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3 Ways to Incorporate Stone Sculptures in Your Home Design

Stone sculptures are among the most versatile interior design features available on the market. They add an element of quality and sophistication to any room and can serve as an important centerpiece.

Sometimes, though, it can be tricky to figure out how to incorporate stone sculptures in home design. It’s not always obvious where they should go or what you should pair with them. The purpose of this article is to provide you with three ways to incorporate stone sculptures in your home design so that you’re never short of ideas for how to include stone.

Create A Three-Dimensional Wall Sculpture

Walls are annoyingly flat. Although they can play host to some fabulous artwork, they’re limited to just two-dimensions. Flat walls lack that “pop” that some interior designers want.

Three-dimensional wall sculptures remedy this problem by allowing artistic features to protrude into the room. Walls can be covered entirely in sculpted elements, such as birds, trees, flowers, and even columns. 3D wall sculptures can be heavy, so you’ll want to keep these on the ground floor. But they can have a tremendous impact on guests who are unlikely to have seen anything quite like it before in a residential dwelling (or anywhere else for that matter). Stone sculpture walls should reflect the rest of the theme of the room.

Suspend A Sculpture From The Ceiling

Many interior designers fail to make use of all the vertical space available to them. Rooms are often well furnished around the floor and the walls, but the internal volume tends to be relatively sparse.

True, you need space to move around, but if you have high ceilings or an unused corner, you could consider suspending a stone sculpture from the ceiling. Obviously, the style of a suspended sculpture would have to make sense for it to be presented in that way, but the visual effect can be dramatic. Suspended sculptures give a feeling that the sculpture is floating, and can be great for minimalist or industrial interior designs.

Suspended stone sculptures require fixtures that are strong enough to support them.

Decorate Your Hallway

When people enter your home, they want to feel greeted. But most people’s hallways are rather dull affairs.

Adding a stone sculpture is a classic way of brightening up a hallway and making it more visually appealing. A stone sculpture can help direct the eye and create a sense of warmth and welcome.

If you have a lot of space in your hallway, you could choose to use a sculpture of a person freestanding on the floor. If you have less space, you may want to place a statue on top of a table to the side. Classical human forms pair well with classic hallway interiors, whereas modified or elongated forms tend to work better with alternative interior themes, such as zen, minimalist, and contemporary. If your style is more bohemian, then the rules are a little less strict. Stick with sculptures that have unusual features that stand out from the norm.

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Tips for Choosing a Stone Fireplace Mantel

Choosing a fireplace mantel is fraught with difficulties, thanks for the fact that everyone has different tastes and interior designs. But shopping for the perfect mantel needn’t be difficult, especially with the right advice.

The purpose of this article is to provide tips to help you choose a stone fireplace mantel that is ideal for your setting. Take a look at the following.

Tip #1: Take Measurements

Stone mantels are difficult (if not impossible) to customize after you’ve bought them. And so it’s a good idea to make sure that you’ve got the dimensions sorted out in advance.

The types of measurements that you take will depend on your unique situations. If you have a hearth around your fireplace, you’ll need to measure this to find out the maximum size of stone mantel that your fireplace will accommodate. You don’t want a stone mantel that extends beyond the boundaries of the hearth (unless you’re planning on replacing the hearth too). You also don’t want a mantel that is too small for the natural proportions of your hearth.

Second, you’ll need to measure the dimensions of the firebox. If the firebox is a standard size, then you may be able to purchase a standard size stone fireplace mantel, but if it’s not, then your choice may be more limited.

Finally, you may need to consider whether you have the space for a full-size mantel if your fireplace is near to a perpendicular wall.

Tip #2: Match Your Decor

Stone fireplace mantels come in a variety of colors and styles. The style of mantel you choose should depend on the characteristics of the surrounding room (again, unless you are planning a total renovation). If your interiors are classically-inspired, then you may want to opt for a classically-designed stone mantel with traditional column features. If, however, your home is more contemporary, then you may want to choose a more modern, minimalist surround without some of the embellishments of a classic design.

Tip #3: Consider The Shape Of Your Room

Although the vast majority of rooms have an open space either side of the hearth, some more unusual rooms do not. Hearths can be close to adjoining walls are built directly into the corner itself. When choosing a stone mantel, therefore, it is important to consider the shape of the room and the location of the fireplace, as this will determine the kind of stone mantel you choose. Yes, there are plenty of stone mantels on the market designed to fit fireplaces that are flush to the wall, but there are also corner varieties that protrude out from the wall. These particular kinds of fireplaces allow you to retain the aesthetics of a stone mantelpiece.

