5 Stone Pieces That Can Change the Interior of Your House

There are many ways for you to beautify your home, but with the right combination of materials, you can do more than that; you could actually increase the value of your home as well. But, it’s not always easy to find unique ideas that will make your home stand out. In most cases, a complete overhaul is not necessary. By simply changing a few features, it is possible to give your place a whole new facelift and not break the bank in the process.

One way to do that is with natural stone. Not only is it less costly, it is much easier to care for than many other types of materials, and when used in the right way, is even more energy efficient. There are five different ways to enhance your interior with natural stone and completely change the look of your interior.

 

Fireplace

Because the fireplace is usually the most commanding feature in any room, your eyes will naturally be drawn to it anytime you enter the room. A well-constructed stone fireplace gives your home a delicate elegance and a bit of old-world charm. Remodeling your fireplace with natural stone creates a chic and modern look that will make it seem more like a work of art than a functional tool.

 

Column

To add a little elegance to your home, take a lesson from thousands of years of history by adding a column feature to your interior. These have a way of adding a bit of classic grandeur in an eye-catching way, especially if you have a large room that needs a little perking up. Whether you use Doric or Tuscan style, the details of the stone can be as elaborate or as simple as you want. Columns create a nice focal point and serve a utilitarian purpose when they are used as an extra bit of support for upper floors.

 

Archway

Interior archways give your home a clean modern look and are easier to add than many realize. They soften the sharper edges of the room, making them feel more inviting. Since so many homes have that boxy feel, adding a few arches to seamlessly connect the rooms makes your home look like it has been custom designed. With the right stone archway, an ordinary room is more likely to make anyone feel special when they enter.

 

Panels

Stone paneled walls bring the feel of the outdoors into your home. Mixing the various elements with other natural materials like wood, pebbles, or glass provide an appealing look to the eyes. When natural features are blended well together, especially in larger rooms, it makes smaller rooms feel much larger than they really are.

 

Kitchen Hoods

The kitchen is the heart of the home and a stone kitchen hood will steal the eye of anyone that comes in. Even a simple design adds a touch of elegance to an otherwise average kitchen and still be functional.

 

Natural stone brings a sense of warmth and charm to any home. It is a timeless decoration that is not only beautiful to look at but will maintain its beauty and last much longer than many other building materials used in interior design.

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The Biggest Natural Stone Trends of 2022

See What’s Popular in Natural Stone Interior Design in the Year Ahead

Natural stone is known for its disarming physical properties and its universal visual appeal. With so many materials to choose from, natural stone can be used for a wide range of applications. It’s not just granite kitchen countertops and limestone floors these days. Interior designers are using natural stone in all sorts of new and innovative ways. From lighting accessories to textured walls, these are some of the biggest natural stone trends to watch out for in 2022.

natural stone interior kitchen counters

Stone Kitchen Counters

Those stainless-steel kitchen countertops are slowly getting pushed aside to make way for a more naturallook. More expressive materials like limestone and exotic marble are becoming some designers’ stone of choice when it comes to kitchen countertops. Natural granite countertops still have their appeal, but some homeowners feel that these surfaces are too visually distracting. Limestone and marble have the subtlety and grace that’s better suited for busy areas like the kitchen.

Limestone or Shellstone Wall Paneling

Nature stone is no longer designated for floors and tabletops. It’s now being used on the wall, adding texture and vibrancy to any room in the house. Limestone and shellstone wall panels are quickly becoming all the rage in the world of interior design. Whether it’s a decorative wall hanging, a textured all-over aesthetic, or an elegant stone fireplace, limestone and shellstone wall panels have a truly distinct look that homeowners are pining for, making them one of the biggest stone trends of 2022. After all, if you’re going to spend the money on natural stone, you might as well put it on the wall, so people can actually see it.

natural stone interior design wall paneling

Stone Veining for the Organic Look

Expect to see more homes featuring stone veins, or the lines that meander through pieces of natural stone. These veins tend to be one of the most attractive features of the stone. They tend to be curvy with different shades and colors woven throughout. Homeowners and designers will be searching for stone inserts that show off these characteristics. The organic look will continue to dominate stone trends in the new year as people move away from industrialized materials. It’s all about recreating the feel of the outdoors inside.

