Once again there was plenty of inspiration to be drawn from the exhibits in Verona. This was the fourth year that the Verona Fiere organisers of the Marmomacc exhibition had incorporated a 'Marmomacc meets Design' element to the show, which emphasises Italy's response to competition from cheap stonework, largely from the Far East. They cannot compete with the price so they are competing on design. The machinery people are taking a similar approach, keeping ahead with technology and features that add value to the stone processing equipment they offer. The picture here is from the Lithos stand, showing the interesting effects that can be achieved by integrating stone finishes with innovative lighting. Not cheap. But that's the point. And who buys interior design on price alone?