Tip #4: Think About The Space Above The Mantelpiece

When choosing a stone fireplace mantel, you may also want to consider the space above the mantelpiece. An over-mantelpiece is usually a piece of matching material which sits above the main hearth for decorative purposes. It creates a grand effect and can be used as the centerpiece of a room. Over-mantelpieces come in all kinds of varieties and designs to suit practically any interior.

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Can Natural Stone Be Used Safely in the Kitchen?

Natural stone makes a beautiful addition to any room and many different types of natural stone are very popular for use in kitchens.  There are many different countertop material options for kitchens and there is a wide range of both price points and durability.  And, while natural stone is undoubtedly aesthetically pleasing – is it really a practical choice for use in kitchens where spills an stains can be abundant?  There are ways to safely and effectively use natural stone in a kitchen to enhance aesthetics and beauty without risking damaging your investment.

Natural stone countertops are certainly an excellent investment in your home’s beauty and value.  The key to safely using natural stone in your kitchen is to both protect it and maintain it.  Protection begins with installation when your natural stone installer assists you in properly sealing it.  When you apply a seal it helps reduce the risk of spills permeating the pores of the natural stone and causing permanent stains or damage.  Anything that has dye, a deep concentration of color, is acidic or has certain other features can instantly damage your natural stone so a seal is very important.  But, a seal only lasts so long.  It is important to have your natural stone countertops routinely sealed by a professional to ensure that they stand the test of time without incurring permanent damage.

Every kitchen is going to see some level of use and abuse and if you cook or prepare food in your kitchen every day, your countertops will be at risk of scratches, chips, stains, and more.  To prevent unnecessary damage it is important to protect your workspace by using a cutting board – do not cut directly on your countertop.  Fortunately, if your countertops have been professionally sealed and you forget this rule, many times a seal can be buffed or reapplied and the scratch will no longer be visible.  And, while many countertops can handle the heat of a hot pan being placed on directly on the surface, it could potentially damage the stone.  With such a luxurious investment, why tempt fate?  If at all possible, do not risk it!

Finally, proper maintenance is key.  Only used approved cleaning solutions or natural cleaning solutions so that staining or damage to your seal does not occur.  Use a soft cloth or sponge and use a simple mixture of vinegar and water or other stone supplier-approved cleaning solution to keep your natural stone countertops looking their best.

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5 Advantages of Thin Limestone Veneer

Natural stone can be incorporated in a wide variety of ways to any residential or commercial application.  When applying siding to a home or building you have the option to use full pieces of stone or use thin veneer.  There are manufactured veneers and there are also natural stone veneers such as thin limestone veneer.  While both are great options, there are some unique advantages to choosing thin limestone veneer.

5 Advantages of Thin Limestone Veneer

  1. Lightweight
    • When comparing the differences between stone veneer and thin stone veneer, one of the biggest differences is the weight. Full pieces of natural stone obviously weigh significantly more than thin stone veneer.  While both are natural stone, one weighs significantly less which offers certain structural, installation, and cost advantages.
  2. Cost-Saving
    • As already mentioned, when you want to use natural stone rather than a faux siding or other material, you have two options – full pieces of limestone or thin limestone veneer. If your budget is smaller then thin limestone veneer will offer significant cost-savings when it comes to the actual cost of materials as well as the cost of installation.
  3. Ease-of-Installation
    • Full pieces of natural stone can be rather cumbersome and heavy which makes it far more difficult to install. Pieces of thin limestone veneer are much easier to install but still provide the same advantages that natural stone has to offer, just in a much lighter and easier-to-install size.
  4. Durability
    • Natural stone is one of the most durable materials that can be used in residential or commercial construction. There is a reason that natural stone structures still exist from centuries ago – durability.  Thin limestone veneer offers the same durability an protection to your home or commercial building that full pieces of limestone has to offer.  Limestone veneer is a great choice because it can stand the test of time and weather the elements.
  5. Low-Maintenance
    • Because thin limestone veneer is made of a material that exists is nature, it is very durable and can withstand harsh elements without maintenance. Other material may require routine maintenance and protection to prevent damage, stains or other problems but natural stone can be installed and left to protect your home or building without frequent, costly maintenance.
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3 Stone Elements for Your Landscape This Summer

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.
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2 Types of Natural Stone Fireplaces for Your Home

Nothing is more eye-catching, statement-making, and beautiful than an elegant fireplace.  When you think of natural stone fireplaces you may think of ornate carved stone.  And, while ornate carved stone is timeless and stunning, there are many different styles of natural stone fireplaces today that come in a variety of natural stone types, colors, and finishes to accommodate any architectural style or design aesthetic.  Natural stone fireplaces can be installed in new home builds or retrofit to perfectly blend with your home’s existing architecture.   Stone fireplaces are some of the best investments you can make in your home because they are incredibly durable, increase in beauty over time, and add value to your home which means they have a better return on investment than other types of fireplaces. Below are two types of natural stone fireplaces to consider for your home.

