MATERIALS

Onyx

Onyx is a go-to choice when we are after a high-impact feature due to its translucency, which allows it to be backlit for a glowing effect. This makes it ideal for feature walls, fireplaces, countertops, and accent pieces in spaces like living rooms, bathrooms, and bars. It brings a sense of elegance and drama, often used as a focal point to create a dynamic, luminous aesthetic

Brown – Rich brown tones with lighter veins Honey – Warm golden tones with amber veining
White – Soft white with subtle veining
Green – Vivid green with intricate veining
Red – Deep red hues with dramatic patterns
Pink – Soft pink with creamy white veins
Black – Dark, nearly opaque with occasional white or gold veining Blue – Striking blue tones with flowing white or grey veining

Living Room with onyx firepalce and flooring

Spa-style bathing room with onyx walk-in tub

Living Room with onyx fireplace and flooring

Lounge with onyx feature wall and backlit onyx coffee table

Living space with onyx flooring and fireplace

Lounge with sculptural backlit onyx coffee table

Limestone

Limestone is a great choice for designs where we look for a minimalist, understated apeparance. Valued due to its durability, cool surface, and neutral tones its grat for flooring, facades, pool decks, and bathrooms. Limestone stays cool in heat, making it perfect for outdoor spaces. However, it can be porous and prone to staining, requiring regular sealing for protection. Here we paired it with an abundance of tropical plants and tons of natural light.

Jerusalem – Creamy beige to light gold, subtle veining with warm, classic Mediterranean look
Jura Beige – Light beige with soft fossils and veins, durable and refined
Jura Grey – Grey with beige undertones, featuring fossilized patterns, ideal for modern designs Moleanos – Light beige to blue-grey with a uniform texture for a clean, elegant look
Tunisian – Warm beige to yellowish, for a classic Mediterranean aesthetic
Crema Marfil – Soft cream to light beige with minimal veining, smooth and elegant
Limra – White to pale beige, smooth texture, perfect for bright, minimalist spaces
Cadiz – Light cream with soft, subtle veins, for a refined and timeless appearance

Entrance foyer showcasing the limestone feature wall

Shaded lounge area with limestone flooring

Villa approach showcasing limestone paving and facade finishes

Travertine

Travertine is one of the most popular natural stones in Dubai villas due to its unique texture and sophisticated look adding an elegant, timeless aesthetic to both indoor and outdoor spaces. Its porous surface and naturally occurring patterns make it ideal for creating earthy yet luxurious environments. Often used flooring, pool decking, patios, feature walls, and outdoor pathways, where its ability to stay cool underfoot is especially valued. Its versatility allows it to blend seamlessly with modern, minimalist designs while enhancing the villa’s connection to the surrounding desert landscape.

Ivory/White - Light and bright with soft neutral tones.
Beige - Dark brown with rich tones and a rustic appearance.
Gold- Vibrant yellow to gold tones with rich textures. Roman - Beige with fine veining, reminiscent of ancient Roman architecture.
Noce - Dark brown with rich tones and a rustic appearance.
Red - vibrant reddish-brown, providing a bold and warm aesthetic.
Capuccino - A blend of medium brown tones with lighter accents.
Antique - Textured and aged appearance with earthy beige and brown variations. Scabos – Multi-colored with shades of gold, orange, and brown Tuscany – Golden-beige with warm earthy tones

Pool Terrace with travertine paving and canopy

Entry Foyer with travertine flooring and walls

Main Living Area with travertine flooring and fire place feature wall

Main Entrance Approach with traverting stepping stones

Lap Pool Lounge with travertine flooring and cladding to walls and ceiling

Marble

Known for its wide range of colors and distinctive veining patterns, marble provides an elegant, reflective quality, making it ideal for areas like entry lobbies, countertops, bathrooms, and feature walls, where luxury and visual impact are desired. However, marble is a relatively soft stone, making it susceptible to scratches, etching, and staining, especially when exposed to acidic substances. It should be sealed regularly to maintain its beauty. Due to its tendency to absorb moisture, marble may not be the best choice for high-traffic kitchen areas or outdoor applications in humid conditions unless treated with care. Its best use is in spaces where its luxury can shine without heavy wear or exposure to harsh elements.

Calacatta - white with grey veins, Italy
Carrara - White with soft linear veining, Italy Statuario Marble – Bright white marble with dramatic, bold veining
Emperador - dark brown and light beige with irregular, interconnected veins, Spain Crema Marfil - creamy beige with subtle veining, Spain and our old friend from Ibiza
Nero Marquina - deep black with striking white veins, Spain
Thassos - pure white with crystalline, sparkling appearance, Greece Grigio Carnico – Grey marble with dramatic black and white veining Rosa Aurora – A soft pink marble with light veining Amarillo Triana – A golden-yellow marble with soft veining
Onyx - translucent and in a variety of colors, sources include Iran, Pakistan and Turkey (can be backlit!)

Black Marble

Dark interiors are not something that most people would choose when designing their home interior. Having said that I think they can be an interesting choice, especially contrasted with the white sands of Dubai deserts. Today we are looking at a villa which turns this contrast into its defining characteristic.

Nero Marquina – A deep black marble with striking white veining Belgian Black – A solid black marble with minimal veining Black Portoro – Luxurious black marble with dramatic gold and white veining Black Marquina Extra – Premium grade Nero Marquina with fewer veins and a more uniform black surface Black Gold – A deep black marble with rich gold veining Pietra Grey – A dark grey marble with fine white veining Tundra Grey – A cool grey marble with subtle veining

Hardwood

Dubai's material selections dont often include wood due to environmental factors. If we do want to include it in the design a safe bet is hardwood due to its superior durability, resistance to warping, and ability to withstand extreme heat, humidity, and salinity. Softwoods are prone to damage from these conditions, while hardwoods offer longevity and aesthetic appeal.

Teak – Durable and moisture-resistant, ideal for outdoor furniture and decking. Iroko – Strong and weather-resistant, perfect for outdoor cladding and furniture. Ipe – Extremely dense and durable, ideal for decking, cladding, and outdoor furniture. Walnut – Rich, dark wood with a fine grain, great for interior finishes and flooring. Oak – Versatile hardwood, used for flooring, furniture, and decorative features. Accoya – Modified wood, highly resistant to heat and humidity for outdoor use. Ash – Light-colored with attractive grain, popular for furniture and flooring. Mahogany – Dark, reddish-brown wood, ideal for luxury furniture and paneling.

Foyer with polished hardwood wall panels

Living area with hardwood wall panels, ceiling and coffee table

Outdoor lounge with hardwood pergola and furniture framing

Outdoor dining with hardwood overhead structure

Poolside lounge with hardwood shade structure

Bedroom with hardwood louver wall paneling and hardwood bed base

Outdoor lounge with feature hardwood pergola