Exposed Stone Walls in Interior Design: 13 Decorating Tips and Ideas
When I need inspiration or fresh ideas I always look through old interior design magazines which I have – and now there is already a huge collection of them in my house. One of my favourites is Spanish magazine “Interiors” – I like the fresh and contemporary spaces they feature. Yesterday sitting on my sofa with a cup of coffee I found there so many beautiful interiors with exposed stone walls. I know it is an old and common design idea but I never get tired of it. With a little bit of creativity and imagination you can create some unique designs – more about it later in this article.
1) ADVANTAGES.
If you like to make an exposed stone wall or walls in your house you need to know some important facts about them. Lets start with advantages which stone walls have:
– natural look and earthy feel
– durability and easy maintenance
– huge variety of materials which can fit any style or budget
– Eco-friendliness
– beautiful and rich texture
– they always look interesting and not boring
– good sound insulation properties
2) COMMONLY USED STONE TYPES
– sandstone
– limestone
– slate
– brick
– Coral stone
3) DESIGN TIPS AND TRICKS.
The following design advice will help you to achieve the most spectacular effect with exposed stone walls:
1) Skillful lighting will enhance the beautiful texture of stone – never neglect this feature.
2) Use some “warm” materials and textures as stone surface make the space look colder. These can be timber, furs, cashmere, knitted poufs and throws, pillows, rugs.
3) Add some bright accents with warm colours – reds, oranges, yellows. They will make the room look more cheerful and inviting.
4) Highlighting seams with different colour will accentuate the dramatic patterns of natural stone. Use this technique if you use stones of different sizes and shapes: it will enhance the effect.
5) For small spaces consider exposing only part of the wall otherwise the result might be too powerful and overwhelming. The small piece of exposed wall will have the same effect and you can also save on costs.
6) For more unusual and interesting look try exposing areas of interesting shapes. They will look very natural, especially if they are located near the ceiling, because these are the places where the plaster usually starts to fall off.
7) Want to create something different? Try exposed stone ceiling – you will get an atmosphere of intimate and cozy alcove.
8) By painting the stone wall you can keep the texture of this material but mute its visual impact. It is important if you don’t want to make a bold and strong accent in the room.
9) Stonewall can be done in almost any room, but outdoors it always looks very natural especially if you already have some stone exterior accents.
10) Stone walls can be used with almost any interior decor style but you need to choose an appropriate type of material. For example, brick and uniform stones look great in lofts and modern apartments, while big rocks of different sizes and shapes will suit more rustic interiors and country style.
11) If you want to decorate a large area or the whole wall consider using different types of stone: it will add dynamics and interest. Have a look at the example below:
12) Stone and plants is a union invented by nature, they always look great together:
13) Brick wall is always good decision for decorating fireplace, natural focal point will be even more highlighted:
Now it is time to tell me your opinion. Do you like exposed stone walls in interiors? Would you consider it for decorating your own house?
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