As any qualified natural stone retailer will tell you, the simplest way to get ahead on your project is to choose natural stone that fits your design. According to stone retailer and wholesaler Stone Haven, Inc., both interior and exterior design with natural stone such as granite, slate or sandstone can fall into two general design styles: formal and informal. The choice will affect both the variety of stone you choose and the way you would have it cut and prepared.
A formal natural stone design can use many different types of natural stone. Limestone or slate, granite or sandstone – the important thing is that the stone will be cut to the proper proportions to fit a formal pattern. Cut stone is available in different sizes 6”x6”, 12”x12”, 12”x18”, 12”x24, 24”x24” and even in the oversized 36” x 36” to fit the patterns laid down by a skilled natural stone artisan. English garden patterns are particularly popular for outdoor, formal natural stone designs. When designing a patio, walkway or driveway, remember to follow the lines of nearby lawns and gardens. You can even replicate these patterns for indoor projects, or choose from a variety of tiling patterns.
Informal natural stone designs suggest a rolling landscape and a variety of textures to experience through irregular shapes. Informal natural stone may look minimally worked, but it requires just as much craftsmanship to create the desired effect. This style is popular in homes that embrace a rustic theme, whether they're on country lots or in the heart of the city. That's why you sometimes read this style being referred to as “country style” stone work. Informal designs fit curves and circular layouts. A meandering walkway benefits from an informal design. So do gardens in the round and curved driveways. You can replicate the informal design in interior floor and wall masonry as well, to suggest a “lodge” style home. Irregular Penn Blue Sandstone is a popular choice for this style, but granite, sandstone and slate can also work well, as long as they're arranged in complementary colours in a sound structure, as directed by a qualified natural stone artisan.
Which of these natural stone styles should you choose? Your main criteria should be the shapes that you would like to dominate the space. If you want straight lines, formal designs are more likely to work for you. If you have a winding driveway, you might want to go with “country style” natural stone work. In your home, the architecture will help suggest which style to use. Many homes are already designed to either feel modern and urban, or like country lodges.
Beyond that, keep in mind that there are many subcategories of “formal” and “informal” and that there are even some designs that have aspects of both designs. Take a look at magazines to inspire you, but don't forget to consult the experts. Stone Haven is an example of a natural stone retailer/wholesaler that helps customers by keeping a showroom that can demonstrate the full range of what natural stone can do. Take a look at these kinds of examples as much as you need to make a confident choice, and don't forget to work with natural stone experts to turn that vision into a beautiful, durable reality.
Stone Haven, Inc. is a natural
stone retailer located near Montreal that provides
natural stone to homeowners as well as architects and landscaping professionals.
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