Exposed: Designing with Stone

Travertine Fireplace. Designer: Darryl Carter. Image: Architectural Digest.

The Texas Hill Country is dotted with caverns, deep openings in the earth that house bats, stalagmites, an occasional pond and little else. You can tour these caverns and glimpse a magical universe that we rarely think about but that exists right under our feet. I'm fascinated by the experience of entering the earth. (And I confess, my mind races for days after, as I imagine hosting a wine tasting or dinner party in these mysterious underground "pockets".)

I'm equally fascinated by the idea of descending into the earth, removing a chunk and exposing it. Whether that chunk is molded into an engagement ring or countertops, I enjoy thinking about where the stone came from and its journey onto a finger or into a home. Here are some chunks of earth that have been extracted, honed and molded to a mesmerizing effect. Enjoy! XO, L

Urban Archaeology's Marble Estate Tub. Image: Urban Archaeology.

Anish Kapoor Sculpture. Designer: Bruce Budd. Location: Houston, Texas. Image: Architectural Digest.

Aerin's Ingres Marble Tray, Large. Image: Aerin.com.

Designer: Darryl Carter. Image: Washingtonian.com.

Image: Habitually Chic.

Aerin's O'Connor Pendant in Alabaster. Image: Aerin.com.

Designer: Martha Angus. Image: MarthaAngus.com.

Lapis Side Table. Image: One Kings Lane.

Sketch, London. Image: Sketch.

Marble-Top Gustavian-Style Commode. Image: One Kings Lane.

Onyx Pyramid. Image: One Kings Lane.