Healthy Home: Wood and Stone Are Naturals in Home Design
Discover why this mix of earthy materials feels so right
Jess McBride
August 7, 2016
Houzz Contributor. Custom decorating professional and content creator for the home design industry with a lifelong passion for color, pattern, and texture of every "stripe"
Houzz Contributor. Custom decorating professional and content creator for the home... More
Though synthetic materials in home construction and decor have come a long way, most people when pressed would still take the natural option if it fit the budget. “Part of the aversion is likely due to the inability of artificial materials to reveal the organic processes of aging, weathering and other dynamic features of natural materials, even inorganic forms like stone,” says researcher Stephen Kellert, who specializes in biophilic design (building practices that improve human health, well-being and productivity). People crave a deeper connection with nature than what synthetic materials can offer, and combining rich wood and stone has long been a winning formula for fostering that connection.
Material Matters
This rustic bedroom features honest materials like wood stained and finished to show the grain; stone cut and polished to enhance color and pattern; and fabrics woven to show the inherent texture and color of natural fibers like linen, wool, silk and cotton. Biophilic designers disagree about the extent to which inorganic materials like steel count, but as long as using up what’s already in existence remains a central pillar of this school of thought, recycled metal certainly seems fair game.
This rustic bedroom features honest materials like wood stained and finished to show the grain; stone cut and polished to enhance color and pattern; and fabrics woven to show the inherent texture and color of natural fibers like linen, wool, silk and cotton. Biophilic designers disagree about the extent to which inorganic materials like steel count, but as long as using up what’s already in existence remains a central pillar of this school of thought, recycled metal certainly seems fair game.
This is the type of polished wood-and-stone scheme that can woo lovers of traditional, elegant design. It’s natural but with a human touch. This is how you use organic materials without going rustic.
Time-Honored Techniques
Traditional techniques like masonry and bricklaying create textured surfaces that architects like Hawaii-based Kenneth Masden call “neurologically nourishing.” Not surprisingly, the most intense connection to the built environment is often felt in historic sacred sites and buildings whose walls are frequently arched and stone-clad, as in this serene living room.
Traditional techniques like masonry and bricklaying create textured surfaces that architects like Hawaii-based Kenneth Masden call “neurologically nourishing.” Not surprisingly, the most intense connection to the built environment is often felt in historic sacred sites and buildings whose walls are frequently arched and stone-clad, as in this serene living room.
A Grounding Force in Kitchens
Here’s an excellent way to mix wood and stone in the kitchen. A mantel-like timber frames the cooking area and accents the kitchen island, while shiny marble provides a glam element juxtaposed against the rusticity of the hearthstone wall.
Here’s an excellent way to mix wood and stone in the kitchen. A mantel-like timber frames the cooking area and accents the kitchen island, while shiny marble provides a glam element juxtaposed against the rusticity of the hearthstone wall.
A Biophilic Bathroom
It’s worth mentioning that stone and wood look stellar with an unpainted plaster wall. Also of note in this photo is the live edge of the countertop stone. But first prize for biophilic inspiration may belong to the meandering pebble tile path that leads from the shower to the vanity. If bathrooms occurred naturally in the wild, they might look like this: tactile and textured.
It’s worth mentioning that stone and wood look stellar with an unpainted plaster wall. Also of note in this photo is the live edge of the countertop stone. But first prize for biophilic inspiration may belong to the meandering pebble tile path that leads from the shower to the vanity. If bathrooms occurred naturally in the wild, they might look like this: tactile and textured.
Color Matching Is Key
One key to rocking this look is to choose stone and wood varieties with similar coloring. Here, the red tones in the wood pick up the rosy hues in the stone, so an identifiable color palette is subtly expressed by materials we usually think of as color-neutral.
One key to rocking this look is to choose stone and wood varieties with similar coloring. Here, the red tones in the wood pick up the rosy hues in the stone, so an identifiable color palette is subtly expressed by materials we usually think of as color-neutral.
Just because your walls are made of stone and your ceilings are decked in decking doesn’t mean you can’t throw some color into the mix. In fact, color tends to really stand out against an earthen palette, so go wild with upholstery and rugs. (Just don’t overdo it and detract from the bounty of authentic materials you’re very fortunate to have surrounding you!)
The Floor Vote Has It
Mixed flooring is a great way to define different rooms within your home as long as it’s done in a cohesive way. Merging wood floors with stone that resembles the type you’d put on your outdoor patio imparts a courtyard feel to transition spaces, such as hallways and entryways.
Mixed flooring is a great way to define different rooms within your home as long as it’s done in a cohesive way. Merging wood floors with stone that resembles the type you’d put on your outdoor patio imparts a courtyard feel to transition spaces, such as hallways and entryways.
Take It Outside
Finally, take advantage of your site’s natural bounty, incorporating the slope or patch of boulders that others would raze or remove. Resisting the urge to pave over everything or install a thirsty lawn can yield a design that feels like a restorative retreat.
More Healthy Home: Sunrooms and Conservatories | Courtyards Bring Light and Life Indoors
Finally, take advantage of your site’s natural bounty, incorporating the slope or patch of boulders that others would raze or remove. Resisting the urge to pave over everything or install a thirsty lawn can yield a design that feels like a restorative retreat.
More Healthy Home: Sunrooms and Conservatories | Courtyards Bring Light and Life Indoors
Scott Davidson founded Davidson Builders in 1998. Scott graduated from Michigan State with a BS in Construction... Read More
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The photos above are beautiful examples of using nature’s finest! Sharing this particular project below, because the client chose to remain consistent with the same natural stone - Santa Barbara Sandstone, for the landscape walls and exterior/interior wall veneers - even the fireplace surround! They were challenged by the severe sloping backyard and created the lovely stone terraces in the back. Charming "Old World Tuscany" design throughout!
Wonderful examples. So calming and soothing especially the home in Jaffa Israel.