Monthly Archives: April 2016

by

Transform Your Fireplace With Natural Stone

As the centerpiece of a room, it is important that your fireplace be beautiful and elegant, as well as seamlessly coordinated with your home’s architectural and decor.  A boring or outdated fireplace is an eyesore, something that significantly detracts from the overall look and feel of a room.  When designing a home or remodeling, every detail should be paid attention to and a fireplace is no exception.  No matter the size or style of your home, a well-designed natural stone fireplace will add value and elevate the aesthetic of the home.

One of the first, and most obvious, advantages of installing a carved natural stone fireplace mantel or over-mantel is that it’s value and quality of craftsmanship is apparent.  Simply by adding a natural stone fireplace, you add a focal point to the room that makes the room look more high-end and finished.  Whether your home is custom or not, adding a skillfully crafted custom stone fireplace will give your home the uniqueness of a custom home.  It is an ideal way to add your individual style in a way that is stylish and timeless.

Next, inexpensive and mass produced home decor, hardware, fixtures, finishes and more tend to be made of cheap materials that will only last a short time before they begin to break or lose their luster.  A carved natural stone fireplace mantel or over-mantel is made of durable materials that are designed to last and last.  Natural stone has been used for centuries and, when well cared for, can last decades and even centuries while maintaining its beauty and style.  Not only will natural stone maintain its beauty and value, but those features can actually increase over time.  Natural stone weathers and ages beautifully, continuing to provide a completely unique and interesting look that is unlike anything that can be achieved from a mass-manufactured warehouse facility.  While brick fireplaces can last a long time as well, you are severely limited with the design style and look that it brings to a room.  Carved stone can be completely customized and designed to uniquely enhance your specific home, setting it apart from other homes that have natural stone as well.  Carved stone fireplace mantels and over-mantels are typically made of limestone and marble and can stand as a beautiful centerpiece for a room or additional natural carved stone accents can be added throughout the home for a lovely overall appearance that will not only wow guests but create the luxurious home of which you have always dreamed.

by

Make Your Home Stunning With A Carved Stone Staircase

A well-done staircase is often the beautiful centerpiece of any home’s interior or exterior.  While its functions are primarily utilitarian – get from one point to another – it can be designed to go far beyond utilitarian so that is a stunning showcase of wonderful craftsmanship.  If you have seen a carved stone staircase, you know that it is breathtaking.  All of that natural stone, intricately carved and expertly installed leaves the end result of grandeur and luxury.  Though you may think a carved stone staircase is only for a certain, more opulent aesthetic, there are a variety of carving styles and colors that will coordinate seamlessly with any architectural style.

There is a reason that carved stone staircases have been around for centuries – they are timeless in their appeal and durable, capable of withstanding centuries of use while still looking beautiful.  Stone staircases look lovely with any balustrade but look particularly lovely when accompanied by a stone balustrade as well.  Because stone is such a versatile material, it can be carved in many intricate designs and styles.  When installed inside, a stone staircase will be a stunning centerpiece of the room and of the home.  It’s beauty will stand as its own decor for the home and add tremendous value as well.  Stone staircases can be linear or curved depending on your needs and design style.  Additionally, they can be installed as a single staircase or double staircase.  A double staircase looks particularly beautiful accompanied by a coordinating stone balustrade that culminates in a gorgeous landing at the top of the stairs.

In addition to natural stone staircases inside, they can be installed outside as well.  They provide beauty, function and a necessary balance for your landscaping.  Good landscaping has a balance of both softscaping (plants, grass, flowers, etc.) and hardscaping (pathways, patios, pillars, staircases, etc.).  When there is a good balance it is far more aesthetically pleasing than if it is out of balance.  Stone staircases are a solution to getting from one place to another in a safe way and also beautifully highlight changes in elevation in your landscape.  Carved stone staircases can adorn a lovely patio or outdoor living space that extends your home’s usable space and adds a good deal of value.  Whether you opt to use carved stone staircases inside or outside, they will catch the eye of any visitor, show of your design style, accentuate your home’s architecture, and add both perceived and actual value to your home.