Neutral Colors for Soothing Spaces

Neutral colors, like beige, pink, cream, and other light tones, have become increasingly popular over the last couple years. People are looking to fill their homes with soothing colors that help them relax at the end of the day. Granite, marble,and limestone come in a range of colors and textures, but lighter tones help capture the light. These materials can be used to enhance the look of a stone fireplace. The flames will play nicely on the textured backdrop. They also pair well almost every color imaginable, making them a staple in nearly every home.

Lit from Within

Limestone and marble are making the leap from surface areas to lighting accessories. Natural stones of all varieties can be used to curve and shape light. From lamp shades and chandeliers to stone fireplaces, natural stone absorbs part of the light, helping homeowners create dynamic spotlights and hotspots throughout the room. Others prefer to highlight the translucent nature of limestone, putting a light behind the stone to show off its fine curves and veins.

When it comes to natural stone, homeowners and designers have more options than ever before. If you’re looking to add some fine limestone or exotic marble to your home or office, contact the professionals at BT Architectural Stone to learn more about the latest natural stone trends.

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How to Winterize a Fireplace

As we head into the coldest months of the year, it’s time to get your fireplace up and running for the busy season. There’s nothing like huddling around your mantle as you enjoy a crackling fire in the comfort of your home. But if not cared for properly, your fireplace can turn those soothing evenings into a fire hazard. Fireplaces require regular upkeep, whether it pertains to masonry fireplaces, wood burning fireplaces, or any other kind.

While fireplaces are excellent for people who want to conserve energy during cold weather, if not properly maintained, they can have the opposite effect, bringing air leaks and cold drafts right into the home. If it’s been a while since you’ve inspected your fireplace, you might want to think twice before lighting up your living room this winter. Use these tips to pull your winter fireplace out of retirement.

Hire a Professional Chimney Sweep

The chimney lets air and smoke flow freely out of your house. If there’s anything blocking or trapping air in your chimney, your entire house will fill up with smoke. Unless you know your way around your chimney, it’s best to hire a professional chimney sweep to clear away any debris. You’ll also want to hire a professional to remove a chimney balloon if you have one installed. (A chimney balloon is used to control the flow of cold air and cold drafts.) If you hire a fireplace professional, you can also ask them to inspect the unit for damage, including the foundation, damper, flue, and other potential problem areas.

Clean Out the Firebox

Cleaning out the firebox should be a part of every fireplace owner’s routine. If you haven’t cleaned out the soot, ash and burnt kindling sitting in your firebox in a while, you’ll need to take care of that before you start a fire. You can keep the ash contained by sprinkling a little water on the firebox before you start sweeping.

This is also a perfect time to check the function of any glass fireplace doors or grates. This is especially true if it’s been quite a while since you’ve installed glass doors or have had anyone check the integrity and function of them.

Inspect the Damper and Flue

The flue controls the opening to the chimney, while the fireplace damper allows you to quickly adjust the strength of your fire. Make sure that the flue and damper open and close properly. You can use a mirror and a flashlight to see what’s happening up the chimney. Be sure to wear protective eyewear any time you take a look upwards!

If you notice any problems, you can try cleaning the damper or the switch that controls the flue. These parts tend to rust or get stuck after a while, so you’ll want to keep an eye on them throughout the season. Be sure you can see all the way to the top of the chimney during your inspection; if you can’t, call a professional.

Test All Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarms

Make sure that all the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home are working properly. They should have a full battery as you head into winter. It’s recommended that you have an alarm fairly close to your fireplace, in addition to having alarms in various rooms throughout the house on all levels – especially if there are any areas in which smoke tends to build up.

