Decorating with Stone
AN AGE-OLD MATERIAL
Homes have been built using stone for walls and floors from the earliest history of mankind. This ancient material adds texture, quality, weight and long-term value to the look of a home so you can be rest assured you have made a wise investment.
Choices for different types of stones are almost unlimited, and each comes in oh-so-many colors, textures and natural patterns. Choices include marble, granite, onyx, travertine, slate, sandstone, and limestone. Each piece has a unique offering and brings about a natural beauty to your home. You can’t go wrong with a strong, durable, natural material like this.
Most types of stone can be finished to be smooth and polished, rough and unpolished, or even fire-finished for a rustic look.
Stone flooring adds quality, weight, and value to your home.
WHERE TO ADD STONE
Because this material carries weight and is bold, it often becomes the focal point of a room, adding drama, substance and interest.
So many surfaces lend themselves to stones including:
– Fireplaces, surrounds and mantles
– Walls and floors
– Coffee tables and dining tables
– Counter tops and backsplashes
– Showers and tub surrounds
– Sinks
Floors are an especially wonderful place to use stones because of the cooling factor. It feels good on the feet so if you live in a warmer climate consider using travertine flooring!
A bold stoned fireplace surround becomes the focal point of the room.
WORK WITH AN EXPERT
It’s important to work with an expert to select the stone that looks perfect in your house and that works for the functions you need. Some types of stone are more durable than others or can be treated for heavy use.
Often, depending where you live, you can even go to a stone yard to select the stone to be used in your rooms.
Consider adding this material to your home – it can give your house a sense of nature and permanence.
A marble fireplace surround adds a polished look.