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The great Outdoors and Natural Stone
Leathered Matrix granite Residence, Leesburg, VA
With summer approaching people will be spending more time entertaining families and friends in outdoor settings that include enhanced landscaping and outdoor kitchens which have become increasingly popular today. When planning to invest significantly in outdoor living spaces one should purchase materials that are going to hold their own against weather conditions. Natural stone is one of the few materials capable of surviving the deteriorating effects of nature while overcoming many of the problems associated with exterior maintenance. Unlike many man-made products that must be replaced over time due to damage, sun-fading and normal wear, stone is a permanent fixture that possesses the unique ability to increase in beauty with age.
Several ideas and applications of Natural Stone for Outdoor uses.
Outdoor Kitchens
The outdoor kitchen can range from a simple fireplace with a countertop to a full-blown kitchen with built-in appliances and more. While the predominant stone choice for indoor kitchens is polished granite, stones varying from marble, limestone, travertine, sandstone and granite to name a few with finishes such as honed, polished, antiquated, and leathered can be used for outdoor kitchens.
Facades
For that European castle look, place honed or polished limestone or split-faced stone blocks at the outer edge of the home's facade. Trace the front door with an ivory colored limestone or travertine offset by an irregular red brick facade with ivy randomly wearing its way over and around the brick for an English cottage look.
Frame windows with stone to add a rich touch to the home's curb appeal. Add a mosaic rug or medallion of stone to your entry porch for an eye catching effect and consider an exterior that incorporates both random/stacked stone with antiquated stucco for distinguished look.
Pool, spas and water features
Add small touches of stone in the form of a scrolling water-line border, bowed steps or a winding bench to lounge on. Create a small wall at the end of the pool where a fountain originates and if the pool design features a spa that overflows into the larger swimming area consider cladding the face, where the water spills over, with an intriguing design of mosaic tiles.
Wall Fountains
Fountains are comprised of two major parts an upright wall and catch basin. Their vertical construction permits the use of a variety of stone offering many combinations. Stone fountains may be clad with antiquated limestone, travertine or a sleek slab of stone such as polished or leathered granite. |
| FEATURED STONE OF THE MONTH |
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Palomino
Palomino is an exotic quartzite originating from Brazil. Just like Brazil's exuberant landscape, this stone has an unduplicated spectacle of colors that transmits the happiness, exoticism, color and rhythm of Brazil. Come in and view our Palomino slabs and imagine yourself in Brazil with its diversity, sunny beaches carnival and beautiful nature! |
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Please click this link to learn more about MARBLEX
Washington Metro Area's First Marble Institute of America
Accredited Natural Stone Fabricator |
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Natural Stone, Naturally.TM Established 1987 |
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2926 Prosperity Avenue, Fairfax, VA 22031 | t 703.698.5595 | f 703.698.9580
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Meghan is a graduate of Virginia Tech with a degree in Kitchen & Bath Design. While at Virginia Tech she was the founder and President of the Student NKBA chapter on campus. Meghan remains active with the NKBA and is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Baltimore /Washington chapter and is certified as an Associate Kitchen & Bath Designer. Prior to coming to Marblex, Meghan worked for a cabinet manufacturer where she gained additional design experience. 