Limestone for the Home
Category: Decorating Tips and Advice
Posted/Updated: 04/20/2010 20:18:06
Views: 2615
What is limestone, you may ask. Sure, it is a type of stone that has various uses, but what is it really? Limestone is a sedimentary stone found across the Mediterranean region. The process of sedimentation usually begins with erosion and then the stone is carried, usually by water. The stone particles are then deposited and accumulate by way of sedimentation over a long period of time. This material then hardens to become a usable resource, such as limestone.
Limestone is mainly composed of calcium carbonate, but it is not the only thing that contains calcium carbonate. Other home building materials, such as travertine (a type of limestone) and marble also contain calcium carbonate. However, for our purposes, this article focuses on limestone only. Limestone is very porous and relatively soft. Thus, it is easy to cut and carve. For this convenient reason, we find limestone in many ancient architectural marvels - did you know that the Great Pyramids of Giza are made of limestone? Nowadays, most homes are rarely constructed of limestone, but many of today's homes feature great limestone accents, such as limestone fireplaces, columns, outdoor patio stones and sculptures. Keep reading for some ideas on how you can add this history-rich stone to your home too.
Limestone Fireplaces
This is one of the top uses for limestone in the home. Limestone may be soft and porous, but it is heavy and expensive. For that reason, limestone fireplaces are usually found in luxurious million-dollar homes. One way to get around this cost is to purchase a limestone mantle and install it yourself around an already existing fireplace.
The above limestone fireplace is quite dramatic. Its span from ceiling to floor makes it a strong focal point in the room that creates a defined seating area. (designed by Patche Pratt of
J Banks Design Group, featured in Southern Living
giveaway home)
As we already mentioned, the softness of limestone makes it easy to carve. Thus, carved limestone fireplaces can be found in many modern-day homes. Check out these oak branches and acorns as a motif for a limestone fireplace. We can only admire
Alice Bateman, the artist who created the design.
Limestone Flooring
The natural imperfections in limestone and its ancient history make it a great flooring choice if you aim to create a timeless, classic design. Keep in mind that it needs to be maintained as it is more sensitive than marble. However, if it is sealed, it can last for a long time. Here are a few homes that sport limestone flooring:
Yellow limestone flooring in an outdoor setting, available at Hariom Trade International.
Black limestone flooring in contemporary living and dining rooms, also available at Hariom Trade International.
If you are not sure whether you are ready for limestone, why not pair it up with traditional wood flooring? That is what the designers at Kemble Interiors chose to do. Although this inlaid wood and limestone pattern is a bit pricey, it works beautifully.
Limestone Walls
We all know that brick walls are a popular design choice for accent walls, but did you know that limestone can also be a beautiful accent wall? Take a look at this example - the limestone wall makes the room cozy, rustic and brings the outdoors in perfectly.
Cozy living room with limestone wall, featured in Country Living House Tours.
What are your experiences with limestone? Do you have a design piece in your home made of limestone? If yes, we encourage you to comment on your experience below.
Comments on Limestone for the Home
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Spaces N Places
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05/14/2010 14:42:28
absolutely love the wooden floor - it looks complicated and veeeeery expensive.
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