Q: I love natural stone. What are some creative ways I can incorporate it into my home? Countertops are a given… but what about other accent pieces?

A: It sounds like you are one of the many homeowners who simply love the classic look that natural stone can bring into a home. Stone has remained popular for years due to its natural beauty and durability. And because of this enduring popularity, you can rest assured that installing natural stone will increase the value of your home. Let’s look beyond countertops (one of the most common uses of natural stone in homes today) and investigate some creative ways to implement natural stone into home décor.

As a building material, stone is inherently durable, long lasting and environmentally friendly. It also requires very little maintenance, which is why it is the perfect type of flooring for high traffic areas. Stone flooring is easy to clean and won’t be worn down by heavy amounts of foot traffic. Consider installing stone flooring to add an elegant touch to entryways, bathrooms or kitchen floors.

Another great way to implement stone in your home is on wall backsplashes. Stone backsplashes can add color and texture to your kitchen or bathroom. Because natural stone comes in many styles and colors, there’s something to match every home décor style. And backsplashes are a more cost effective way to incorporate stone into home décor since they require less material than countertops or flooring.

For homeowners looking for smaller scale home improvement projects, natural stone can also be implemented into home accent pieces. Visualize gathering around a solid stone fireplace during the chilly winter months. Or enjoy relaxing in a bathtub with a natural stone frame. Natural stone can even be used as a top surface for a wooden table or office desk. The possibilities are endless!

When properly cared for, natural stone can last for decades. So take comfort in the fact that anything you invest in will be a long lasting addition to your home.