Behind The Design: SANDSTONE
Posted by Julian Moran on
Our SANDSTONE pattern, part of the SHIFTING LANDSCAPES collection, is one of our favorite designs with a multitude of use-cases. Inspired by The Wave, the awe-inspiring rock formation nestled along the Arizona-Utah border, SANDSTONE captures the fluidity and elegance of nature's contours, bringing an organic, geological element to interior spaces. Released in 2017, this pattern embodies the natural world’s flowing, dynamic beauty, offering a rich interplay of shape and color.
The design itself features undulating, topographical line work that varies in thickness, evoking the natural formations of wind-sculpted rock faces or waves frozen in time. It translates this natural phenomenon into a modern wall covering that can harmonize with both modern and traditional interiors. Each line feels deliberate yet free-flowing, creating a sense of both movement and calm. The pattern’s ability to seamlessly adapt to different environments speaks to its versatility, making it ideal for both residential and commercial settings.
Usage in Context:
One example, SANDSTONE | COOL CAMEL, features fine, gold lines set against a muted gray backdrop. This combination exudes sophistication and works particularly well in spaces where you want to add depth and contrast without overwhelming the room. The cool gray base lends itself to more intimate, moody environments—like a formal dining room or home office—where the gold accents can glisten in warmer lighting. It offers a more dramatic feel, perfect for spaces that seek to balance elegance with a touch of boldness.
On the other hand, SANDSTONE | GOLD ROCK brings warmth and lightness to a room, with muted cream tones that enhance the sense of space and openness. This colorway is particularly well-suited for bright, airy spaces like living rooms or bedrooms, where the white and gold combination can amplify natural light. The gold accents add a luxurious touch without overwhelming, making it ideal for settings that aim to evoke a serene, welcoming atmosphere while maintaining a sense of understated elegance.
For those seeking a bolder, more vibrant approach, this custom SANDSTONE colorway rendered for a project in Boston, MA with Helios Design Group infuses the space with playful yet sophisticated energy. The pinkish tones of the base create a soft, inviting backdrop, while the flowing lines add a sense of movement and texture. This colorway is particularly suited for spaces where creativity and warmth are encouraged—think children’s rooms, art studios, or even chic lounges. Its balance of color and design brings a unique vibrancy while maintaining the pattern’s natural elegance. While slightly different from the pattern pictured above, our SANDSTONE | BERRY pattern offers a similar look in a ready-made style.
SANDSTONE’s Evolution: From Silkscreen to Digital Print to Architectural Glass
SANDSTONE began as a small-scale silkscreen print, where its intricate, flowing lines first took shape. As our design process evolved with digital technology, we expanded SANDSTONE to suit larger surfaces, bringing a new level of color precision and adaptability to the pattern. The digital transition allowed us to scale up the pattern, amplifying its impact while maintaining its organic contours.
We have also done many custom colors of this pattern, as is shown in blue above in this rendering for Accenture’s headquarters in Chicago. This marks our second space completed with the global company, following the work we did for their St. Petersburg office in partnership with ASD | SKY. You can explore more about the Accenture St. Petersburg project here.
More recently, SANDSTONE was reimagined in our collaboration with Skyline Design, where it was translated onto architectural glass, offering a new interplay between light, pattern, and space.
This collaboration marks another chapter in SANDSTONE’s journey, blending the organic elegance of the design with the innovative use of glass. You can learn more about the collaboration in our blog post, A Transparent Vision: Jill Malek x Skyline Design Architectural Glass Collection.
The beauty of SANDSTONE lies in its versatility—whether applied to residential or commercial spaces, or translated into mediums like glass. Its range of colorways—from the warmth of GOLD ROCK to the cool elegance of MUD MATTE—makes it an adaptable, timeless choice for designers looking to bring a piece of nature indoors. As we continue to evolve this pattern, exploring new colorways and applications, SANDSTONE remains a testament to our ongoing commitment to blending nature’s fluidity with modern design aesthetics.
For designers and architects interested in creating impactful spaces, we invite you to explore our portfolio of products and finishes. Apply for a trade account or contact us at info@jillmalek.com or 718-207-9587. We look forward to future collaborations.