For their residence set in Newport Beach, CA, the homeowners were seeking a Tuscan-style design to bring a taste of Italy to their living space. An extensive selection of stone — supplied by Walker Zanger of Sun Valley, CA — creates a luxurious Italian atmosphere throughout the home’s interior and exterior design.

Three years in the making, careful thought and planning was given to each room of the 8,000-square-foot house. While a broad range of material was applied, every stone variety and tile collection contributes to the Tuscan Italian warmth of the design and makes for a seamless transition from room to room.

With ceilings rising more than 20 feet and an open floor plan, the interior living space has a comfortable and homey feel, while still exuding elegance and sophistication. An abundance of natural light also enhances the overall interior aesthetic.

The focal point of the kitchen is an expansive center island — sporting a rich dark wood cabinet base topped with a Juparana granite countertop. The large countertop not only serves a functional purpose, but adds to the beauty of the space with a Tuscan-style chandelier hanging above it.

Complementing the kitchen island is the butler’s counter, which is fabricated from Opus Anticato Calacatta Diamante marble. The material was also employed for the backsplash in a diamond pattern. The white-colored marble reflects the Italian-style of the home and matches the white kitchen cabinetry.

The use of white marble continues into the main living space where Calacatta Borghini marble with a polished finish is featured as the countertop of the wet bar. The curved bar top is set on a white wood base, which showcases intricate detailing.

Moreover, a dramatic statement is made in the great room with a large stone fireplace, which is almost the height of the ceiling. The custom stone piece features intricate carvings, which further contributes to the Tuscan feel of the space.

For the master bath, a luxurious retreat is achieved with a combination of stone types. The base of the large soaking tub is dressed in a field of Opus Calacatta Diamante marble in diamond-shaped pieces, accented by a border of Opus Anticato Calacatta Diamante marble. The same material was used for the “his” and “her” vanity backsplashes. The tub deck — as well as the vanities — is fabricated from Madeira marble. Completing the look of the master bath are limestone walls and flooring.

In the master bath shower, Sophia White marble custom cut in 6- x 6-inch diamond-shaped pieces were used for niches to hold toiletries. An accent wall is created with Opus Calacatta Diamante marble mosaics and honed limestone blocks are used for the other walls. Madeira marble is used for trim pieces. For maintenance, Tile & Stone Cleaner from Miracle Sealants of Arcadia, CA, was used to clean all the tile and stone. Additionally, all stone, tile and grout were protected using Miracle Sealants' 511 Porous Plus.

Transitioning from inside to outdoors, the loggia provides a warm setting where the homeowners particularly like to relax and watch television. Pavie Antico Roman travertine floors — combined with a wooden ceiling — create a touch of rustic elegance. The television is set above an elegantly designed stone fireplace, featuring Madeira marble.

Outside, Woodridge quartzite pavers form paths to the home’s entrances. The exterior design is further enhanced with a fountain made of Tuscany Cream-Walnut travertine. Featuring mosaic inserts, the large outdoor fountain contributes to the Old World Italian style design of the residence. Additionally, the Tuscan feel is carried through to the back of the home where a swimming pool is surrounded by Tuscany Cream-Walnut travertine paving.

Since moving into their new Tuscan palace, the homeowners are pleased with the open floor plan, which flows effortlessly throughout the entire residence. The stone palette — paired with intricate details and other architectural elements — created the warm Italian living environment they desired.