Cap Off Your Chimney

As a final touch, inspect the cap on your chimney. If you’re unable to get up on your roof, a professional will be more than happy to do a quick, thorough inspection for you for little cost. If you live in a heavily wooded area, animals can crawl their way inside the opening and wreak havoc on your home. Tree limbs and debris can also slip inside if your chimney isn’t properly covered. Have the cap inspected every autumn; just because it was in good condition last year does not necessarily mean it’s in good shape this year!

Don’t take a chance with your fireplace. Be a responsible homeowner and make sure that your winter fireplace has met all the necessary safety requirements before you light a fire.

Come to BT Architectural Stone and browse our selection of elegant stone fireplace mantels. Contact us today and we’ll help you create the perfect addition for your home.

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Kitchen Hood Inspirations for Your Home Remodel

One of the best remodels you can do for your home is an update to your kitchen hood. Remodeling the kitchen is one of the most beneficial and most luxurious ways to increase the value of your home, and the hood can be a major part of that remodel. Following are six stunning designs for stone kitchen hoods that will get your creative ideas flowing for your next remodeling project:

The Villa Laguna

custom stone kitchen hood Villa Laguna

Fabricated from exquisite Crema limestone from Mexico, the Villa Laguna is a limestone kitchen hood that holds its own as the main attraction in many kitchens. With meticulous detailing and a stunning presence, this kitchen hood is a perfect representation of the Gothic Revival style. This particular kitchen hood was created by our artists and now graces a home in Isleworth, Florida.

The Villa Melograno

stone kitchen hood Villa Melograno

The Villa Melograno is a gorgeous traditional stone kitchen hood made from Crema limestone, which originates in Mexico. The Villa Melograno represents the Traditional Country style, making it ideal for use in a wide variety of kitchen builds. This particular limestone kitchen hood is currently gracing a beautiful home in Newport Beach, California.

The Rambert

custom stovetop kitchen hood The Rambert

The Rambert is one of our most popular stone kitchen hoods, and is fashioned from Beaumaniere limestone. Originating in the countryside of France, this kitchen hood is a spectacular representation of the English Country Classical style. The kitchen mantle pictured here currently is located in a Strands Beach, California home.

The Riviera

custom designed stone kitchen hood The Riviera

The Riviera is an incredible example of a stone kitchen hood in the Classical Italianate style. Made of beautiful Rojo Verona marble, the Riviera is made of stone that originates in Italy. The kitchen hood pictured here in this style is currently gracing a fantastic kitchen in Newport Beach, California.

The Goelman

stone custom kitchen hood The Goelman

Another fine example of the elegance that stone kitchen hoods behold is The Goelman. This limestone hood is made of Crema limestone – a stone that originates in Mexico. The Goelman is an exceptional display of the Classical Contemporary style, and the pictured kitchen hood can be found in Cameo Shores, California.

The Townsend

kitchen hood custom designed The Townsend

If your heart is set on a limestone kitchen hood in the French Provincial style, the Townsend may be exactly what you’ve been searching for. This one is created from marvelous Crema limestone that originates in Mexico, and is graced with exceptional carved detail. The kitchen hood pictured here is holding its place in a home in Boca Raton, Florida.

We invite you to work alongside our craftsmen and our designers for your next remodeling project. Whether you know exactly which stone kitchen hood you’ll want or you have no idea yet, we’ll be there to help you every step of the way. We can use your own design, and we also invite you to explore our library of designs. BT Architectural Stone would be honored to breathe new life into your kitchen with a custom stone kitchen hood. Contact us today to learn more.

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MARBLE VS. LIMESTONE FIREPLACES: CHOOSING THE RIGHT FIREPLACE SURROUND FOR YOUR HOME

When considering options for your new fireplace, there are a lot of things to consider that will determine if you choose a marble fireplace surround or a limestone fire surround. From price and design to colors and the overall ambiance you’re going for, the simple task of putting together various features to create your ideal fireplace isn’t always so simple. It isn’t always easy to determine the best fireplace fronts of stone for your space, especially when you can’t “try before you buy” a stone fire surround.

