dcsimg

Adding Aged Stone To a New House

Allison Beatty

Walk into any 100-year-old house and you'll see natural stone that has aged well over time. Whether it is rustic green slate in the foyer or faded white marble in the bathroom, stone is plentiful in old houses. When building a new house, there are many ways to add that same character.

The main areas where stone can make an impact are the floors, walls, and countertops. Depending on your budget, you may want to pick three or four areas to start.

The Grand Entrance
The foyer is a perfect place for natural stone as it focuses the upscale look in a highly visible area. A rich marble or rustic slate will give visitors an instant feeling of warmth and luxury. The foyer typically is smaller than 75 square feet, so you can splurge on the finest granite and not break the bank. Another advantage of adding stone to smaller areas is that maintenance issues are minimized.

Stone in the Kitchen
The next stop is the kitchen, the mostly widely used room in the house. This makes it a natural spot for a limestone countertop, tumbled marble floor, or granite backsplash. The key is to pick one or two areas to highlight. Many homeowners add a stone backsplash between the countertop and walls cabinets. Or they continue the same slate in the foyer down the hall and into the kitchen.

As you consider different materials, think about your lifestyle. If you have small children or stand for hours cooking meals, stone may not be practical. In those instances, the walls or countertop are better options.

Natural stone can add a rich element to any new house. As you plan your space, glance around for a few choice spots where natural stone can make a difference.

About the Author
Allison E. Beatty is an avid old house enthusiast who has been renovating houses and writing about them for more than 10 years. She contributes regularly to national newspaper, magazines and web sites. She lives in an 1888 Victorian era home.

About the Author
By Allison E. Beatty


Search Improvement Project