ROCK STARS

A spectacular new showroom ushers stone finishes into an exciting new era.

- CHRIS PEARSON

HOUSEHOLD SURFACES come and go, but little can match the timeless beauty of natural stone - with its sinuous patterns, subtle colouring and epic solidity, it will never go out of style. With similar staying power, stone retailer CDK Stone recently celebrated its 42nd birthday. And marked the milestone with a brand-new showroom in Sydney's Alexandria.

Covering 1400 square metres, the Selection Centre, consisting of a showroom and warehouse, "explores an extensive range of premium natural stone in a dedicated setting, offering a tactile and immersive experience," says CDK Stone director Tony Victor. Marbles, limestones and quartzites front up on furnishings, walls and floors, crafted into curves, mitred edges and bullnosing, with the versatility of these classic finishes on full, fabulous view.

The showroom was conceived by inhouse designer Natasha Stengos, who has curated contemporary furniture from Arthur G, artworks from Saint Cloche and handcrafted rugs from The Rug Collection with crafted stone furniture and finishes. It includes a waiting area, two collaboration spaces or client suites with a formal boardroom setting and a casual living room, and a sample library with a handsome stone table as the centrepoint.