178 - Let's talk about Natural Stone in Your Designs

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In this episode of The Business of Beautiful Spaces, Laura welcomes Massimo Ferrera, Account Manager and Stone Master at Cava Surfaces, to demystify the process of incorporating natural stone into interior design projects. With over 27 years of experience in marble sourcing, stone selection, and fabrication, Massimo shares practical guidance for designers who want to feel more confident specifying stone, working with fabricators, and guiding clients through the selection process.

Together, Laura and Massimo explore where designers should begin when using natural stone, the most common misconceptions about fabrication, key questions to ask before choosing a slab, and how to avoid costly mistakes before install. They also discuss creative ways to use stone beyond countertops, including fireplaces, showers, floors, backsplashes, furniture pieces, and statement walls. This conversation will help designers feel more prepared, informed, and inspired to bring the beauty, character, and timelessness of natural stone into their projects. A free way to support our show is by leaving it a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts. It’s a chance to tell us what you love about the show, and it helps other designers discover it, too.

The Profit Reset Private Podcast | September 14-18, 2026

A free 5-day private podcast limited series designed to help Interior Designers finally look at the business behind the beautiful spaces. 

Join the Profit Reset: https://www.theprofitacademyforinteriordesigners.com/profitreset

In just one focused hour, we’ll dive into whatever you need most—pricing strategies, client management, attracting high-end clients or building repeat business. You’ll get clarity, strategy, and expert advice based on my 27+ years of running a thriving, seven-figure design firm.

This is your chance to get real answers to the questions you’ve been dying to ask—from someone who’s actually been there.

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Be sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay up to date on what we're talking about next week. If you love our podcast, please, please, please leave us a review. If you have any questions or topic ideas OR you wish to be a guest email us [email protected] or find us on instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces

Laura Thornton is the  principle designer of Thornton Design Inc, located in Kleinburg, ON.  Since founding the company in 1999, Laura has been committed to creating a new kind of interior design experience for her clients. Thornton Design is an experienced team of creative talents, focused on curating beautiful residential and commercial spaces in the Toronto, Ontario area and beyond. Now sharing all the years of experience with other interior designers to create a world of collaboration and less competition. 

The Business of Beautiful Spaces  I @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces
Thornton Design                                      I @thorntondesign