieces fill the interior of this house that blends indoors and outdoors almost religiously through large windows that take advantage of an exceptional orientation to offer a play of textures between the light of dawn and dusk with the textures of the materials used throughout the house. Here, everything is energy. Energy at its best.

Casa Decor, the most eagerly awaited interior design event of the year held in Madrid for professionals and amateurs alike, is back. And, as every year, the talent of interior designer Erico Navazo is not to be missed. On this occasion, the designer presents the ‘Metallic Harmony’ space, a bathroom proposal created in collaboration with the Strohm Teka brand, which redefines elegance and resistance to the passage of time through the masterful integration of elements from different eras.

Renowned for his ability to create spaces that tell stories, Navazo has designed a bathroom that captures the essence of a 1928 palace, giving it a natural, contemporary and avant-garde spirit. This space goes beyond the usual functional area to become a sanctuary that invites reflection and appreciation of detail. According to Navazo, it is “a place that resists the passage of time while maintaining its elegance. To reinforce this concept, beautiful metallic taps were used, complemented by textures, colours and materials within a balanced and unique design. An eclectic space that aims to be timeless.”

To create this eclectic and timeless space, Navazo also used two Cosentino materials. On the one hand, he chose Silestone Parisien Bleu for the bathtub and the washbasin countertop. On the other, he used Sensa Platino on a quartzite table specially made for the project. These surfaces enhance the space thanks to their unique aesthetics and offer advanced technology with easy maintenance and high resistance, which are key features for Navazo, who always looks for materials “capable of generating emotions, with a beautiful design and durability.”

According to Navazo, the process of selecting these materials was the result of an exhaustive search to find those that “best suited what we had in mind”. The decision was based on a combination of factors including the technical properties, colour, texture and design of the slab, which together captured the vision of the project.

In addition, Navazo highlights the ease of use of Cosentino materials, stating that their “high resistance and ease of handling” facilitated the execution of the design, which was a decisive advantage given the high pressure of execution and assembly times typical of events such as Casa Decor.

The challenge of meeting these tight deadlines was partly mitigated by the logistical support of Cosentino, which delivered the materials “with alacrity”, allowing Navazo and his team to focus on carrying out a perfect assembly and remaining faithful to the original concept. His proposal for this year’s edition will also remain in the memory of all those attending Casa Decor.

Trish Knight and Nicole Varga are the dynamic duo behind Knight Varga Interiors, a multi-award-winning design studio based in Vancouver specializing in bespoke residentials. For this special project, they helped a family of five create their dream legacy home to live in forever.

The designers led the project from start to finish, bringing together a team of experts and creating a full interior design construction package as well as the furnishings and styling of both the interior and exterior living spaces. For Trish and Nicole, it was important to design with longevity in mind, selecting quality materials and furnishing that would stand up to daily use and the busy life of a family complete with three teenagers and two dogs. The result is an architectural style that leans contemporary with warm elements to create a timeless family home that balances the style and wishes of both partners.

When selecting surfaces, Silestone and Dekton were an easy choice for the designers. The materials offer versatility and are used extensively throughout the home. The open concept was designed to soak in natural light and views from every room, so the finishes needed to flow naturally and seamlessly.

For the open kitchen, the designers selected Dekton Uyuni counters, a pure white shade that stands up to daily wear and tear while remaining pristine. To balance the design, full slabs of Silestone Et. Noir were used to clad the range wall. Additionally, Et. Noir was the perfect way to tie the kitchen in with the black fireplace on the adjacent wall and ground the room in evening light.

Silestone Et. Noir was also used in the powder room, where the designers ordered a counter with an integrated sink directly from Cosentino’s factory in Spain. The floor of the powder room as well as the adjacent lounge and office is Dekton Kovik, a natural gray base with subtle veining. Knight Varga Interiors incorporated Dekton Rem for the primary ensuite walls and benches, “we love Rem’s subtle tones and textures,” they shared.

Knight Varga Interiors and their talented team created a dream home for a busy family, designed with Cosentino materials that will serve as a catalyst for timeless memories.

You can actually find inspiration for your home decor anywhere. Hotels often showcase the latest color trends and materials that later appear in the interior design industry. We also love to apply the comfort of hotels in our own homes. That's why we take a look at the newest trend hotel of the Van der Valk family, where interior expert Alice van der Valk tells us everything about the process, color combinations, and material choices for this beautiful hotel.

