For nearly 40 years, Magnolia Homes has designed and built homes across the Memphis area that blend traditional sensibilities with modern style. One of their signatures is the use of natural stone throughout both the interior and exterior of the homes they design and build. From bluestone to limestone, marble, and beyond, these gorgeous natural stones add texture, warmth, and a living, breathing quality to residential spaces.
Are you wondering how you can incorporate this look into your own home? Here are eight tips from the Magnolia Homes Design Team on how they use natural stone to infuse organic warmth and a classic look into every build.
Make a Pathway with Bluestone
Bluestone is a beautiful choice whether you’re looking for stone for a striking surface for an exterior walkway or an interior passthrough that’s exposed to high traffic. Magnolia Homes uses it as a front walkway for many of their homes, creating a sleek entry that’s also incredibly practical. Because bluestone is a natural product, it’s ideal for outdoor use. It’s easy to clean, water resistant, and has natural texture and variation, giving it movement and depth. Kaitlyn Stafford, Design Team Coordinator at Magnolia Homes, notes that they also use it for spaces like pool decks or mudrooms that are likely to get wet.
Choose a Natural Stone Fireplace
Mackenzie Grannan, Design Team Specialist at Magnolia Homes, explains that many of their clients are currently gravitating toward neutral, warm colors. Taupe, cream, and lighter shades of brown add livability to a space, making it feel welcoming and approachable. Two of the most popular stones for a natural stone fireplace right now are Arkansas fieldstone and Aux Vase Tumbled Natural Stone. “These are both naturally tumbled stones that looks beautiful because of the many variations within it,” says Mackenzie.
Because of the nuances within the stone, a designer or homeowner has flexibility in the colors they choose to complement the fireplace. It also continues the calming, natural look throughout the space. Depending on the tones within the stone, you might select blues or greens to draw out the color palette.
Keep the Shade of the Mortar in Mind
While you may be tempted to match mortar to the tones within the natural stone, pairing stone with a lighter or darker mortar can bring out more of the color within the stone’s variations. “Mortar really outlines and defines the stone and can provide a nice contrast,” says Kaitlyn.
Add Exterior Enhancements
“People want their exterior palette to be wow-worthy before they even walk in the front door,” says Mackenzie. Using natural stone on the front exterior creates a layered moment of luxury and contrast, particularly if it’s used as an accent to natural brick or siding. Depending on the stone you choose, natural stone can add a cottage-inspired look or a more dramatic, grand layer. Plus, it’s more cost-effective when it’s used as an accent rather than the primary building material.
Blend Multiple Stones
You don’t have to choose just one stone to feature throughout a space. Multiple stones can work together to create a layered look with a more elevated feel than one stone alone. “If you have one colorful or bold stone, let that lead the way and lean into its undertones,” says Kaitlyn.
The trick to making multiple stones work together is determining whether your feature stone has warm or cool tones. Each accent stone should have the same tones, but you can play with scale and texture. Vary the size of each stone, then mix textures. Consider using a rougher stone next to one that’s polished. Together, they’ll create a space full of movement and dimension.
Install a Dramatic Limestone Vent Hood
One of the most dramatic ways to incorporate natural stone into your home is through a limestone vent hood, which gives a kitchen a luxe, elegant look. This natural material is gorgeous to look at, but it’s also incredibly practical. It’s eco-friendly, sustainable, and durable. It can also withstand weathering and daily use, retains heat, and removes excess moisture. Not only does it give a kitchen a custom, sophisticated look, but it’s perfect for someone who truly wants to use their kitchen for both daily cooking and entertaining.
Use Natural Stone Countertops
Natural stone countertops have been a perennial favorite for years because of their upscale, elegant look. Shannon Parker, Design Team Manager at Magnolia Homes, notes that many homeowners today prefer to use natural stone on both the countertops and backsplash, but she adds a few care requirements for anyone who wants this sleek look. “Natural stone is porous and will absorb liquid and oils quickly, so don’t use bleach or anything acidic on the countertop surface. And clean up spills immediately,” she adds.
She also recommends that granite and marble be sealed approximately every six months to keep them protected and looking polished.
Create an Accent Wall
Instead of using stone on just the fireplace, create an entire accent wall. If you find a stone you absolutely love, this option lets you truly dive in and embrace its look throughout a room. The stone adds dimension and warmth to the wall, and you can tie in the tones throughout the rest of the room. The entire palette will come together in a sophisticated, cohesive way.
Are you ready to incorporate natural stone into your home?
Magnolia Homes is located at 193 Cartwright Farm Ln, Collierville, TN 38017. To learn more, visit yourmagnoliahome.com or call (901) 309-0710.
This article is sponsored by Magnolia Homes.
Heather Bien
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