Manufacturers of furniture, accessories, and building materials use stone as a raw material. At several points in time, like now, many more products made of natural stone are coming out in the market. PR platform Press Loft calls this current trend Stone Age—
Raw, refined, and ready to reshape interiors — the Stone Age trend is all about grounding our spaces with the enduring beauty of natural materials. From veined marble and smooth quartz to hand-moulded clay and rugged stone finishes, this look invites the outdoors in, celebrating textures that are tactile, timeless, and inherently calming.
Stone is one of the natural building materials that can bring texture and interest into your home. We’ve seen how stone has been used in different interior styles throughout the decades. Whether the material finish is refined or raw, decorating your home with natural stone can add a sense of solidity and strength that you may want your home to exude.
The Applications and Advantages of Stone
Stone can be used from building exteriors like facades, walls, architectural features. or outdoor paving, to functional finishes like kitchen countertops or flooring. Stone is also used for decorative purposes as seen in many home accessories.
Aside from its versatility, stone has many other advantages.
1. Uniqueness
The beauty of stone is not only its looks that make a space unique, more so that no stone is alike. Even stone tiles differ so that floors or walls made of these exude a distinctive air that can elevate any space.
2. Durability
When installed and sealed correctly, surfaces and objects made of stone are so durable that they will last for decades. Probably interest will wane before it breaks down. With this in mind, use stone not because it’s a trend but because it is a natural material that you would love to have in your home. For keeps.
3. Natural insulation
Stone is perfect for our tropical weather. Why do you think vernacular architecture came up with the bahay na bato? Stone is a natural insulator that can keep interior temperatures down. In fact, the thicker your stone walls, the cooler it becomes in the house.
4. Low maintenance
Again, when installed and sealed correctly, simple cleaning is usually sufficient. After a few years, if the surface shows signs of wear and tear, you can seal the surface again.
5. Deterrent to termites
Termites cannot eat stone, like they do with wood. If you are a homeowner in the Philippines, you’d know the termite infestation is a significant pest problem. There are ways to control or deal with the damage, but these are mostly chemical and not very environmental-friendly, so go for something that termites find unpalatable instead.
6. Fire resistance
Everyone wants to keep their homes safe. Remember the forest fires that happened in California earlier this year? If your home should ever be in that situation (God forbid) because it is in an area that may be exposed to high temperatures, having stone exteriors would be a safer choice.
The Challenge of Stone
Cost is a primary downside to natural stone because it can be more expensive compared to other building materials. If available, installation and transport (think also of weight) could add to the material cost. Also, installation may probably be more time-consuming and more complex.
However, if you have an architect who is able to create a building that fits the environment and the landscape, and who uses local materials, you can keep costs down. An example is this residence that Architect Edwin Uy built several years ago.
He used the volcanic rocks found on-site, had them hand-hewn, and used the stones for the pavement and the wall leading up to the house.
Watch this video to see the use of natural stone outside and inside the house.
Konstrukt Lunar Series
Boysen has a line of nine decorative cement finishes called the Konstrukt Lunar Series. that provides stunning surfaces that fit well with the use of natural stone in the home.
Those who prefer the minimalist or industrial interior design styles may find the Konstrukt line interesting. This is not a DIY kind of material. Professionals are needed to properly install this material on surfaces.
Visit the Konstrukt website to know more about this building material.
The Solidity of Stone
Using stone in your home can increase the value of your property. It gives that sense of solidity and strength, and that air of longevity.
Building a home using natural stone is an expression of commitment. It’s building your legacy to leave to the next generation. In this fast-changing world, that is both singular and comforting.
Subscribe to this blog to get home inspirations in your inbox immediately after they are published.