For each child, their own business. That's how Martinus van der Valk initially envisioned it. This idea has led to the creation of more than a hundred Valk hotels, each with a family member at the helm. This is also the case in the newly opened Valk Hotel Best, just a stone's throw away from Eindhoven Airport.

The hotel has luxurious rooms and suites, a lush wellness center, an exclusive sky bar, various restaurants, and a Brabant pub. In addition, it also has multifunctional rooms and boardrooms. An ideal base for both holidaymakers and business visitors. "For the table in the boardroom, we chose Dekton by Cosentino. The large surface is custom-made from a single plate, which makes it an imposing impression."

Alice van der Valk, one of the driving forces behind this special hotel project, tells us everything about the design. "I am currently busy finishing the decoration and styling of the hotel," says Alice. "There are still quite a few details to be worked out, but it is an exciting process. My daughter Daimy and I have been involved in this project for about 6 years, and during that time, we worked with the architect on the layout of the building and the spaces, as well as determining the facilities.

“We worked with Teunissen architectural firm from Voorschoten for the design of the building. Later, we worked with our interior builder Nijboer to translate the ideas and atmosphere into drawings and the final end product. I also did the procurement of materials, furniture, and lighting together with my daughter."

Can you tell us more about the atmosphere and style you have created in the hotel? Alice van der Valk: "Certainly! Daimy and I wanted to create a timeless atmosphere, with a touch of the seventies and a touch of vintage. Many of the shapes, colors, and materials have a nod to that time. Think of travertine, walnut wood, vintage marble, and round shapes, together with design items from that period, such as the Togo chair and the lamps from Artimide and Louis Poulsen."

You have also used the material Dekton from Cosentino in the interior design. Can you tell us more about that choice? Alice van der Valk: "We have indeed used Dekton surfaces, both as surfaces in furniture and for table tops. The color and material fit perfectly with the atmosphere we wanted to create. Moreover, Dekton is less porous than natural stone, which is very practical in a hospitality environment."

In the hotel, many different colors and patterns have been mixed together. The overall result is beautiful. Alice van der Valk: "I love to mix patterns and colors and am certainly not a proponent of a 'boring' interior. My style is rather eclectic. Terra, powder tones, and off-white form the basis, supplemented with accent colors such as ochre yellow in the lobby and cobalt blue in the buffet restaurant. On the twelfth floor, overlooking greenery and forests, we brought in green tones. We chose Terra in particular to create a warm atmosphere. Due to the many windows, the spaces are very light, and we opted for a light floor. Warm wood tones and colors were a logical choice for us to add atmosphere. So we balanced all the color combinations in each room as well as in the overall design. You can also find Dekton in the surfaces of the bathroom furniture in the luxurious bathrooms."

The focus on guest experience is a clear starting point when furnishing a large hotel. We ask Alice what the challenges and opportunities in the hospitality industry are today? "Alice van der Valk: Definitely. "The bar is set higher and higher, and guests expect more and more," explains Alice.

"A swimming pool and wellness center have almost become a requirement. Our goal is to find a perfect balance between business and leisure guests. Both the business and leisure guest want to be completely taken care of, experience comfort, and expect service that is taken for granted. We continue to innovate in terms of service and facilities, and that is one of the most challenging aspects of hospitality."

In the heart of Provence, in Grasse, an exceptional project has come to life. This renovation of a 280 m2 house was orchestrated by architect Victoria Douyere. After working as a freelancer for Caroline Andreoni for two years, where she gained the practical skills necessary for high-end renovations, she decided to launch her own agency in 2020.

Listening to her clients, her goal is to guide them in designing interiors that are both functional and aesthetic, where they will feel comfortable for years to come. Special attention is given to space redistribution, circulation fluidity, custom storage creation, and the selection of noble materials. In 2023, she partnered with Damien Schwed to found Bàti-Bàti Architecture ( "bàti-bàti" meaning "favorite" in Provençal). Based in Marseille, their new agency aims to infuse their projects with a distinctly Mediterranean style.

This warm style is found within the villa. The kitchen, with its worktop, backsplash, and island in Sensa Taj Mahal, a treated natural stone mixed with Dekton Arga, offers a complete illusion for a harmonious and elegant result.

