Decorating with Natural Stone

Natural stone has been a popular product for centuries because of its beauty and durability. Using natural stone in your home design can be the ideal way to create both English Cottage style and luxury. If you’re thinking about adorning your space with natural stone but you have questions about its applications, care or handling then this guide will help.

In this blog post we will cover some common questions about decorating with stone, so you can make your own plans for your home!

What Types of Stone Can Be Used for Home Decorating?

Types of Natural Stone Natural stone can take many maintenance requirement appearance, structural makeup and how it is better used. These are some of the top options:

Marble

Renowned for its beautiful veining, marble is commonly used for bathrooms, countertops and sculptures. It’s perfect for rooms where you’re trying to get attention.

Granite

Granite is extremely tough and scratch-and heat-resistant which makes it an ideal surface for both kitchen countertops and most other work surfaces in your home.

Slate

Slate has a classic look and is often found in flooring, outdoor hardscapes, or roofing. The dark color options are perfect to help conceal dirt and stains, and the gloss finish is easy to clean.

Limestone

Limestone is a good choice for walls, fireplaces and other accents, in part because it comes in subtle, natural colors. But it is less dense than granite, which means that it needs to be sealed.

Travertine

This porous stone is common in bathroom tile, backsplashes and outdoor pathways. It brings warm tones into rooms for a cozy vibe.

Quartzite

Quartzite (not to be confused with engineered quartz) is a natural stone notorious for being hard, more scratch-resistant compared to most of its counterparts, and known to have a sparkling appearance. It works well on countertops and accent walls.

How Can Natural Stone Be Used in Home Decoration?

Here are some creative ways to use natural stone to revamp your home:

Kitchen

Countertops

Granite and quartzite are popular for their durability and high heat resistance, but that’s not to say other stones are less adept, or chic.

Backsplashes

Marble and travertine make beautiful, attention-grabbing backsplashes for both modern and traditional kitchens.

Bathroom

Vanities

Add elegance with white marble countertops in the bathroom or welcome a spa feel with forms of travertine.

Shower Tiles

Shower and Bathroom Flooring Natural stone tiles like slate or granite are on point for shower walls and bathroom floors: they add depth, beauty, and strength.

Living Areas

Fireplaces

Limestone or stacked stone mantel surrounds lend a comfortable yet luxurious appeal to living room fireplaces.

Accent Walls

Use quartzite or rough-hewn stone for a dramatic feature wall that grounds the space.

Outdoor Spaces

Patios

Slate and travertine are commonly used in outdoor living areas because they will hold up in the weather.

Pathways and Steps

For a garden path or front steps, natural stone is not only durable and beautiful, but also—surprisingly fast, in practice.

What are the Benefits of Decorating with Natural Stone?

Natural Stone has many benefits which make it attractive to homeowners:

Timeless Appeal

Its classic good looks will never go out of fashion, so your investment will look fabulous for years.

Durability

The majority of natural stones are durable and many of them can handle significant use.

Uniqueness

Since no two pieces of natural stone are the same, your home will have a unique look.

Added Value

Natural stone can even add resale value to your home with its high-end appearance.

Sustainability

It’s an eco-friendly material that does not take a lot of energy to manufacture.

How Do You Maintain Natural Stone?

While natural stone is hard wearing, it does need to be cared for to maintain its beauty:

Sealing

Close Most natural stones, especially porous ones like marble and travertine, require sealing to prevent staining. Reapply annually for best results.

Cleaning

Dilute a mild phosphate-free cleanser or a mild stone cleaner. Avoid acid or abrasive products.

Handling Spills

Clean up spills right away so they don’t etch or stain (especially on marble and limestone).

Preventing Scratches

To prevent scratches (and other damage) use coasters, trivets and cutting boards on stone countertops.

Is Natural Stone Expensive?

Natural stone cost Natural stone price ranges depending on the type, quality and size of the product needed. For example:

High-End Stones

Marble and quartzite, on the other hand, are relatively more expensive because of their scarcity and grand look.

Moderately Priced Stones

Granite is somewhat about affordable and durability, and as such it is the preferred choice.

Budget-Friendly Options

Slate and limestone are a budget-friendly alternative, particularly for small jobs or accents.

While it might be initially more expensive than other materials, natural stone’s long life and timeless appeal can make it a relatively low-cost option in the end.

How Can You Blend Natural Stone with Different Design Styles?

When processed appropriately, natural stone can work with a variety of interior decorating styles:

Modern or Minimalist

Stay with contempo­rary, finished stones in neutral hues such as marble or quartzite.

Traditional

Choose warm tones like travertine for a classic look.

Rustic

Add rougher textures such as slate or stacked stone to coordinate with rustic decor.

Contemporary

Combine natural stone with metal and glass accents for a modern aesthetic statement.

Are There Eco-Friendly Natural Stone Options?

Yes! If sustainability is a concern, keep these points in mind when purchasing natural stone:

Reclaimed Stone

Reclaimed stones from old buildings or quarries avoid even that level of mining.

Local Sourcing

Select stones from local quarries that require less transportation emitting of greenhouse gasses.

Durability Over Time

Because natural stone is so durable, it reduces the frequency of replacement as compared to other options.

How Can You Start Decorating with Natural Stone?

Working with Natural Stone: Planning the Design The use of natural stone in decorating starts with a well thought out plan. Begin by figuring out where in your home you’d like to use it, then choose a type of stone that matches your space terroir and budget.

If you need assistance with the selection of stone or designing your space, consult a professional or visit a local stone supplier to view samples in person.

Making the Most of Natural Stone in Your Home

Stone is not just a material; it’s a timeless design choice that brings elegance to any space. Whether it’s an opulent marble bathroom or a rustic slate patio, the quality and durability of stone is a worthwhile investment.

Natural stone is a design element that stands the test of time – when cared for properly and used judiciously, natural stone can create a home that is a masterpiece of form and function for years to come.

FAQ

What are the most popular types of stone that are used in a home?

Popular varieties of natural stone are marble, granite, limestone, traver tine, slate, and quartzite. Each has its own special traits, so they can be used for various purposes such as countertops, floorings, or outdoors.

How to take care of natural stone?

The correct maintenance includes periodical cleaning with a neutral pH product and protection of the surface with an appropriate sealer. Stay away from any acidic or abrasive cleaners that may wear at the finish of the stone over time.

Does natural stone hold up in heavy traffic?

Yes, most natural stones such as granite and slate will be extremely durable and hard wearing, which is why they are great for high traffic areas. Softer stones such as marble, on the other hand, may require some extra care to avoid scratches or etching.

Is natural stone suitable for outdoor application?

Absolutely! Numerous natural stone options are perfect for outdoors, whereas others will not be able to withstand mother nature, so you want to be diligent when choosing natural stone for your open-air design, and you can be confident that an experienced and professional stone installer will suggest you the the best products to use in your hardscape. Remember that some stones may require sealing or special treatment to withstand the elements.

Is Natural Stone Friendly to the Environment?

When you choose natural stone you also choose a sustainable option: a material that occurs in nature, that is neither manufactured or affected significantly by the human hand, with low processing techniques which create very little waste. If sourced responsibly, it is also an eco-friendly alternative that beautifies your home without harming the planet.