Pietra Divinia by Daltile provides a warm look in a bathroom.

The inherent strength and beauty of natural stone has made it a popular choice for years. Manufacturers are adding more unique styles, colors and patterns to bring more design elements to the natural stone category.

“There’s a lot going on in natural stone and also natural stone looks” said Suzanne Zurfluh, director of design and trend at Emser Tile. “People are looking for more exotic colors, matte finishes and larger sizes,” including installing full slabs in homes.

“We are seeing a new love affair for warm veined products in all materials,” said Emily Holle, director of trend and design for MSI. “We are seeing a big demand for more updated shapes and patterns like pickets, cubes, penny rounds and geometric shapes in general. These make statement backsplashes, gorgeous bathrooms floors and perfect shower accents.”

Stone naturally works both indoors and outdoors. “We’re finding continuity between the interior and exterior of the house is very simple and manages to visually expand the space in a room,” said a spokeswoman for Tile of Spain. By opting for the same products both indoors and out, different living areas of the home can be seamlessly connected.”

Designs and trends often reflect stone’s inherent natural appeal and consumers’ move to home and comfort. “Restorative nature is the understanding that homes need to provide the owner with restoration of mind, body and spirit,” said Laura Grilli, director of product design for Dal-Tile Corp., noting that the restorative nature trend features warm, welcoming colors that fosters cocooning. She added that the restorative nature trend is particularly popular indoors because it “creates a soothing interior by bringing the outdoors and nature inside.”

Stone ­— and stone look products — lend themselves to biophilic design. “The drive toward authentic and natural materials and the organic attributes, the natural variations of stone are driving that,” Zurfluh said.

“Wellness and the environment play a significant role in the rising popularity of natural material effects like stone,” noted a spokeswoman for Ceramics of Italy. Stone looks are popular styles on ceramics, she added, offering homeowners an opportunity to feel more closely connected with nature.

In addition, Zurfluh noted that technology including digital printing enables manufacturers to expand the look of natural stone to porcelain and add vivid colors and other styles — something that is having an effect on natural stone as well. “A lot of these really bold colors and the veining is becoming popular in real marble,” she said.

As consumers spent more time outdoors over the last two years, they have put more effort into decorating those spaces which has fueled the growth of natural stone. “People are creating an outdoor oasis,” Zurfluh said, decorating patios, pools, outdoor kitchens, and fireplaces with stone. The bold designs reflect the “maximalist trends,” she added. “They are looking for things that are timeless, luxe and maximalist — bold, outrageous and personalized.”

Bianco Dolomite Geometrica by MSI combines the popularity of geometric tile with the elegance of marble.