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River Rock Rounds Out Rooms

Worn smooth from rushing water, river rocks add an organic, serene touch to bathrooms, fireplaces, patios and more

Kristy Woodson Harvey and Beth Woodson March 14, 2012

We are the mother and daughter behind the blog Design Chic (www.mydesignchic.com).

We are the mother and daughter behind the blog Design Chic.... More

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First carried by hunters for good luck, smooth, round river rocks are considered to be the first stones ever used for ornamental purposes. Their usage might be old, but it's far from tired. For bathrooms that are as relaxing as an outdoor shower, fireplaces that blend the indoors and outdoors seamlessly, and outdoor living areas that add to the beauty of the surroundings, river rock is a stunning choice. With size options from tiny pebbles to 8 inches in diameter, there's a river rock that's right for every home.

Michael Tauber Architecture

One of the best things about river rock is the availability of so many different colors. Mixing and matching can be great, but if you're going for a more powerful statement, using all black is fantastic. These shelves add dimension and contrast to the lighter shower walls, proving that even in the shower, the "touch of black" rule holds true.

Isabel Beattie @ K Cabinets Oakville

River rock creates a beautiful floor for a shower. In addition to looking pretty, the smooth stones massage bare feet, creating a therapeutic, spalike experience every time you step inside.

Michelle Fries

Larger river rocks are the perfect way to create a fireplace that makes a statement. Ideal for the mountains, the lake, the river or anywhere the outdoors is the main event, river rock helps blend the indoors and outdoors. Want a touch of river rock style without the home makeover? Collect rocks from streambeds or along the shoreline, fill a beautiful glass bowl and enjoy.

If you like the idea of river rock, but using it alone seems like too much, juxtapose it with other natural stones to create a retreat without the repetition. Granite and marble come in coordinating color palettes, add contrast and can even save you money. Premade granite or marble vanity tops come in all shapes and sizes and can be a cost saver over custom creations.

Kevin O'Connor

If you like the idea of having river rock beneath your feet in the bathroom but don't have the time, money or inclination for a full makeover, a river rock mat could be a perfect compromise. Set it outside the shower door or in front of the sink for a gentle foot massage every day.

For outside seating that is beautifully earthy, river rock is a perfect choice. The small pebbles can be purchased loose to spread underfoot. While it may be tempting to use coordinating river rock in a fire pit, some experts say it's not a good idea. Because it was submerged so long, it is possible for the water deep in the rock to turn to steam, causing the rock to explode.

Nunley Custom Homes

If you're trying to create a truly nature-inspired bath experience, surrounding yourself with river rock is the next best thing to bathing outside. This granite tub is amazing also.

More Dream Tubs for Bath Lovers

Amoroso Design

For a spalike experience, combine the nature-inspired feel of river rock with luxurious details such as a relaxing rain shower head with body jets, frameless shower doors and, of course, a tub perfect for soaking in bubbles. To really top it off, spring for oversize towels — the fluffier the better!

More:
Stacked Stone Inside the Home
Materials: Using Stones in Design
Your Bath: Create Calm with Natural Materials

Comment13

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Comments (13)

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D. Simons

Nope, no slipping!

Like December 5, 2013 at 12:16AM

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pfturcotte

What about cleaning?

Like May 7, 2014 at 4:52PM

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