2 Types of Natural Stone Fireplaces for Your Home

  1. Natural Stone Fireplaces
    • Natural stone fireplaces come in different stone types including limestone, cantera, marble and travertine. The natural stone is queried from the earth which means no two natural stone fireplaces will look exactly the same. Your fireplace will always look completely custom – no unnatural manufactured look here!  With this type of stone fireplace you will have the fireplace itself as well as a stone mantel to beautifully accompany the overall look.
  2. Natural Stone Fireplaces with Overmantel
    • Natural stone fireplaces with an overmantel are similar to the first type of fireplace we discussed but they have a few differences in finished appearance and features. Traditional fireplaces have the fireplace and mantel with the wall above.  When you get a fireplace with overmantel there is added height and visual interest.  The overmantel can be made of other materials but natural stone will give a seamless and elegant look to your finished fireplace.
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4 Types of Stone Molding

Architectural stone can be used in many ways in both residential and commercial settings.  It can be used throughout for an elegant and complete look, as a strategic statement or visual element that draws the eye, or simply as a finishing detail that ties a look together.  Whatever way you choose to use architectural stone elements, they are sure to elevate the overall appearance of a space.  Architectural stone molding is one way to tie a complete stone look together or simply add an elegant element to a space.  Below are 4 different types of stone molding that can be incorporated in any residential or commercial setting.

4 Types of Stone Molding

  1. Stone Chair Rails
    • Stone rails were traditionally installed to protect the wall from damage if a chair bumped into it. While they have generally not been used that way for many decades, chair rails are still a common architectural element that adds beauty and style.  Chair rails can be made of a variety of material but stone chair rails are particularly unique and elegant. Chair rails can be installed at a variety of heights and can either be installed alone on the wall or may accompany other architectural details.
  2. Stone V-Caps
    • Stone V-caps are another type of architectural molding that adds a completed look to a stone application. Stone v-caps are often used in places like showers, countertops, pools, and on walls.
  3. Stone Stair Treads
    • Stair treads are essentially the part of stairs that you step on. They tend to get a lot of wear and tear so stone stair treads are a great choice because of durability.  In addition to durability, stone stair treads add elegance and unique style.  Stone stair treads can be used indoors or outdoors and are capable of standing up to years of wear and tear.
  4. Stone Wall Caps
    • Wall caps are used very commonly and complete the finished look of any wall. When a wall is installed there is the base, the primary portion/body of the wall, and then a wall cap is installed on top to finish the aesthetic appearance and protect the wall structure from damage.  Stone wall caps come in a variety of materials to ensure that they can be seamlessly installed with any stone wall.

 

 

 

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6 Stone Columns Styles

 

When you think of columns you might have one particular image that comes to mind.  But, in reality, there are many different column types that are incredibly unique.  When choosing a column type for your particular architectural style, there are different stone column types from which to choose that will better accentuate your style and seamlessly blend with your architecture.  Below are 6 architectural stone column styles.

6 Stone Column Styles

  1. Doric
    • Doric columns are a very traditional architectural style that has been round for many years. Generally, Doric columns are consider wider/stouter than other column types.  The column type is usually not very ornate and tends to be somewhat plain compared to some other column types.  Also, the shaft of a Doric column is usually somewhat fluted and tends to be thinner on top and wider on the bottom.
  2. Tuscan
    • Tuscan columns, similar to Doric columns, are not known for being particularly ornate. Rather, they tend to be somewhat simple. Unlike Doric columns, Tuscan columns are not fluted.  Tuscan columns are more slender than Doric columns.
  3. Ionic
    • Ionic columns stand on a base of what appears to be stacked discs. Also, ionic columns are usually fluted and are often said to be a more feminine column style, particularly when compared to Doric columns. Ionic columns’ signature style is that they are adorned with a pair of scrolls at the top.
  4. Corinthian
    • Corinthian columns are one of the more ornate column styles and have been used in many countries for centuries. They traditionally have a grooved shaft and are often decorated with things like leaves, flowers, scrolls and more.  Corinthian columns tend to be more slender and sleek than other column types.
  5. Composite
    • Composite columns combine the styles of Ionic columns and Corinthian columns. Composite columns tend to incorporate both leaves and scrolls, making them a more ornate style that is often found in more ‘lavish’ settings.
  6. Solomonic
    • Solomonic columns are a very unique column type when compared with the previous 5 styles we have discussed. Solomonic columns have a scroll or twist design to the shaft that gives them a very distinct appearance.  The columns appear to twist or corkscrew in such a way that they are sometimes described as ‘spiral’ columns.  This style has been around for centuries and is considered an ornate/ornamental style that is often seen in lavish settings.

