Very stylish sinks made from stone

Natural stones and ceramics are some of the most popular options for flooring, countertops and shower surrounds. While both have their pros and cons, companies like Stone Arts Kenya seek to show consumers that natural stones, while more expensive, are infinitely better.

“When it comes to washbasins, for instance, natural stone products are the way to go if you’re looking for luxury,” says the company’s technical director, Pankaj Sakhuja.

Despite being up to three times more expensive than ceramics, he adds that the company having supplied over 20 high-end homes in upmarket areas like Karen and Runda in Nairobi, as well as institutions such as the Kenya School of Monetary Studies off Thika Road.

“Our products are all made locally although the stones are imported from countries such as Turkey, India and Italy,” says Pankaj.

“We like to use marble and granite, and sandstone has proved to be a great option for the outdoors, particularly if a client is looking to create a rustic feel.”

With lots of fake washbasins in the market that crack or stain easily, home owners are looking for the unique and long-lasting sinks.

Naseem Omar, the owner of Nasimi Interiors whose shop has very classy furnishings and home décor, says Kenyans nowadays lover rustic-chic items.

She talks of a buyer who picked stone rustic bowls with earthy colours and turned them into washbasins. When it comes to natural stones, popular varieties in Kenya used by companies like Stone Arts are granite, marble and sandstone.

Being sedimentary, marble is formed from the natural compression of fossil remnants over a long period, while granite, which is formed from the cooling and hardening of molten matter is one of the hardest known materials which makes its products the most resistant to cracking and breaking.

Bespoke sinks

Pankaj says, “Ceramics are usually moulded and the products are mass produced for a wide consumer base. When it comes to natural stone, bespoke products are crafted from the block depending on your dimensions, desired shape and other preferences.”

He adds that natural stone furnishings drive up the market value of a house more than ceramics.

‘‘Not only are they durable, unique, resistant to breaking and the effects of harsh weather, they are also more valuable because they simply cannot be reproduced from synthetic materials,’’ he says.

The company has three showrooms in Two Rivers Mall, Galleria and along Waiyaki Way, coming a long way since they first moved into East Africa from Cameroon.