Elevate Your Home with Stone Veneer: 5 Perfect Places for Accent Walls

Pangaea Fieldstone
Pangaea accent wall

Elevate Your Home with Stone Veneer: 5 Perfect Places for Accent Walls

In the world of home construction and DIY, creating an accent wall isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about making a bold statement. These accent walls, also known as feature walls, are where craftsmanship meets character, and they’re more than just a visual interest; they’re a game-changer for your project.

While paint and wallpaper have their place, they can’t match the enduring value and impact of stone veneers and architectural tile. Accent walls not only elevate the aesthetics but also add substantial value to a property, and it’s simple to maintain, ensuring your home interiors remain a source of awe for decades.

Choosing the right spot for an accent wall might seem challenging, but often, the room itself provides strong cues. Here, we delve into five strategic settings perfect for your stone veneer accent wall.

Artepiso Orchid
Artepiso Orchid

1. First Impressions Matter

Remember, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. Stone veneer on a wall greets your guests and sets the tone for your entire space. It’s the introduction that demands attention and admiration.

The placement of the Artepiso Orchid wall tiles in the space above acts as a focal point for anyone who may walk through the front door. These playful tiles, like any framed art, are sure to get the conversation started and create a welcoming atmosphere as soon as guests enter the house.

Light and easy to install, Artepiso 3D architectural tile adheres to most surfaces with a simple and inexpensive installation. They can also be painted for an attention grabbing splash of color.

Beon Stone® Carbo Classic
Beon Stone® Carbo Classic
Pangaea Fieldstone Cambrian
Pangaea® Fieldstone Cambrian

2. Accentuate the Architecture

Craftsmen know that great rooms deserve great features. Stone veneer can turn ordinary walls into stunning showcases. Fireplaces, floating room dividers, and walls with architectural details become canvases for your creativity.

A masterful example of this approach can be achieved with Be.on Stone® Carbo Classic veneer panels. Rather than installing shelves in the cutout section of the kitchen shown above, a stone matching the style around the adjoining room was applied, with artwork placed over it. From this vantage point, it gives the appearance of a window that offers a peak at the stone wall continuing behind it.

Ready to accentuate your home walls with another quick renovation, then look no further than your dated fireplace. Building materials like thin stone veneer and Pangaea® Fieldstone Cambria, seen above, transform any drab fireplace wall or surround into the family’s room’s best feature. 
See more fireplace inspiration in our blog, 5 Interior Projects To Tackle This Winter with Stone Veneer.

Pangaea® New England Quarry Ledgestone
Artepiso Andes
Artepiso Andes

3. Chase the Light

Sometimes, all you need to find the perfect spot for your accent wall is to follow the light. Let the natural light be your guide, drawing visitors’ eyes to your masterpiece. However, be cautious with walls that get intense backlighting or the window views will overshadow the veneer.

When crafting the room with those captivating waterfront views in mind, practicality was key. The choice of Pangaea® New England Quarry Ledgestone veneer wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was a smart decision. It blends seamlessly with the elegant wood paneling on the ceiling, all while ensuring the natural light from those massive windows takes center stage.

For those of you who like to get creative with lighting, consider adding some excitement with Artepiso 3D architectural tiles, seen here in hexagonal Andes shapes. These tiles boast intricate grooves and peaks, creating a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow. And if you want to kick it up a notch, apply a coat of vibrant, glossy paint to make them shine even brighter.

Cultured Stone Echo Ridge Country Ledgestone
Cultured Stone® Echo Ridge Country Ledgestone

4. Read the Room

Look at the room’s layout; it often reveals the ideal accent wall location. Is there a wall where all the furniture converges? Maybe one housing a fireplace or TV? That’s your focal point, and that’s where stone veneer shines.

Take a look at the arrangement of the above living room, featuring Cultured Stone’s® Echo Ridge Country Ledgestone veneer. Would a feature have made better sense anywhere else? Note how the veneer calls out to the stone visible through the window on the home’s exterior.

Winesburg Plank
Dutch Quality Winesburg Plank 4&6 

5. Beside Views

In the bedroom, the most impactful accent wall is typically the one behind the bed. It highlights the bed as the most important feature of the room (which it is), and with the right material choice, can look like an extension of the headboard itself. And when you’re laying in bed, the view of an accent wall straight ahead may not have the calming effect you need.

