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interior

Connecting with Natural Stone

by | Aug 29, 2023

Andreas and Naomi Kunert, co-founders of Ancient Art of Stone, know they don’t easily fit into one category. Together they create one-of-a-kind art installations using natural stone, crystals, and bronze. Andreas and Naomi are artists, first and foremost. It’s not unusual for their art pieces to be 25’ tall. An upcoming project will include a 900-foot mosaic wall, with 20 feet surrounding it and large doorways with 350 ton standing stones that one can walk through.

Understanding Environmental and Health Product Labels for Natural Stone

by | May 15, 2023

Natural stone has a great reputation for environmentally friendly qualities such as its durability, low embodied energy, no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and being a nearly complete material in its natural state. Mother Nature does most of the work, making natural stone a single ingredient material suitable for many interior and exterior applications that perform impeccably over time. Most other building materials require additional ingredients and a more complex manufacturing process. Because these added materials and processes can have a negative impact on our health and the environment, they should be considered when selecting a material for a project.

Thassos White Marble Adds Reflection and Beauty to 2 Bryant Park Lobby Project

by | Mar 24, 2023

Dan Shannon and his team wanted to take advantage of the unique footprint of 2 Bryant Park and connect the park to the plaza visually. Choosing the right natural stone would prove to be a pivotal decision. They decided to create a two-story high entry lobby passage through the building and elevate that open space using Thassos White marble from Greece along the primary and surrounding walls.

Off the Wall: Using Natural Stone to Create a Unique Staircase

by | Feb 21, 2023

A stair project is typically all in a day’s work for an engineer, but what PICCO Group put together for a Toronto homeowner counters logic and the perceived limitations of natural stone.

Range, Sustainability, and Beauty: Why Architect Craig Copeland Uses Natural Stone

by | Nov 29, 2022

There is no mistaking natural stone for its range, beauty, and sustainability. These are among the many reasons Craig Copeland, an architect, sculptor, industrial designer, and partner at Pelli Clarke & Partners finds himself recommending natural stone to many of his clients.

Undercover Artwork: Finding the Hidden Beauty in Natural Stone Slabs

by | Sep 30, 2022

Many people are drawn to natural stone because of its artistic qualities and characteristics. ALMA Studio takes it to the next level. The studio uses pure light projections to uncover, accentuate, and highlight art scenes that are hidden within the natural veining of stone slabs.

Using Natural Stone and the Golden Ratio to Add Functionality and Inspiration

by | Sep 17, 2022

Ancient Art of Stone creates one-of-a-kind stone portals at their studio in Cowichan Valley, British Columbia, Canada. They first source stones, then design and build artistic and functional fireplaces, stone doors, spas, mosaics, megaliths, and murals and ship and install them across North America.

5 Things to Know When Choosing Natural Stone

by | Aug 31, 2022

Here are five things to know when you decide on using natural stone for your home improvement project, to help ensure product satisfaction and an overall smooth experience. More education helps ease the process of finding the best fit for their style, taste, and budgets, and to suit their individual project needs.

Natural Stone versus Manmade Materials for Interiors

by | Jul 31, 2022

Styles may change from season to season, but Mother Nature creates unique designs in natural stone that are historically innovative and always on trend. This is why natural stone remains a timeless and flexible option for many interior applications including countertops and flooring.

Natural Thin Stone Veneer Patterns Explained

by | May 20, 2022

If you have researched natural thin stone veneer or spent any time on the internet seeking inspiration, you already know one thing: there are more options to personalize your space than you imagined! With the right planning and approach, the range of choices is beneficial because each pattern has different characteristics

4 Ways to Use Natural Thin Stone Veneer

by | Jun 4, 2021

Natural thin stone veneer is only at the beginning of its potential. It continues to have a positive impact on many different design concepts and features.

Reinventing the Wall

by | May 11, 2021

For the construction of a 7,400-square-foot home in Highland Park, Texas, a pair of homeowners opted for a modern architectural style using materials that would withstand the test of time. The home’s center is focused around the main entry, which features meticulously designed walls clad in Indiana limestone.

A California Home Full of Natural Stone

by | Oct 7, 2020

This award winning California home features design and construction with keen attention for detail and a love for natural stone. “This project let us show what we are capable of doing, and we are so grateful to have had the opportunity to prove it.”

The Timeless Quality of Natural Stone: Why I Use Natural Stone

by | Aug 13, 2019

Natural stone has the look and feel of luxury. The durability as well as its ability to be sculpted into functional art give it a time honored respect that is hard to come by in building materials.

What You Need to Know About Stacked Stone

by | Jul 31, 2018

A strong trend in home design is adding texture to vertical surfaces, such as fireplaces and backsplash. Stacked Stone is a three-dimensional veneer is made of cut pieces of natural stone that are attached to a backing and installed like tile.

Natural Stone is Featured Prominently in Healthy Home Showcase

by | Apr 6, 2018

Read how one family built a healthier home with building materials that promote good indoor air quality.

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Natural Stone Surfaces

by | May 29, 2017

Protect your natural stone surfaces by avoiding these five common practices.

7 Ways to Use Natural Stone to Increase Your Home’s Value

by | Apr 25, 2017

Read how upgrades featuring natural stone can increase real estate value.