Step into a realm where the essence of nature is artfully woven into the tapestry of interior design. Anna Agapova, Creative Director of O&A London, introduces some of the world’s most astonishing natural stones and minerals, which could be incorporated perfectly into the interior design of your home. A trained geographer – Anna continues exploring Earth’s treasures and collecting samples of nature’s most unique creations is one of the hobbies she pursues with a passion.
“My favourite stone is a piece of fossil lava found during a trip to Fagradalsfjall crater in Iceland. Just like a time capsule, frozen in eternity, it holds within its hardened embrace a captivating tale of ancient fire and its tumultuous journey across the Earth’s surface” – says Anna Agapova.
Minerals, nature’s exquisite treasures, breathe a sense of mystique and enchantment into the interior. Like fragments of the Earth’s secrets, they add depth, beauty, and a touch of the extraordinary to any space. Their unique and beautiful appearance not only lends itself well to home decor but each material also has a distinct meaning and restorative energy. A stunning piece of art formed naturally in the ground for centuries must be a special decoration that creates a certain atmosphere at home.
CLEAR QUARTZ
Lighting by: Christopher Boots
Clear quartz, in its pristine transparency, reflects the world like – a shimmering mirror. It is the most versatile for interior styling because of its neutral colour, which adds interest and texture. Over eons, magma flows and cools, providing a nurturing cocoon for the birth of these radiant gems. It is also known as the power stone that magnifies any energy or purpose and protects against negativity. Display this stone on shelves, in art installations or lighting fixtures to add a natural eye-catching feature to a bedroom interior.
PYRITE
Lighting by: Bomma
Pyrite is truly one of a kind. The mineral known for its metallic lustre and golden colour creates a symphony of iron and gold. Over a long time, under tremendous pressure, the mineral transforms, crystallising into intricate geometric forms that glisten with radiant energy. The rough texture, crystalline structure and cubic shapes can add visual interest and contrast to decorative elements in interior design. Use it as a decorative object, accent or art installation to add sharp character to a space.
FUCHSITE
Fuchsite, brought forth by the gentle alchemy of time and geological forces, emerges as a vibrant testament to the wonders of our planet. Formed within metamorphic rocks, this delicate mineral captivates with its shimmering green sheen, reminiscent of sunlight dancing upon leaves. Its colour range sits perfectly well with natural and earthy interior themes, but can also provide an interesting contrast and unique look when incorporated in more modern or minimalistic design schemes. Custom-made tiles or panels from fuchsite can set a wonderful accent on walls, creating a soothing and serene atmosphere in bedrooms, kitchens or meditation spaces.
AGATE
Let’s all marvel at the supreme beauty of agate, a gemstone born deep within Earth’s mysterios layers of crystalline formations. Its rich history and mythical origin remind us of the awe-inspiring power of nature’s alchemy. Agate brings a touch of enchantment and elegance to home interior design. Its palette spans the spectrum, ranging from soothing pastels to vibrant hues and its tendency to scatter delicate reflections across the walls and floor will infuse interior spaces with a captivating sense of luxury and tranquillity. A statement piece in the form of an agate geode coffee table with its intricate crystalline structure and mesmerising colour variations is guaranteed to become the focal point of the room. By incorporating this regal gemstone into a home, one creates a haven where beauty and serenity coexist in perfect harmony.
CLINOCHLORE
Modern Apartment in the Wine House residential complex
Through the dance of heat and pressure, clinochlore emerges, testament to the intricate symphony of geological forces shaping our world. It has a distinctive fibrous or scaly texture, giving it a unique look. Its delicate colour palette ranges from the softest pastels of green to vibrant emerald shades – perfect for creating a natural and earthy ambience in interior design. Each shade captures the essence of nature’s verdant splendour, evoking the tranquil stillness of lush groves and secret glens. Clinochlore can be used as a decorative accent to add dimension and natural elements to interior spaces.
AMAZONITE
Luxury Residential Development “Ilyinka 3/8”
Amazonite takes shape deep within the Earth’s secret chambers, where granite and feldspar are locked in a primordial embrace. It is known for its captivating palette of aqua and green, often with white streaks or flecks reminiscent of secluded oasis hidden amidst a verdant jungle canopy. The unique colour and texture of Amazonite can add a touch of tranquillity and natural beauty to interior design. Its attractiveness and durability make it a versatile choice for kitchen and bathroom surfaces. It can be applied to feature walls, fireplace surrounds or accent panels, creating a visually striking and serene ambience. Amazonite is sometimes used in interior design inspired by Feng Shui principles, where it may be placed strategically to promote a harmonious and calming environment.
