In an ever-changing interior landscape dominated by trends, stone has resurfaced as a timeless statement of luxury. At the forefront of this revival is Urvashi Agarwal, the dynamic Creative Director of Stone World London, who is redefining how we view and use stone in modern interiors. With a background in engineering and a passion for design, Urvashi brings a fresh creative perspective to the family business, building on the vision of her father, Shekhar Agarwal, who originally set out to recreate the Italian experience of stone selection in the UK.
Stone World London, founded over 30 years ago by Shekhar and Bina Agarwal, has long been a respected supplier of rare and exquisite stone slabs. Today, with Urvashi leading its creative direction and both parents still deeply involved in the business, the company has evolved into a design-led destination for architects, interior designers, and private clients seeking something extraordinary. With over 5,000 slabs housed across two expansive warehouses in North West London, the brand offers one of the UK’s most diverse collections of both natural and engineered stone, carefully curated from quarries around the world.
Since joining the family business in 2009, Urvashi has played a pivotal role in its evolution and has spearheaded its transformation into more than a supplier, Stone World London is now a tastemaker.
Her technical training helps her see beyond the surface. When viewing a raw stone slab, Urvashi visualises the final application: how it will be cut, positioned, and experienced in a home. This creative insight fuels the work she does alongside her father, especially in their exclusive Stone Atelier, based in London.
The shift in how clients and designers use stone today is profound. While marble has long been a hallmark of luxury, its applications have become bolder and more widespread. “It’s not just for countertops anymore,” Urvashi notes. “People are designing entire bathrooms, feature walls, and sculptural furniture around a single, dramatic slab.”
There’s a growing appetite for individuality, with clients moving away from classic Carrara marble to more expressive stones like Cippolino, Calacatta Viola, Rosso Levanto, and Brazilian quartzites such as Taj Mahal. These choices reflect a shift from cool greys to warmer tones: beige, ochre, pinks, and greens, marking a move toward interest, earthiness, and an injection of personality.
What sets Stone World London apart is its commitment to curation over convention. “We don’t just stock what’s popular. We look for pieces that inspire,” says Urvashi. Bina and Shekhar travel globally to source rare stone, building lasting relationships with suppliers. Each slab is selected not just for quality, but for its unique character. “A beautiful slab of stone is like a painting. It’s nature’s art,” she explains. “No two pieces are the same, and that makes each project deeply personal.”
This philosophy has helped redefine luxury. Today’s clients want spaces that feel authentic and timeless. In an age of fast fashion and mass production, natural stone offers permanence and a tactile richness that synthetic materials can’t replicate. “Stone has a presence,” Urvashi says. “It anchors a space. There’s something grounding about it.”
Balancing timeless appeal with modern relevance is central to Urvashi’s approach. While the team maintains a selection of enduring classics like Carrara and Arabescato, they are equally committed to discovering the next design icon. “Trends come and go,” she says. “But what we look for are pieces that stand the test of time.”
Part of the stone’s appeal lies in its emotional resonance. When clients visit the showroom and walk among the slabs, they respond not just to colour or texture, but to the story the stone tells of geology, of place, of time. “Each vein and swirl connects people to something deeper. It’s a chance to bring a unique piece of nature into your home,” Urvashi reflects.
Stone World London’s evolution into a design powerhouse is driven not just by innovation but by a deep respect for heritage. Still proudly independent and family-owned, the business blends generations of knowledge with modern aesthetics.
“This is about more than design,” she says. “It’s about legacy. In a world that moves quickly, people are seeking things that endure. Stone does exactly that. It lasts.”
www.stoneworldlondon.co.uk | IG: @stoneworldlondon