Stonework can add character to your home. Here are some things to think about.
Stonework adds a wonderful dimension and element of character to anyone’s home. Rock or natural stone can be used in a variety of ways,
including in landscaping, fencing, in sculpture, on the exterior façade of the house or in interior design. Stoneworkers have used a range of these methodologies for centuries. Even the ancient relic of Stonehenge was a masterpiece comprised of this type of material. Stonehenge was erected back in 2,500 BC and it’s still in existence today. Does this natural material have lasting ability? It sure does! Here are some things to think about:
- Landscaping: Garden paths or borders for flowerbeds and shrubbery can be constructed of river rock or something similar. What a complementary way to add borders to the garden, back or front yards. Large boulders can be craned into the site for a huge and dynamic exterior design statement. These boulders can be simply for décor or can be places to sit or climb. Play structures can be climbing mazes out of these Mother Nature supplied products. Pebbles or crushed granite can be spread in driveways.
- Fencing: There are arrays of fencing techniques made with rock. Sometimes the boulders are cemented together bricklike. This can create an interesting looking and extremely durable fence. Another method is to construct wire grates and containers into which the stones are poured. This is an artful solution to fencing that doesn’t require cement. It allows for the weather and elements to pass through without wearing away the adhesive material. It’s a wonderful, contemporary design statement, as well.
- Sculpture: Merely stacking boulders and rocks together can be quite attractive and become artistic sculpture. Carvings are another way to create any number of statuary, bird feeders, fountains, or interior art. Think “Zen” or “Mount Rushmore.” Marble and other rock statues have been around for literal eons. There is no limit to the possibilities.
- Exterior facades: Many architectural designs have incorporated stonework into the exterior façade. Some examples may be a full exterior of stone, a halfway-up façade to complement a lumber motif, or accents such as a chimney. Nothing says “quaint,” “cozy cottage,” or “elegant” like exterior stone. Sandstone, flagstone, marble, river rock, you name it; it can be done.
- Interior decorating: Stones have come inside with modern day interior decorating. Bathrooms, kitchen and floors sport an array of looks with this durable and attractive material. Fireplaces, mantles and stairways look both rustic and luxurious with beautiful natural rock. Granite countertops have been all the rage in upscale kitchens and bathrooms for years. Home builders come to the quarry and pick out the colors and the look they are after.
Some choose to have a particular stone type brought in while others use what is natural to the region. Many areas have jutting beauty that rivals the Grand Canyon in abundant supply. The Granite Dells in Arizona, for example, is one such striking locale. The hoodoos of Utah look like fairylands and were erected by Mother Nature. Stonework, man-made or naturally supplied, adds dimension and class to homes and neighborhoods.
