Revolutionizing Stonework: How Fashion Expertise Influences April Graves’ Unique Approach

April Graves, whose educational and professional background is steeped in fashion, found her passion in an unexpected medium: natural stone. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Textiles and Interiors from Seattle Pacific University and a master’s degree from Central Saint Martins, along with stints at Burberry and Duchamp London, she became deeply interested in natural stone during her time at Aria Stone Gallery, where she now serves as partner and COO.

Graves explains, “I came to see natural stone not just as a construction resource but as a true form of art.”

Before officially joining the company in 2014, Graves had already been collaborating with Aria Stone Gallery. Since becoming a partner in 2020, she has played a crucial role in defining the gallery’s innovative “buying wild” sourcing strategy.

In a recent interview with Design Milk, Graves shared insights into her unique perspective on stone, her vision for the future of stone design, and her excitement about a particular stone material.

DESIGN MILK: How does your fashion background influence your approach to working with natural stone?

APRIL GRAVES: My experience with textiles, leather, and product lines honed my sensitivity to color, texture, craftsmanship, and the role materials play in defining a brand. I view natural stone similarly, not just as a mere surface but as a vital design element with unique characteristics, dynamics, and narratives.

DM: What typically catches your attention first when you visit quarries and processing facilities?

AG: I am instantly drawn to any slab that stops me in my tracks. Since no two stone slabs are identical, each visit to a quarry is like a treasure hunt. I rely on my initial reaction, seeking out stones that display exceptional patterns, uniqueness, and personality—qualities that can spark creativity in designers and set future trends.

DM: How do you persuade designers to adopt more unconventional materials?

AG: We urge designers to interact with the stone directly. Viewing the stone’s movement, composition, and overall aesthetic in person often unveils potential that a small sample cannot show. At Aria, we specifically choose standout stones that push creative boundaries, encouraging designers to think outside the box.

DM: What aspect of natural stone excites you the most currently?

AG: I am particularly thrilled by the trend of using offcuts and remnants intentionally. While natural stone has traditionally been used for large-scale projects like countertops and floors, it is now being incorporated into smaller, bespoke elements. This practice not only utilizes the entire material but also weaves a cohesive thread through the design of a space, celebrating every piece of the stone.

DM: Aria Stone Gallery has recently started offering Rosso Melograno, a unique burgundy marble from northwestern Italy. What drew you to this material?

AG: Rosso Melograno exemplifies the type of distinctive, timeless material we constantly seek. Its rarity adds to its appeal, but I’m most excited by how it responds to current design trends, which favor warmer colors and materials that have depth and character.

DM: How do you see designers using Rosso Melograno in modern interiors?

AG: I consider Rosso Melograno a versatile, warm neutral. Its red undertones are subtle, leaning more towards a deep, earthy brown, which makes it incredibly adaptable for contemporary settings. I envision it as a foundational element that adds warmth, depth, and sophistication to a space without dominating it.

DM: What do you believe is the future for luxury natural stone?

AG: The definition of luxury is shifting from ostentation to authenticity. Both designers and clients now prioritize craftsmanship, origin, and materials with inherent character. I also anticipate natural stone being used more consciously as part of the overall design story, moving from merely choosing a beautiful material to curating one that adds originality, longevity, and significance to a space.

DM: If you could change one common misconception about natural stone among designers, what would it be?

AG: I would encourage designers to see beyond natural stone as just a surface option. Each slab is unique, with its own history, movement, and character. When viewed as a key design element, it offers an opportunity to craft more personalized and impactful spaces.

At Aria, we consistently advocate for recognizing natural stone as an art form that not only complements but enhances the design it is part of.