residential
As homeowners continue investing in relaxing outdoor spaces, many are adding plunge pools and other features to their backyards. “The request we get most frequently is to install natural stone on the outside of their plunge pools,” says Karen Larson, co-founder of New Hampshire-based Soake Pools. Her company works almost exclusively with salvaged stones for the exterior and coping of its plunge pools. “Many clients opt for natural stone along the outside and coping of their plunge pools to enhance their landscapes with the stone’s durability, texture, and natural beauty,” Larson adds.
Being near water has a calming effect and research studies have shown that water features can positively contribute to our overall mental health and well-being. Incorporating natural stone water features at home can bring both beauty and tranquility into your space. Anne Roberts, president of Chicago based Anne Roberts Gardens Company, finds that people love the sound of water because it’s relaxing. Since not every home has a water feature, adding one is a way to make your home stand out.
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.
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.
I’m Ashley, and I’ve been slowly renovating my kitchen to create a new space fit for a modern family in an old home. While it’s taken me years to decide on the layout and cabinetry color, there was always one thing that was certain. Marble countertops.
Home improvement projects have surged in the past year. Many people are realizing what the growing body of research has been showing for years: spending time outdoors can improve our health, from being able to better focus to reducing the risk of major health issues such as cardiovascular disease, stress, and high blood pressure.
Inspired by the historic stone architecture surrounding the Boston area, the Archangel Estate is an elegant display of the use of natural stone at its finest. Regional stone grounds the home to its natural habitat and relates it to its surrounding environment.
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.”
It is important to use the right product and process for the type of stone and specific issue you are addressing. Different stones have different characteristics and will respond differently to cleaning and maintenance.
Although 500 years have passed since the construction of the Palladian villas of Italy’s Veneto region, this architectural style is still a source of inspiration in the design world. The ‘V House’ features a contemporary Palladian style and is a stunning tribute to the use of natural stone.
Interior designers and architects are beginning to incorporate the concept of ‘aging in place’ into their plans and many are finding natural stone is a great way to soften the look of the space while creating accessible environments for everyone.
People are looking for refuge and spaces to retreat from the chaos of daily life. Interior designers are responding by creating visually open spaces in the bath area to replicate the spaces one finds in a more traditional spa. Natural stone can help create that calm feeling.
Homeowners get inspired by stunning outdoor kitchens they see on social media sites like Pinterest or in print magazines.
From shower curbs and shelving to adding natural stone in laundry rooms and closets, designers and homeowners are finding more ways to bring Mother Nature indoors in unique and interesting ways.
Restoring your stone can bring it back to the look and luster it had when it was originally installed. Part of the beauty of natural stone is that the process can be repeated without worry so you can enjoy your investment for a lifetime.
From installing large slabs of natural stone in a space to being mindful and using it as a unique detail, this luxury material will rarely go unnoticed in your interior design.
Going top to bottom in high-end natural stone may not be within reach for some, but that doesn’t mean they can’t add high-end touches to their designs and give their rooms a touch of luxe with these inexpensive interior design ideas.
Slate roofs are elegant and unique. They can also be costly and difficult to install. Not always, though. Here are some of the pros and cons for homeowners to consider before choosing a roofing material.
Learn more about green building for homes. Find out what LEED credits are achievable with natural stone.
Outdoor kitchens afford homeowners extended livable space. Experts agree that advanced planning helps families make the most of their investment. Get ideas for your backyard barbecue design.