 

 

 

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Carved Stone Cornices

There are many architectural elements, accents, and components that when used together, beautifully compliment a home or building’s architecture.  In fact, carved natural stone not only compliments it but elevates it to a whole new level.  A cornice is an architectural element that has been around for centuries.  Bob Vila explains what a cornice is and what its role in traditional and modern architecture is, “Cornices date from classical Greek architecture and historically have served both functional and decorative purposes. On the functional side, cornices typically are basic horizontal structures designed to funnel rainwater away from a building’s walls and can be as simple as a straight, projecting ledge that caps the top edge of a wall; the term “cornice” actually is derived from the Italian word for ledge. On the decorative side, however, cornices can be elaborate ornamental structures that add dignity and character to a building. Decorative cornices give a visual break to a building and serve as a counterweight between the lower and thicker sections of a wall and the narrower rooftop edge. Cornices often are enhanced with crown moulding and styles can range from modest dentil mouldings to more complex carved scallops, scrolls, or spirals…Cornices can add value and help protect a building from the debilitating effects of rainwater, snow, and ice. A variety of both basic and embellished designs are available to suit myriad architectural styles and budgets. And the one thing all cornices have in common is that they draw the eye and finish a structure in an aesthetically pleasing fashion—a trait that fans of both new and old construction can appreciate.”

While cornices are, traditionally speaking, ornate and decorative, there are modern interpretations today that incorporate into almost any home’s architectural design.  Natural stone cornices can be designed in a variety of stones including marble, Cantera, limestone, and travertine.  Further, each of these stone types is available a way array of colors and patterns that are truly unique and beautiful.  Cornices are a beautiful blend of form and function.  While they do provide protection to a structure’s walls, they also add visual appear, texture, and dimension that cannot be achieved so seamlessly and elegantly with other materials.  While others may have a limited lifespan or will begin to show aging and weathering over time, natural stone is exceptionally durable and becomes it comes from the outdoors, it can withstand any weather elements and still look beautiful.

 

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Carved Stone Outdoor Kitchen

You are not taking full advantage of your outdoor living space if you have not yet installed an outdoor kitchen.  There are many different ways to incorporate an outdoor kitchen into your landscape.  And, an outdoor kitchen can be achieved with whatever space you have available, whatever budget you have, and whatever your style preferences are.  Architectural stone is a great way to enhance architectural elements on your home’s exterior and throughout your landscape and your outdoor kitchen area is no exception.  Whether you just want a barbecue or a fully functional outdoor kitchen complete with refrigerator, sink, dishwasher, pizza oven, or anything else you can think of – architectural stone will not only be a durable but stylish addition to your yard.

When you install a beautiful carved stone outdoor kitchen it will naturally become a place that people gravitate towards and in which they want to spend time.  It is wonderful for just enjoying a private dinner with your family or entertaining guests.  One of the most distinct advantages of having an outdoor kitchen is that you do not have to sacrifice time spent outside while preparing a meal.  You will never miss a moment of the party stuck in a kitchen because you will be at the center of the outdoor event, enjoying every moment while preparing food.

Natural stone can be incorporated as a facade around your barbecue, as countertops, as pillars, or as other accents.  Because it is natural stone it seamlessly integrates into a landscape design because it comes from the outdoor elements.  But, once it has been elegantly carved to whatever style or design you choose, it elevates the overall outdoor oasis experience.  A natural stone outdoor kitchen can use the same type and color stone that you have used elsewhere in your home’s interior and exterior design.  The flow will be seamless and you will dramatically enhance your home’s livable space by creating a functional and beautiful outdoor space to enjoy.  Choose from durable and lovely outdoor carved stone options including veneers, pavers, molding, range hoods, countertops, columns, accents, that includes Cantera, travertine, limestone, and marble.  In a place like Arizona where the weather is gorgeous for such a large portion of the year, an investment in a carved stone outdoor kitchen is one that is sure to more than pay off.