At Armina Stone, they believe that the art of curating goes beyond just selecting beautiful stones, it’s about building close relationships, making connections and anticipating the future of design in the stone industry. Headquartered in Cheswick, PA with three locations in Pittsburgh and two opening in Miami, Florida, their commitment to providing exceptional stone products is complemented by their global journeys and partnerships with quarries around the world.
Armina Stone Travels the Globe
Owner and CEO, Emre Basman, personally travels to all corners of the globe. His journey often takes him to the rugged mountains of Brazil, the timeless landscapes of Italy, the rich textures of Spain and the diverse beauty of Turkey. Each destination offers a unique palette of stones, and their hands-on approach ensures that they select only the finest materials that resonate with current and emerging trends.
Brazil is renowned for its extraordinary quartzites known for their stunning colors and unique patterns that can elevate any design project. On a recent buying trip Basman was in search for quartzites to debut in his new location in Miami, Florida. With no hesitation Basman threw on boots and a hard hat to venture into the mud to inspect the raw blocks of stone straight from the quarry to carefully evaluate each block for its beauty and character. By going above and beyond in this way, Armina Stone guarantees to bring back only the best stones for their customers. Watch behind the scenes here.
Venturing to the Quarries of Italy
On Basman’s spring trip, he had the incredible opportunity to visit one of the oldest quarries in the world located in Carrara, Italy. Escorted up into the rugged mountains, he explored the breathtaking marble quarry that has captivated artists and designers for centuries. His passion for stone is evident in the effort he puts into building strong relationships with local quarry owners which gives him access to exclusive stones that are simply unavailable elsewhere in the Pennsylvania region. Watch behind the scenes here.
One of the key elements of Armina Stone’s success is their ability to anticipate design trends for each market when seeking out inventory. In Pittsburgh, while the market has traditionally favored classic style, they are seeing a shift in newer constructions where homeowners are stepping outside of the conventional. They are increasingly opting for bold quartzites and incorporating marble into their kitchens. Fireplaces are evolving into focal points showcasing the beauty of natural stone from floor to ceiling and other innovative ways. In contrast, Miami’s vibrant design landscape demands a different approach where tropical hues of blues and greens are in higher demand. Exotic marbles are becoming staples in this market reflecting the area’s lively vibe and opulent preference for visually striking materials. By understanding these regional distinctions, Armina Stone chooses selections that meet and exceed expectations in both markets.
From Across the World to Your Kitchen
The art of curating at Armina Stone goes beyond just selection, it represents a deep passion for quality and craftsmanship. When you choose Armina Stone for your project you can be assured each piece has been carefully hand-selected reflecting a commitment to quality. Each stone carries a story – a journey from quarries around the globe to your home.
To learn more about Armina Stone or browse their extensive inventory visit arminastone.com.
See some of the masterful work by Armina Stone here.
Story and Photos Courtesy of Armina Stone
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