In romance novels, myths or fairy tales, the expression "alabaster skin" is often used as a synonym for smooth, beautiful and white skin. This epithet is not unfounded - this is exactly what alabaster is. It is a natural stone - translucent, somewhat hazy, often colored yellow, greenish or pink. When rays of light pass through it, alabaster comes to life. Then all the tiny veins, mottling and streaks come out of it.
No wonder it has delighted artists and craftsmen for centuries, and now interior designers as well. Meet alabaster - one of the noblest yet rarest minerals found on Earth. Although it is sometimes hard to believe that it was created by the forces of mother nature.
The first to succumb to the charm of alabaster were the Egyptians, who spared no effort to use the mineral to create both awe-inspiring monumental sculptures and household trinkets with walls as thin as paper. Several centuries later, the elegant stone was already adorning soaring churches, court mansions and townhouses of wealthy townsfolk. But its true beauty is still being discovered today, thanks to the craftsmanship and years of experience of specialists. They are the ones who use modern technologies and traditional ornamental methods to create highly decorative furnishings with "light locked inside," as the Italian painter and architect Leon Battista Alberti described the properties of stone.
Several centuries later, elegant stone was already adorning soaring churches, courtly mansions and townhouses of wealthy burghers
© Joanna Sokolowska
Light enclosed in stone
With its silky luster, variety of coloration and ability to work with the material with precision, alabaster has inspired artists and craftsmen for years. They were the first to appreciate the mineral for its warm, pleasing-to-the-touch, sensuous finish and its extremely rare characteristic of light transmission. This semi-transparency makes alabaster a true king of interior design and a material ideal for creating original furnishings. Just one gentle ray of sunlight or the seeping glow of a light bulb makes the subtle veining and delicate mottling covering the stone come to life.
Beauty straight from nature
As beautiful as at home alabaster presents itself in the interiors of hotels and restaurants. In a monumental edition, which cannot be overlooked - on walls, floors or counters - but also in the form of subtle details - coffee tables, mirror frames or various types of lamps. Its intimate character and silky finish bring a cozy atmosphere to the space and will help relieve stress ," argues Joanna Sokolowska, an interior decorator and artist.
Stone's natural habitat is also the bathroom - here we will use it as a form of countertop or elegant washbasin. Alabaster is also an excellent choice for offices or spa salons. For centuries it has been attributed to therapeutic and magical effects. It sets a good mood, harmonizes and calms, and facilitates concentration, so let's not forget to use it also in the space of a private home office.
alabaster is also an excellent choice for offices or spa salons
© Joanna Sokolowska
Specialists in alabaster
What is the processing of this magical mineral like today? The result is sizable light panels, hanging lamps, stylish wall sconces, coffee tables, countertops, mirror frames or bars. Mosul marble, Marian glass, alabastros or simply alabaster. This unique stone has as many faces as the names that define it. When nobly framed and properly lit, it will bring a touch of heaven into the interiors, full of the mysteries of the micro-universe enclosed in stone.
