For centuries marble has been a preferred natural stone for luxurious interiors as seen in grand museums and stately homes, whether for flooring, walls, staircases and other fixtures. Undoubtedly marble has a timeless quality which is why it also works seamlessly in modern spaces as statement furniture pieces. Specializing in bespoke marble furniture and accessories, Stone Studios is an up and coming brand in the Middle East, which turns out to be rooted in the marble business.
As a child Rola Kazzaz spent most summers in Italy with her family visiting stone factories. Her father ran Kazzaz Marble, a company established in Lebanon that specializes in the processing and trade of natural stone, marble and granite products. They would go to villages in Tuscany and Carrara and marvel at the ubiquitous statues, ornaments and fountains mostly carved out of the famous white Carrara marble. While Rola feels fortunate to have experienced the beautiful artisanal tradition early on she also recalls the tedious long rides out to quarries and stockyards for her father’s work: “We would be walking between endless identical looking blocks so that my father could examine them before placing orders. As a child this wasn’t exactly fun, but I appreciate it now.”
Rola was exposed to the marble business early on. “Growing up, conversations on marble were served for breakfast, lunch and dinner and there was no escaping the knowledge at first; marble names were passed around with the butter, and stories of suppliers and broken slabs discussed for dessert,” she says. It’s no surprise that Rola and her siblings also entered the family trade after their schooling. Eventually, Kazzaz Marble expanded beyond Lebanon and opened a stone factory in Qatar. Today, the two main production facilities are focused on big projects and orders. Rola explains that they are equipped with trained artisans using highly specialized machines and seasoned stonemasons that handle the more detailed work such as finishing the edges and hand carvings. “Working marble is a beautiful example of man and the machine,” she adds.
While Rola excelled in the family business to source, process and deliver the stones to clients there was a nagging desire to do something creative. “The design aspect is left out and we are executers of the architect’s vision,” explains Rola. Craving to be part of the design process, and not just delivering polished and cut stone, Rola decided it was time to launch her own business. She officially launched Stone Studios a little over a year ago allowing her to take on artistic projects and to have more creative range. Stone Studios has a showroom in Dubai where Rola is based.
Stone Studios produces a range of meticulously crafted gorgeous tables and home accessories made from marble, stone and onyx that come in various colours and textures. Clients can also create pieces tailored to their preferences and requirements. Whether it is a grand dining table that can comfortably seat 17 guests, a set of coffee tables to complement an existing low sofa, or a pink Onyx console with a specific design in mind, Rola will guide her clients to see their desired pieces come to fruition.
Being in the marble business Rola may naturally have a certain bias for the stone, but she truly believes that it is a great investment. “Like a beautiful piece of wood, marble can be forever. I always say I love the way marble can hold a story. The marks and etchings that marble invariably collects are at the core of why marble is so precious.” She recalls a white Carrara vanity that was owned by her grandmother. It was intricately worked and curved atop hand carved wooden drawers. This heirloom piece always comes to mind when she thinks of beautiful marble furniture. “It had perfume oil dotted on it. A few scratches I am sure and a dulled polish. It was beautiful. Marble remains beautiful in spite of the obvious signs of life that it carries,” she says fondly.
Rola’s favourite stone is the Travertine, which is a type of limestone that is formed by mineral deposits from natural springs. She appreciates this stone in all its variations and colours. “It also happens to be the marble equivalent of the current trend of quiet luxury. It’s not too ostentatious and at the same time feels like home.” This elegant stone in a neutral colour palette is used in a couple of the Stone Studios pieces: the ‘Gibran’ low table, the ‘Ernest’ coffee table and the ‘Barbara’ side table. As with all the pieces on the Stone Studios website, they can be made to order. Furniture orders typically take anywhere from 2-9 weeks to be ready and can be shipped to the client.
Marble, along with other precious stones, seems to be making a grand comeback in the interior design world. Rola has a different view; she believes it was never out of style. However, she does see it being used with more versatility today. “We do see a really nice renewed love for marble, not only in the classical installations of floor tiles and kitchen islands but rather in pieces that double as art.”