Dekton Arga, reproducing the iconic texture and soft warmth of the Taj Mahal quartzite, perfectly adorns the bathrooms. Its fine veins meander between oxides and fade to become reddish-gold, adding character and originality to the spaces it adorns. In the second bathroom, a Dekton Trance basin top, with its fluid color and hint of blue, reveals a background of cream and gray hues, creating a unique and refined atmosphere.

Victoria Douyere embodies a decidedly modern approach to architecture and renovation, while preserving the authenticity and charm of Provence. Through her projects, the agency reinvents spaces to offer clients environments that are both functional, aesthetic, and imbued with Mediterranean character.

White and stately. This is how Juka Interiorismo’s refurbished flat in Murcia looks like, a serene haven for a couple, with two bedrooms and a classic feel. It combines straight lines and curves to create an interior that is as functional as it is elegant.

In this immaculate setting, where even the doors are tinted white, the kitchen stands out above all for its blue furniture and for being separated from the living room by a sliding glass door with golden profiles, one of this season’s favourite interior design solutions.

Its colour is matched by the Dekton Rem worktop, which adds interest to the room through the detailed design of its brown and grey veining with touches of gold. Its pattern, which recalls the sobriety of the famous Calacatta marble, perfectly matches the gold accents on the taps, handles and lamps.

The surface is virtually seamless, giving it a very contemporary feel that perfectly balances the modern and timeless vocation of the property. Javier Tomás, head of the studio, highlights the large format of the slabs offered by Cosentino.

The interior designer also praises Dekton’s wide range of thicknesses, from 4 to 20 mm, as well as its exceptional strength.

“In addition to its great versatility in terms of designs and textures to create very unique spaces, I chose Dekton because it is highly resistant to heat, stains, sunlight and wear and tear, making it the best choice for use in high-traffic areas,” explains the professional. For all these reasons, the studio also decided to use Dekton Rem for the bathroom countertops and installed a Simplicity washbasin in the same material.

Cosentino products were also used for the floor. In this case, Dekton Aeris was preferred, a stone that boasts light tones with cream-coloured detail inspired by white limestone. It adds an intriguing dimension to the flooring in the flat, with a neutral tone that subtly enhances the saturation of the all-white palette that extends to the walls, mouldings, doors and ceilings.

In the mountain town of Navacerrada (Madrid), G34 Arquitectos has undertaken a particularly unique project: the renovation of a traditional stone cottage, increasing its living space by adding a series of hut-like modules that house new rooms.

The contemporary wood and glass extensions feature large windows, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. The same openings have been replicated throughout the house to harmonise the style of the two units, giving the old building a brighter, more contemporary aesthetic.

To maintain this sense of continuity, architect Ignacio Marqués Martínez decided to use the same floor throughout the space. The material chosen was Dekton Kreta natural stone, which, inspired by classic cement floors, brings a sense of calm to the environment.

Its design is homogeneous and restrained, although it includes darker or lighter areas depending on the density of the pattern, adding visual interest. “The exceptionally irregular finish of each piece contributes to the sense of quality of the space in each room,” say the professionals. In addition, the matt texture and shade of grey perfectly complement the black-painted metal of the windows and openings, as well as the wood used throughout the structure.

By choosing a limited range of materials and using simple, straightforward shapes, the studio G34 Arquitectos aimed to give the interior a serene, minimalist feel. This effect is further enhanced by the use of Dekton Kreta in various areas such as the kitchen island (“For kitchen worktops, Dekton is unsurpassed in terms of both finish and durability,” according to G34 Arquitectos), the shower area and the bathroom walls.

In each case, the largest possible slabs were used in order to minimise the number of joints. “We found it very easy to work with Cosentino. The work was redesigned to ensure the exact dimensions of each piece, and the product was even ordered already mitred,” recalls the project team.

“Given the need for large formats, it is crucial to rely on a high quality material such as Dekton. Furthermore, as the size of the slabs increases, it is important to ensure that they are flat to avoid lippage at the joints,” adds the studio. “Dekton’s ease of maintenance and cleaning, as well as its seamless surfaces, add to its appeal,” explains Marqués Martínez.

The decision to use Dekton was clear from the start, and finding the ideal colour was straightforward: “We were sure from the start,” they say. “Cosentino supported us throughout the process, from material selection to troubleshooting during installation on site. They even helped us determine the optimal slab layout to minimise costs,” conclude G34 Arquitectos.