Take a look at the red and brown hues of the Cultured Stone® Winesburg Weathered Plank 4&6 veneer. This manufactured stone was molded to precisely replicate the grain and character of reclaimed barn wood; its artistry and craftsmanship are molded to replicate the warmth of reclaimed barn wood.

We Make It Easy!

Creating a statement with stone veneer has never been easier. six brands of natural and manufactured stone veneer products available in hundreds of colors, shapes and sizes, Instone is your partner in making your vision a reality. 

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A Step-by-Step Guide to Stone Veneer Fireplace Upgrades

Pangaea Fieldstone
Pangaea Fieldstone

A Step-by-Step Guide to Stone Veneer Fireplace Upgrades

Ready for a decorative fireplace makeover? If that old brick fireplace doesn’t quite match your home’s new vibe, there’s no need to fret. Think of it as an opportunity rather than a challenge.

Swapping out the dated look for a stylish stone veneer fireplace is simpler than you might think. And guess what? In most scenarios, you can leave those bricks right where they are.

Sure, red brick fireplaces have that quintessential American charm. But, if yours looks a bit weary after years of cozy fires, it might be time for a change. While some folks opt for a quick brick fireplace makeover with heat-resistant paint, nothing beats the elegance and value boost of a natural stone facade.

Wondering about the how-tos? Whether you’re thinking of adhering stone veneers directly onto the bricks or using nifty tools for an extra-sturdy bond, we’ve got the lowdown. Take a look at your options and tap into Instone’s treasure trove of resources to guide you every step of the way.

Prepping for Interior Stone Veneer

Before you dive into your fireplace transformation, it’s essential to set the stage for a smooth installation. Start by laying a tarp around the fireplace area. This step ensures that any stray mortar or debris doesn’t play havoc with your floors.

Next, give those bricks some TLC. It’s important to remove any dirt, dust, or loose materials that could compromise the adhesion of the stones. A vacuum with a brush attachment should do the trick for most of the cleaning. For stubborn spots, a gentle wipe with a damp sponge will work wonders. And if you come across areas of the brickwork that are crumbling or a bit unstable, consider giving them a light sanding to create an even surface.

Stone veneer prep

Choose Your Backing

Option 1: Metal Lath

Want to ensure that your stone veneer clings on like a champ? Enter the metal lath. This meshy marvel is not only strong but also flexible. Shape it around your fireplace, get it to hug those corners, and even trace out that fancy mantel.

After drilling or nailing the lath into the bricks, you’ll want to apply a scratch coat over its entire area. Fill all of the gaps with mortar, build about ½ inch layer on top of the lath, and comb over it with the trowel’s teeth to create grooves for the stones to grip to. Once the scratch coat dries, you can begin applying mortar to the back of the stones and attach them to the surface.

Option 2: Cement Board

Want a simpler DIY? Then cement board might be your best bet. It offers a clean slate, making your veneer application smooth and easy. After fastening the cement board to your fireplace, you’ll want to spread a scratch coat, groove it nicely, let it dry, and then give it time to dry.

Then you can apply mortar to your stones and install them with ease.

Option 3: Direct Application

Got a fireplace in tip-top condition? Why not skip the lath or cement board and go direct? Apply the veneer straight onto the brick, but make sure those bricks are ready for the spotlight — means no crumbling faces, loose bricks, unstable cracks, or other substances on the fireplace that could weaken the bonding.

 A tiny caveat: if your bricks have a paint job, it’s best to opt for either Option 1 or 2.

Get Your Materials Ready

Stone Veneer or Stone Veneer Panels?

Dutch Quality Industrial Grey Plank
Dutch Quality Industrial Grey Plank
Quail Grey Dutch Quality Veneer
Quail Grey Dutch Quality Veneer
Cultured Stone Echo Ridge Country Ledgestone Fireplace in Living Room
Cultured Stone Echo Ridge Country Ledge

Veneer Panels

In a bit of a hurry? Interloc natural stone veneer panels or Cultured Stone Pro-Fit faux stone panels might be your speed. These mechanically fastened panels simplify installation and reduce installation time.

