Designing Your Dream Home With Stone and Brick
The change of seasons always seems to usher in some needed inspiration for a change in scenery. Cooler weather and shorter days might spark the urge to book a trip to a new locale, or perhaps you’re looking to keep your changes local. So local, in fact, that they stay within your home. Autumn is an excellent time to evaluate your current home or dream up your new one with fresh eyes. Lately, we’ve been interested in some of the oldest and most classic materials you can incorporate into your interior or exterior: brick and stone. Read on for ways to use these in your design or emulate the aesthetic without breaking the bank.
From Scratch
If you’re building a home from the ground up and have the budget and resources to use stone or brick for the exterior, then there are ample benefits to using these timeless materials. Although they will certainly cost more than other more common materials up front, in the long run, they’ll save money due to their durability. Plus, the resale value of a stone or brick home is certainly a consideration. You, or your builder, will want to do your research on potential issues like insulation, temperature control, etc. Take into account how realistic a stone or brick home would be in your particular part of the world with its unique climate.
Here and There
If you’re already a homeowner with no plans of moving, then consider some renovation projects to incorporate stone or brick elements or features. Nothing catches the eye and makes a statement quite like a floor-to-ceiling natural stone or brick fireplace. There’s something so completely cozy and rustic about a fire burning in a hearth made of rich-colored bricks or multi-hued stones. If you want to make an even bigger statement, consider an accent wall in the living room or stone floors in your kitchen or foyer.
The Look Without the Cost
Replacing an entire wall in your home or installing a fireplace could be just what your home needs to elevate it, or it could be a sizable project that you’re not yet ready to undertake or finance. If you’re looking for more manageable ways to incorporate the materials, then utilizing cost-effective stone or brick veneers could offer you all of the aesthetic appeal of the trend without the high cost. This Luxe article breaks down some of the best ways to pick your desired tone, texture, placement, and more when shopping for veneers. Some of the products recommended are even more sustainable options, with less waste, making it a plus for eco-friendly design as well.