One of the first and biggest decisions to make is what type of stone to use for your fireplace surround. You never want to settle for cheap marble fireplaces! The grace, elegance, and beauty that high-quality appointments command require an elegant frame that suits not only your tastes and preferences, but also the ambiance of your entire home.

As possibly the most dramatic piece in any space, the fireplace has the unique ability to draw people in and bring people together – and it’s up to you to choose between the various types of stone available to create an unforgettable space for everyone to enjoy for many years to come.

Limestone vs Marble Fireplaces

We can help you sort out the important aspects of choosing limestone around a fireplace vs opting for fireplace surrounds of marble stone. Each natural stone has its unique features and perks, and each has qualities that some may consider less desirable.

It is for this reason that we’re going to compare two of the most popular options, limestone and marble fireplaces, and point out a few pros and cons of each.

 

Limestone

Overall – Limestone is a sedimentary rock. This is a highly versatile stone that can work well with a lot of different designs, themes, influences, and styles. Most often, it’s also typically reserved for those who desire a more subtle flair in their living room, bedroom, or family room. Limestone has a warm, soft and natural look, which makes it great for elegantly understated rooms. Limestone fireplaces often pair very well with wood furniture. You can keep the design of yours clean and simple for a nice smooth modern feel, or you can make it a bit more ornamental with intricate carving details.

However, limestone also is a good choice if you’re going for a more rustic look as well. If this is something that suits your personal style, in this case, you would probably want to look into using stacked limestone for a natural hand-crafted feel.

Maintenance – This is a soft and naturally absorbent stone, so limestone fireplaces require a sealant to keep them protected and looking fresh. In other words, it’s a stone that is more porous than marble. Limestone mantel surrounds are also easy to clean with a little warm water and a neutral cleaner product.

Pros:

  • Limestone fireplaces are versatile
  • Limestone is durable
  • It’s relatively inexpensive

Cons:

  • It does have a fairly limited color variety (mostly neutrals)
  • The main drawback is that it has to be sealed. If not properly sealed, or if the seal is not maintained, your limestone fireplace can become susceptible to staining and scratches.

 

Marble Mantels and Surrounds

Overall – Marble is sleek, elegant, and sophisticated. With its high-contrast striations and large variety of colors, marble is considered a bolder choice than limestone. It definitely makes a statement. As such, because of its history as the go-to stone for palaces, temples, and sculptures throughout time, marble evokes wealth and extravagance, making a marble surround slightly less versatile for a simple design-home than a limestone fireplace surround. However, marble can be polished or honed to change the look of the stone for a more or less formal feel, helping its versatility a bit.

Maintenance – Marble is extremely durable and easy to maintain, but it also has to be sealed to protect against moisture and acidic products.

Pros:

  • Marble is durable
  • It’s very eye-catching
  • There is a larger color selection available than with limestone

Cons:

  • A marble fireplace surround will be more expensive than a limestone one
  • Marble also requires sealing

 

The Bottom Line: Limestone vs Marble

The main thing to keep in mind when you are looking into custom stone fireplace surrounds is the ambiance you want to create within a room – you need to really think about what you want the whole room to look like. What is the feeling and overall theme you are trying to create? What kind of furniture will you have? Are you looking for upscale elegance? Old-world sophistication? Modern minimalism? Once you have a detailed vision in mind for the space, it should be fairly easy to choose the stone that fits right in with your personal style – and we can help.

BT Architectural Stone is an award-winning cultivator of natural stone appointments and unique crafts that include fireplaces, fountains, columns and pillars, kitchen hoods, landscaping features, and more. We blend old-world techniques with the latest state-of-the-art technology to create custom pieces sourced from the finest stone all over the world.

Contact us today and let us know how we can help you bring a new tier of class and passion to your home with a custom handcrafted marble or limestone fireplace.

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Marble vs Granite: How to Choose?

Marble and granite are both beautiful, natural types of stone used in homes and offices in a variety of architectural and interior design styles, from kitchen counters to fireplace surrounds to range hoods. If you have your heart set on marble, granite isn’t exactly a simple substitute. Granite is beautiful in its own right, but it looks quite different.