Pangaea Fieldstone Cambrian
Pangaea Fieldstone Cambrian
Pangaea Grigio Ledgestone
Pangaea Grigio Ledgestone
Pangaea® Fieldstone Westcoast
Pangaea Fieldstone Westcoast

Stone Veneer

If you choose traditional stone veneer take the time to do a little prep. Before you begin, make sure your stones are clean and lay them out in your desired pattern.

Be sure that you have all the necessary materials at hand. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for installing your chosen type of stone veneer. In most cases, you’ll need your trusty trowel, type S Mortar, and a masonry saw before getting started.

For more detailed instructions, check out these comprehensive guides for Cultured Stone and Pangaea.

If you’re seeking inspiration for your fireplace makeover, take a look at these inspiration pages.

And if the DIY route isn’t your cup of tea, you can find a certified installer near you by searching our database.

Let Instone Make it Easy

Navigating the world of stone veneer fireplaces can be overwhelming, but don’t sweat it! Instone’s network of suppliers is ready to guide you. They’ll help you pinpoint the perfect method and materials tailor-made for your project. Ready to rock that decorative fireplace transformation? Contact Instone today for a dealer in your area.

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5 Interior Home Projects To Tackle This Winter with Stone Veneer

Panagaea indoor fireplace
Panagaea indoor fireplace

5 Interior Home Projects To Tackle This Winter with Stone Veneer

Stone can set the tone for your interior home makeovers. Whether you need a mancave makeover to host late-night card games, an elegant dining room redo to impress guests, or an elevated entertaining space to lift spirits during holiday gatherings, stone veneer is your MVP. Adding a touch of stone to your home bar, fireplace, or feature wall can take your home entertaining spaces to the next level.

Ready for some heavy-duty inspiration? Scroll down and let’s start planning out your ultimate sanctuary with these 5 home improvement projects with stone veneer.

Pangaea® Fieldstone Cambrian
Pangaea® Fieldstone Cambrian
Pangaea® Fieldstone Cambrian
Pangaea® Fieldstone Cambrian
Pangaea®Fieldstone Westcoast
Pangaea® Fieldstone Westcoast
Pangaea® Fieldstone Westcoast
Pangaea® Fieldstone Westcoast

1. Fireplace Makeovers Add The Drama 

Ramp up your fireplace game. Interior stone veneer doesn’t just add charm; it transforms a space. Imagine a floor-to-ceiling stack of stone veneer, framing a fireplace and capturing the feel of a time-honored estate.

The examples above feature Pangaea® Natural Stone products, offering a contrast in fireplace design styles thanks to a variety of available colors and patterns. For a bold look that makes the fireplace the star of the room, the last two images above feature Pangaea®’s Fieldstone Westcoast veneer. For a softer look, muted grays deliver a sophisticated, but understated impact, with Pangaea® Fieldstone Cambrian. No matter your home’s style, Pangaea has a look for you.  

Dutch Quality Winter Point
Dutch Quality Winter Point Drystack

2. Basement Renovations Rule On Game Day

When a home begins to feel crowded, the basement becomes the go-to space for entertaining. But hard choices await: which boxes to junk, what old gear to retire, and most crucially, which stone finish to choose.

Take this Illinois mancave makeover, where the homeowner transformed a standard basement into the ultimate entertainment hub for watching the games. The striking Dutch Quality Winter Point Dry Stack veneer sets the scene, perfectly framing the tv screen and inviting indoor fireplace. And that support beam, it integrates into the room design nicely thanks to the faux stone veneer, which mimics a natural stone pillar.

Cultured Stone® Arcadia Pro-Fit® Terrain™ Ledgestone. Interior Stone Veneer Accent Wall.
Cultured Stone® Arcadia Pro-Fit® Terrain™ Ledgestone

3. Game Rooms That Bring Big Fun 

With a ping pong table, dartboard, and a flat-screen mounted over Cultured Stone®’s Arcadia Pro-Fit Terrain Ledgestone, we give this home points for having the coolest game room in town. The Pro-Fit Terrain stone veneer has staggered depths and alternating rough/smooth finishes to add depth and balance and to show this isn’t just a game room; it’s where legends are made. 

4. A Historic Case for Stone in Wine Cellar

Archaeologists have found caves in Europe and Asia used by winemakers over 5,000 years ago. The ancient vintners knew that dark, subterranean confines were ideal for avoiding temperature swings that could ruin the fermentation process. The practice endured and gave rise to the temperature-controlled cellars that are still used to make and store wine today.

