The summer months are quickly approaching and that means spending a lot of time outside.  Spending time outside is fun but it is even more enjoyable in a beautiful landscape that is well-designed and aesthetically balanced.  To achieve aesthetic balance in your landscape it is important to have a balance of both softscape (plants, water, bushes, trees, etc.) and hardscape (pavers, patio, pergola, fountains, fire pit, benches, etc.).  There are many ways to incorporate beautiful architectural stone elements into your landscape to make your time spent outside that much more enjoyable!  Below are 3 stone elements for your landscape for time spent outside this summer (and beyond).

3 Stone Elements for Your Landscape This Summer

1. Natural Stone Fountain
   • The sound of trickling or flowing water is incredibly relaxing. It will make time spent in your backyard more relaxing and it will instantly add beauty and elegance to your landscape.  There are many different natural stones in different colors and styles to perfectly compliment your existing architectural style.  Additionally, the sound of flowing water acts as a wonderful white noise element so it drowns out neighborhood noise to create a more peaceful and subdued setting for your landscape.
2. Stone Fire Pit
   • There are few things that are more quintessentially summer than spending time around a fire pit (and ideally, roasting s’mores!). A custom stone fire pit can be installed in any landscape, large or small, to meet the lifestyle preferences and needs of the unique homeowner. Further, stone fire pits can also be made of different types of stone in different colors and styles so that it can be a quiet small sanctuary for one or two, or large enough to host a party full of guests at your next backyard bbq!
3. Natural Stone Pottery
   • If you want to add some beautiful natural stone pottery to your landscape there are a few different ways to do so. First, natural stone pottery looks gorgeous all on its own wherever it is placed.  But, it also makes a great planter to add some nice greenery or flowers to create interesting depth and texture to your landscape.

Wrought iron is a strong, timeless material and has been used in architectural design and décor for centuries.  Wrought iron adds beauty and value to your property in a way that no other material possibly can.  But, possibly one of the biggest advantages is that wrought iron adds immense security because of its strength.  Wrought iron is not easily weathered, damaged or knocked over so you have the peace of mind that you can keep the things inside that you want to (children, pets, etc.), and keep the things outside that you want to (unknown persons, animals, etc.)  Unlike wood or vinyl fences or gates, there is very little maintenance needed to keep your wrought iron looking great.  Additionally, you can achieve any architectural design style or aesthetic that you want with a custom wrought iron gate and its beauty and unique style will accent your home’s architectural design.  There are many ways to incorporate an eye-catching wrought iron gate into your home’s architecture.  Below are 3 ways that you can use a wrought iron gate in your home to add beauty and value.

3 Ways to Incorporate a Wrought Iron Gate Into Your Home’s Design

1. Driveway

• There are few things more elegant and impressive than a gated entry your driveway. You will wow your guests with the beauty and style of a wrought iron gated entry to your driveway. But, perhaps even better than impressing people, it will add a tremendous amount of security to your home.  With a wrought iron driveway gate you will have complete control over who you allow onto your property and who you do not.

2. Front Entry
   • A small or large wrought iron gate can be used to set the tone for the entry to your home. As your guests walk up a path to your front door they will pass through elegantly adorned wrought iron gates before coming to your front door.  Additionally, a wrought iron gate makes a great addition to a home’s front courtyard entry.
3. Garden Entry
   • A peaceful garden can be a wonderful, secluded place to experience nature. If you have a lovely garden that is in an enclosed portion of your landscape, consider creating an entryway to your garden that will not only set the tone but make the experience even more beautiful.  A wrought iron gate is a wonderful hardscape element to incorporate into your garden so that your landscape has the perfect balance of both softscape and hardscape.

Wrought iron is a strong, timeless material and has been used in architectural design and décor for centuries.  Wrought iron adds beauty and value to your property in a way that no other material possibly can.  But, possibly one of the biggest advantages is that wrought iron adds immense security because of its strength.  Wrought iron is not easily weathered, damaged or knocked over so you have the peace of mind that you can keep the things inside that you want to (children, pets, etc.), and keep the things outside that you want to (unknown persons, animals, etc.)  Unlike wood or vinyl fences or gates, there is very little maintenance needed to keep your wrought iron looking great.  Additionally, you can achieve any architectural design style or aesthetic that you want with a custom wrought iron gate and its beauty and unique style will accent your home’s architectural design.  There are many ways to incorporate an eye-catching wrought iron gate into your home’s architecture.  Below are 3 ways that you can use a wrought iron gate in your home to add beauty and value.

3 Ways to Incorporate a Wrought Iron Gate Into Your Home’s Design

1. Driveway

• There are few things more elegant and impressive than a gated entry your driveway. You will wow your guests with the beauty and style of a wrought iron gated entry to your driveway. But, perhaps even better than impressing people, it will add a tremendous amount of security to your home.  With a wrought iron driveway gate you will have complete control over who you allow onto your property and who you do not.

2. Front Entry
   • A small or large wrought iron gate can be used to set the tone for the entry to your home. As your guests walk up a path to your front door they will pass through elegantly adorned wrought iron gates before coming to your front door.  Additionally, a wrought iron gate makes a great addition to a home’s front courtyard entry.
3. Garden Entry
   • A peaceful garden can be a wonderful, secluded place to experience nature. If you have a lovely garden that is in an enclosed portion of your landscape, consider creating an entryway to your garden that will not only set the tone but make the experience even more beautiful.  A wrought iron gate is a wonderful hardscape element to incorporate into your garden so that your landscape has the perfect balance of both softscape and hardscape.