However, they’re not the same, and granite isn’t simply a cheaper substitute for marble, contrary to popular belief. These stones have very different physical properties, different aesthetic qualities, and may be suitable for different applications.

 

Physical Properties & General Appearance

Granite is a granular igneous rock, composed primarily of feldspar, quartz, mica, and amphibole minerals. Granite is very hard and durable, ranging from a 6 to a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, and is a porous stone. It naturally occurs in a variety of colors, including black, beige, grey, and even red and blue hues. Shades tend to range from medium to dark, and have a characteristic speckled appearance.

Marble, also a porous stone, is a very different type of rock. It’s a metamorphic rock, usually composed primarily of calcite or dolomite. Ultimately, it’s derived from limestone that’s been subjected to high temperatures and pressures. Different types of marble are often classified by their region of origin, and colors can range from snowy white to deep green hues. Marble has a more distinctive patterning to it than granite, with bold veins running through it.

 

Durability & Heat Resistance

Cheap, synthetic countertop materials like laminate can resemble the look of marble countertops and granite countertops, but there’s no real substitute for the timeless look and feel of real natural stone.

If you’re not sure which one to choose, it’s worth considering your decor style, your lifestyle, and what exactly you’re using the stone for. For kitchen countertops, marble and granite are both quite popular choices.

However, marble has some drawbacks. For one, it’s rather soft. On the Mohs scale, it comes in at a 3 or 4. For reference, soapstone rates a 1, and is no harder than talc, but granite usually rates 6 or 7. Granite definitely resists staining and etching (scratching) better than marble, and for kitchen use, that can be an important concern — especially if you have children.

We mentioned above that marble is also more vulnerable to staining than granite — you should be aware that this includes water stains. This is usually more pronounced with white or light-colored marble countertops. The porous stone develops a distinct patina over time — some people consider that a flaw, while others embrace it. It’s really a matter of personal taste.

Both marble and granite counters are relatively heat resistant, which is part of why they’re such popular choices for kitchen use. Care should still be taken with hot pans and pots, but both stones can handle heat without suddenly cracking.

In addition, it’s also important to be aware that both types of stone are very vulnerable to acidic liquids and foods – these substances can cause the stone to dissolve, even in weak solutions. Care must be taken to immediately clean your stone countertops immediately after contact with these substances. Be careful not to use cleaners that contain acids or alkalines on marble or granite, as well; although granite is more resistant to acid staining and etching, the stone can still degrade over time. Even a single application of these substances can do irreparable harm as they dissolve the weaker particles of the stone.

marble kitchen countertop

Architecture & Interior Design

If you’re using marble or granite for architectural features like columns or for flooring, appearance is often a major factor in your decision. There’s certainly a romantic element to marble columns and pillars, channeling the architectural marvels of antiquity. If you prefer the look of marble to granite, it’s a good choice. Despite its flaws and relative softness, there’s a good reason why marble has been used in architecture for thousands of years. Marble’s elegance can be a disadvantage, however, for certain decor styles. If your style is a bit more rustic or rough-hewn, granite is often a better fit aesthetically.

 

How to Choose

There are two key factors in your decision between marble and granite: aesthetic concerns and practical concerns. For kitchen counters in well-used kitchens, or for flooring and architectural elements in high traffic areas, granite’s durability and resistance to staining and etching can be easier to work with. However, the aesthetics of marble, its evocation of luxury and classical elegance, are one of its major draws. If that’s what you’re after, you can’t get the same look with granite.

Should you need assistance choosing the best natural porous stone for your needs, we can help. From the initial concept to final installation, our professionals are available to bring your vision to reality with granite and marble features for your home, business, building, or property. Contact us today and let us know how we can help you get started with your marble or granite stone countertop, fireplace surround, columns, water fountains, kitchen hoods, or any other feature you need custom-made.

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Pietra del Mar 2011 Catalog – West Coast

 

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Barbara Tattersfield Design 2011 Catalog – East Coast

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