Instone honors this legacy with interior stone veneer that shout Old World gravitas. The above Beon Stone® Element Collection Carbo (left) panels and Cultured Stone® Palermo de Mare (right) veneer could be the right detail to add some traditional appeal.

Artepiso Cedar Wine on the bar
Artepiso Cedar Wine on the bar
Pangaea® Sierra Ridge Roman Castlestone
Pangaea® Sierra Ridge Roman Castlestone
Dutch Quality Sienna Drystack
Dutch Quality Sienna Drystack
Dutch Quality Sagewood Ledgestone
Dutch Quality Sagewood Ledgestone

5. Home Bars That Have It All 

What kind of vibe do you want for your personal bar? If you’re thinking bold and daring —  and maybe even a little funky — take a peek at the incomparable shapes and textures of Artepiso 3D architectural tiles, like the Artepiso’s Cedar pattern tiles shown on this wine bar. The light and ultra-customizable concrete tiles can be painted any color and adhere to most surfaces with a simple and inexpensive installation. 

Looking for a less modern material choice? Instone offers many material options for bars and wine cellars. The photos above showcase the multiple looks of stone veneer to create the perfect ambiance for entertaining. 

Stone Veneer At The Ready for Your Indoor Renovation Projects

Got a renovation on your mind? From igniting the spark of an idea to laying down the groundwork, we’re here to help you with fresh ideas, material options, or cost estimates for your entertaining space makeover. 

Instone carries six natural and manufactured stone veneer brands that offer hundreds of options for colors, shapes, sizes, and styles. Whatever your style – rustic, modern, or unique – we’ve got the goods. Hunting for something custom-made? Instone’s Fabrication and Design Services professionals are on standby, ready to assist.

Whether you’re a mason, contractor,  or DIY weekend warrior, let us connect you with an Instone products dealer in your area. Contact us today!

Looking for more interior inspiration, follow us on Pinterest and Instagram.

Ensuring Longevity: Why ASTM C1670 Matters in Manufactured Stone Veneer

ASTM c1670 photo
ASTM c1670 photo

Ensuring Longevity: Why ASTM C1670 Matters in Manufactured Stone Veneer

The New Bar For Quality

When the ASTM C1670 standard was established for adhered manufactured stone a 5 years ago it set a new bar for the quality, consistency and longevity of products used in residential and commercial projects around the world. Today a growing number of state and local governments in the U.S. are catching on, adopting this standard and enforcing its use.

One of the leaders in the push to develop ASTM C1670 was Westlake Royal Stone Solutions, the producer of Instone’s manufactured stone veneer (MSV) lines Cultured Stone and Dutch Quality Stone. According to Jeff Tew, Westlake’s director of technical and training, created the standard was essential for establishing trust in a relatively young and rapidly expanding industry. Many manufacturers offer warranties of 50 years.


“I think it’s important because there are so many companies making manufactured stone right now that it can be difficult to know which ones are making a code-compliant, quality product. Stone can look really good on a sample board, but how is it going to look years down the road?”

Jeff Tew, Westlake’s Director of Technical and Training

5 Essential Tests

To find out, MSV products are subjected to a rigorous set of tests devised by a group of scientists, engineers and industry experts assembled by ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials). Stone products are evaluated in five critical areas: compressive strength, freeze-thaw durability, shear bond, water absorption and density, and dimensional tolerance.

Tew said some of the test methods can be entertaining to witness. For the compressive strength test, a sample of the veneer mix is added to a cylinder form, left in place to cure, removed from the form and then placed under a round plate that pushes down on it until it explodes. The material must withstand 2,100 pounds per square inch (PSI) to earn ASTM C1670 certification.

For the shear bond test, a sample piece of the veneer is adhered to a concrete block and exposed to downward pressure until it snaps off. It must achieve at least 50 PSI.

Cultured Stone Black Rundle Alpine Pro Fit
Cultured Stone Black Rundle Alpine Pro-Fit Ledgestone

Any and all mixes of a product must be tested to earn certification. If there is even the slightest difference in the physical composition of Cultured Stone’s Black Rundle and Chardonnay Country Ledgestone veneer styles, both must be submitted for separate testing. Once they pass, they must be retested.  Three of the tests are done every 12 months while the other two are done every 24 months.