Nothing is quite as elegant or beautiful as wrought iron gates.  They have a traditional, classic appeal and have been used for centuries because they add a stately quality to any property and because they are exceptionally durable.  For many homes, the front gates are the first impression a guest will experience when they visit your home.  Those gates will either make a positive impression, a negative impression, or be completely forgettable.  When you have worked hard to make your property and home beautiful, you want the entry of your home to set the appropriate tone.  You want that “wow factor” that truly impresses anyone that visits your home. At Architectural Stone Elements, we carry a selection of gates to accommodate any home’s architectural style.  Our styles include modern, minimalist, traditional, ornate, and more!  Our wrought iron gates are true one-of-a-kind pieces that have been hand-forged to perfection.   Further, our wrought iron gates can be completely customized to meet your home’s unique needs and design.  Below are 3 reasons every home should have a wrought iron gate.

1. Aesthetically Pleasing
   • When it comes to wrought iron gates, there are a variety of architectural styles and designs from which to choose. Regardless of your home’s architectural style, Architectural Home Elements has a design that will ideally suit your home and enhance its aesthetic appeal.  Add the high-end, custom home appeal that you want your home to exude by installing a wrought iron gate.
2. Return on Investment
   • Many types of wood gates or other fencing types begin to show their wear and tear rather rapidly. They begin to wear out and break down and suddenly that big investment you made needs repair and replacement.  Wrought iron is incredibly durable and can stand the test of time.  Architectural Stone Elements’ wrought iron gates are design to be not only beautiful, but to stand up to heavy use and weather while continuing to look excellent year after year.
3. Security
   • Wrought iron is exceptionally durable. So much so, in fact, that it is nearly impossible for burglars to break – giving your home the kind of security that you want.  Additionally, because it is not a solid fence or wall, you have the advantage of being able to see who is outside your gate before you allow them to enter.  Not only will that durable protection last, but it will last decades to come.

If you have ever visited a high-end resort, important building or lovely garden or park you have probably seen a water fountain.  This is not just a coincidence; water features blend beautifully with landscape design and architecture.  Water is a natural element that is lovely to behold and soothing to the ear.  Water fountains are elegant and charming but that is not all, they boast a variety of features that take them great for either indoor or outdoor use at your home.  Below are 4 reasons we encourage everyone to consider implementing a water fountain into their home’s architectural design – whether indoor or outdoor.

1. Beautiful
   • There is no questioning it – water fountains are beautiful. But, they are even more beautiful when they are made of carved natural stone.  The best part about using natural stone is that over time and with use it will only continue to get more beautiful.  There are natural stone fountains in Europe that are centuries old and still running beautifully – this is because it is not a cheaply manufactured water fountain, it is made of stone which is durable.
2. Calming
   • Just about every spa in the world has a water fountain because the sound of trickling water is naturally calming. Many studies have shown that people are naturally relaxed by the sound of trickling and running water and that the negative ions that the water puts out also help relax people nearby.  Just imagine sitting near a soothing fountain while you sip your tea, or lying in bed and falling asleep to the sound of your fountain – it would certainly be more calming than trying to relax without it.
3. Ambient Sound
   • If you live in a busy residential area or just have a loud neighbor you may want to reduce the ambient noise that your neighborhood produces. The sound of running water will help block out the noise of your neighborhood and replace it with a pleasing, soothing sound.  Ambient noise from fountains is used frequently in commercial settings to set the tone and create an enjoyable atmosphere and more and more homeowners are realizing the same benefits.
4. Added-Value
   • A custom carved stone water fountain is not just beautiful and relaxing but it adds value to your home. Whether you use it indoors or outdoors, it is durable and able to stand the test of time.  Additionally, by custom building your natural stone water fountain you can blend it seamlessly with the architectural style of your home to not just enhance beauty but enhance value as well.  If or when you go to sell your home, buyers will be attracted to the beautiful addition of a water fountain that has upgraded your home.

Whether you are starting your landscape from scratch, or you simply want to give your landscape an upscale update – carved stone accents can give your landscape the luxurious look that you want.  Regardless of your home’s architectural style, there is a wonderful carved stone accent that will beautifully enhance your landscape as well as your home.  Add one, add a few, or disburse them throughout the entirety of your landscape to perfectly balance your hardscape and softscape for the ultimate aesthetic appeal.  Below, we list three types of carved stone accents that you can add to your landscape to add beauty and elegance in a way that no other hardscaping can.

1. Fountains

• Carved stone fountains make an excellent addition to front landscaping or rear landscaping.  Natural stone is timeless and can be carved to accentuate your home’s architectural style.  Not only is natural stone beautiful but it is durable, capable of looking great and working perfectly for decades to come.  In addition to its visual appeal, it also provides a peaceful and calming ambiance with the trickle of its water.  This ambient sound will help drown out neighborhood sounds, traffic sounds, and anything else to give you the tranquil and relaxing oasis you desire.

2. Firepits

• A firepit or outdoor fireplace made of natural stone is an ideal addition to any landscape.  Whether you want to roast marshmallows on a summer night or plan to entertain guests in your landscape and want a beautiful and warm source of light, a firepit or outdoor fireplace will more than get the job done.  Not only does it provide warmth and light but it adds beauty to your landscape.  Carved natural stone in a variety of colors and styles can be expertly installed in your landscape in the exact size and style you need to enhance your outdoor experience.  It will add that “wow factor” to your landscape as well as provide an inviting and relaxing area in which you or your guests can sit and spend some quality time outside.

3. Pottery

• Carved stone pottery can be added inside or outside a home, empty or filled, as the ideal luxurious accessory that adds intrinsic value to your home.  Even empty, carved stone pottery is simply beautiful.  Place it on your porch, patio, around your pool or throughout your landscape as the perfect adornment to your landscape.  While plants and flowers can be planted in the ground, they could also be planted in your carved stone pottery for the perfect combination of softscape and landscape that is aeshetically appealing and adds value to your home.