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What Are Some Creative Ways You've Used Natural Stone in Design?
Natural stone has been an integral part of architecture since the beginning of time, but it's still considered an up-and-coming design trend. Stone can be used as flooring, countertops, walls, and other surfaces in both residential and commercial spaces to add warmth, elegance, and the natural element to your design scheme. Here are some creative ways you can use natural stone in design projects
Traditional Fireplaces
Stone is a timeless material that complements any fireplace. But traditional fireplaces don't always work for today's lifestyle. Try a corner fireplace, an indoor fireplace, or a fireplace niche to maximize your living space. These alternatives add visual interest and eliminate wasted space surrounding a traditional wood-burning fireplace. With so many options, there's sure to be one that fits your home and lifestyle.
Bathrooms
Natural stone makes a wonderful choice for bathroom surfaces because of its high resistance to moisture and wear. Travertine, limestone, marble, and granite can be honed or polished to create a smooth surface that's easy to clean. The warm colors and patterns of natural stone pair well with modern minimalist designs or classic cottage styles. For spaces that get wet frequently, such as kitchens and bathrooms, consider concrete countertops to add visual interest while offering rustic durability.
Kitchens
Natural stone is a great option for your kitchen countertops. In addition to being durable and non-porous, granite and marble can bring a sense of luxury to any room. Granite and marble countertops add style as well as durability to your home. By using polished granite or marble tiles on your backsplash, you can add an extra layer of charm and color that will tie together your entire kitchen design.
Flooring
Is there anything more beautiful than natural stone floors? They're aesthetically pleasing and make a statement for any space. It's not always easy to find great materials that offer these advantages without costing an arm and a leg, though. Luckily, there are plenty of options out there that will bring out your creativity while still staying within your budget. Read on to learn more about some of our favorite ideas for using natural stone in home design.
Fountains
According to Feng Shui, water is a symbol of prosperity. So it's only fitting that many beautiful homes and offices feature stunning fountains and streams. The soothing sounds of trickling water make for a positive, stress-free environment. From Greek columns to unique modern creations, natural stone fountains bring beauty to any space.
Walls
According to Interior Design magazine, using a striking slab of granite, marble, or slate on a wall is one of those great ideas that can be both stylish and frugal. If you're looking for a cost-effective way to give your space an updated look, consider adding natural stone. From traditional to contemporary and everything in between, there's no limit to how you can use it! They create gorgeous visual accents—even as backsplashes—and add texture and depth to any room.
Garden Walls
One way to bring your garden into your home is by creating a garden wall. These walls can be made from stacked, alternating layers of stone and mortar, or they can be composed of one solid mass of stacked rock. Garden walls act as partitions between rooms or around decks, or they can serve as a simple backdrop for planters, furniture, and other decorative accents.
Outside Seating Areas
Seating areas outside of a building can provide extra space for visitors to sit and relax as well as increase foot traffic. A few large stones placed in a diamond pattern with nice wooden seating can create a serene and modern aesthetic. If a business serves food or drinks, an outdoor seating area will also give customers somewhere to sit while they wait for their order, allowing them to socialize with friends or colleagues while they enjoy their meal or drink.
Conclusion
While there's a time and place for man-made materials, there's no substitute for nature. Whether you're installing a new countertop or building a new home, explore different textures and colors of natural stone to get your imagination flowing—you may be surprised what magic it can create. We'd love to hear your best designs—let us know in the comments!
