Natural materials, such as natural stone, have never been so popular. Ian Williams, Managing Director of Cerrig, explains why.

There is something quite wonderful about living in a home with natural materials that in some instances are not hundreds, or even thousands, but millions of years old. Such is the case with granite, slate and marble.

There will always be a perfect type of natural stone that can go almost anywhere in the home. The skill is to select the correct stone, as each product has different attributes with its own benefits or disadvantages. Ensuring that the advice given is correct is ever more crucial. Every stone tile has its own unique properties and, as such, requires its own specific advice.

Bringing his own brand of idiosyncratic luxury to walls and floors, ALVARO DE FERRANTI is launching a number of new collections at DECOREX 2009, Stand K30.

PWS have enhanced their granite collection with Verdi Marinace, combining a beautiful array of colours and rich veining to create a stunning and eye-catching finish. Uniting tones of green, grey, black and cream Verdi Marinace offers a surface with depth of colour and natural beauty.

Noted for its expertise in the manufacture of granite sinks, Carron Phoenix has improved the product's granite particle and resin formulation resulting in a 30% smoother surface.

Tuscan Quartzstone worksurfaces are a combination of natural stone particles and manufacturing innovation guaranteeing a product of exceptional quality and beauty. Utilising thin stone technology, the worksurface and breakfast bar products are manufactured using 5mm engineered stone panels that are joined and polished on the two short and one long edge. Available in four colourways, they carry a 10 year guarantee and are available ex-stock nationwide from any of IDS's regional branches.

Iceland Birch is the latest woodgrain finish to join Pronorm's Proline collection, the dedicated kitchen furniture range that offers design flexibility for different working heights.

Astracast, market leader in the manufacture of kitchen, sinks, taps and accessories, has been creating innovative, stunningly visual yet practical solutions for today's homes for over 25 years. Astracast sinks come in a wide range of designs and materials - from the popular stainless steel to more organic materials like ROK® Metallic and Granite ROK®, which are available in a variety of natural colours