LAPIS LAZULI
Cabinet by: Christopher Boots
Born from the union of celestial blue and golden stardust, Lapis Lazuli emerges as a jewel steeped in the essence of cosmic allure and artistic grandeur. Lapis Lazuli’s majestic hue tells tales of distant celestial realms. Its vibrant blue, reminiscent of the infinite expanse of the sky, intertwines with golden veins, like threads, illuminating the gem with the radiance of distant galaxies. Its distinctive colour and mesmerising appearance add a touch of luxury, depth and character to interior design. Lapis Lazuli can be incorporated into lighting fixtures, tile installations, mosaics or furniture creating a warm, ambient glow, emphasising the stone’s natural beauty and adding a touch of opulence to create a luxurious and eye-catching highlight.
FLUORITE
Fluorite’s enchanting spectrum dazzles the eye, revealing a celestial tapestry of colours that dance with ethereal grace. From the tranquil blues of a serene sky to the vibrant greens of lush meadows, from the whispering purples of twilight’s magic to the radiant pinks of a blossoming dawn, fluorite captures the hues of nature’s most captivating moments in perfect harmony. Fluorite can be mounted, framed or incorporated into lighting fixtures. Due to its translucent nature light is allowed to pass through. This creates a captivating effect, whereby soft, diffused light adds colour and striking focal points, especially in meditation areas, offices or living rooms.
SODALITE
Sodalite – a mesmerising gemstone formed within pockets of magma, where molten rock, rich in sodium and aluminium, mingles with the vibrant blue hues of the mineral. Over millennia, the forces of the Earth worked tirelessly, transforming these raw materials into a geological work of art. Sodalite comes in deep blue hues, interlaced with captivating white veines. Its vibrancy can add depth and elegance to many different rooms. Use it as tiles or turn a slab into a feature wall. The serene blue tones of sodalite will contribute to a calming and soothing atmosphere in any space. Installing a sodalite – shower surround in your bathroom is bound to create a luxury spa-like oasis with your own home.
MARBLE
Modern Apartment in the Wine House residential complex
Millions of years ago, deep within the Earth’s crust, limestone – a sedimentary rock composed of ancient marine organisms – rested in tranquil seas. Immense heat and pressure transformed this humble limestone, introducing an array of minerals and impurities that would determine the marble’s colour, veining and pattern. Marble is a timeless and majestic stone that has long been revered for its beauty, elegance and versatility in home interior design. From ancient palaces to modern residences, marble has graced spaces with its exquisite appearance and lustrous appeal. It is a universal material that can set an accent in any space. For example, marble flooring instantly elevates the ambience of any room, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication. Whether in classic white, uniquely veined or coloured, marble floors never fail to create a sense of grandeur and timeless elegance.
BLUE AGATE
Luxury Home for a Young Family
The interaction between silica-rich fluids and other elements endowed blue agate with its captivating hues. Eons ago, when nature conducted a primordial symphony of chemistry, mineral impurities like iron and copper joined the performance. They became the celestial artists, gently infusing the agate with delicate shades of azure, evoking the depths of tranquil waters and clear summer skies. Accents of blue agate scattered throughout the home, appear as delicate coasters. Each piece, with its unique patterns and serene hues, adds a touch of natural beauty and sophistication to the overall design. With its mesmerising patterns and calming tones, blue agate becomes a symbol of serenity and a testament to the timeless allure of the wonders of the natural world.
EUDIALYTE
Eudialyte is born deep within the womb of ancient rock formations, which is a testament to nature’s boundless creativity. This rare mineral is known for its vibrant colours and distinctive patterns that make eudialyte a captivating addition to the design of a home interior. Eudialyte’s chromatic composition reveals rich tones of crimson and pink, reminiscent of summer twilight, intertwined with strokes of ebony and alabaster. Use eudialyte as an accent piece to add a pop of colour and a touch of nature to the space. For example, a wall mosaic using eudialyte tiles becomes a unique and visually attractive artwork that serves as a focal point and conversation starter in any room.