“It’s not just a one and done process,” Tew said. “It takes an investment of time and money to prove your product through third-party testing.” 

The Path to a Standard

The movement toward a unified quality standard for MSV reached an important milestone in 2008, when they were covered in the acceptance criteria (AC) known as AC 51. For the first time, msv manufacturers could test their material to a recognized standard in AC 51. But industry members recognized that manufactured stone needed to face its own, tougher benchmarks.

2013 saw the development of ASTM C1780 to address the installation methods for msv.  Followed in 2018 by the addition of ASTM C1670 to address msv manufacturing.  Tew pointed to the more stringent freeze thaw threshold as one significant difference.

Under AC 51, materials were exposed to 50 freeze-thaw cycles and could only lose 3 percent of their weight to crumbling or flaking. ASTM C1670 demanded no more than 1.5 percent loss. The tougher product will be more likely to survive the extremes of America’s cold northern and hot southern climates.

Stone veneer installation

Participation in the ASTM C1670 is voluntary for manufacturers, and the standard is not enforced evenly throughout the country. However, with its 2018 inclusion in the International Residential Code (IRC), which applies to home building, and the International Building Code (IBC), which covers commercial projects, that is now changing.

The periodically updated IRC and IBC are go-to standards for governments seeking consistent parameters for all of the construction materials used in their jurisdictions. According to Tew, it typically takes a few years for states to examine and adopt the changes (in fact, revised versions of the IRC and IBC were since issued in 2021).  Over the last few years, most states have adopted the 2018 version of the I-Codes or newer. That means local code inspectors in these jurisdictions are actively checking to ensure manufactured stone products are compliant and rejecting those that aren’t, he said.

Long Term Impact

ASTM C1670 should not be dismissed as another bothersome government code to meet, but embraced as a tool for businesses to protect their investments and reputations, Tew said. When you choose a manufactured stone veneer that’s compliant, you lower the odds of material failures and a costly return trip to the job site to redo the work, he said.

“I believe owners of buildings, architects and builders all in their cores want to use products that will stand the test of time because their names are attached to them,”

Jeff Tew

“I believe owners of buildings, architects and builders all in their cores want to use products that will stand the test of time because their names are attached to them,” Tew said. “Using a product that meets the standard is one way to do it. Being able to test to a clear criteria makes it easy for them to make their selections, and they don’t have to do a lot of research.”

The Power of Curb Appeal: How Your Home’s Exterior Impacts Its Value

Dutch Quality Home Exterior
Dutch Quality Home Exterior

The Power of Curb Appeal: How Your Home’s Exterior Impacts Its Value

Dutch Quality stone veneer on the exterior of this home
Instone offers hundreds of stone veneer options, including this Dutch Quality® Sagewood Weather Ledgestone, ideal for traditional style home renovations to new home constructions.  

When it comes to selling your home, first impressions matter. Time and time again, Bridget McCann, a broker associate with Baird & Warner, has seen homes with more attractive exteriors sell faster and for more money than those with superior interiors. She recently sold a home in an upscale, competitive Illinois neighborhood, and the one feature that really stood out to buyers was the stunning stonework around its pillars.

“The buyers’ first reaction was, ‘Wow, this entranceway is stunning,’” McCann recalled. “As you walked up the staircase, you felt like you were at a million-dollar home because of how pretty the stonework was.”

This is the power of curb appeal.

Simply put, curb appeal is how attractive your home looks from the street. A well-manicured lawn,  quality landscape stone, and a good paint job are just a few things that can make a big difference in your home’s curb appeal.

Curb appeal is a property’s attractiveness when viewed from the street and the impression it leaves on a passerby or first-time visitor. It can be driven by factors both simple and structural, including a nice lawn, quality landscape stone, a good paint job, the cleanliness of the property, and the architecture and construction quality of the home.

And it’s not just about aesthetics. Research shows that homes with good curb appeal sell for more money and spend less time on the market. A study published in The Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics found that curb appeal can account for up to 7 percent of a home’s sale value.

“The curb appeal premium is more pronounced during times of housing market weakness and greater in neighborhoods with high average curb appeal,” said lead author Sriram Villupuram, of the University of Texas at Arlington College of Business.

Cultured Stone Vellum Modera Pro-Fit Ledgestone on home exterior
For a modern aesthetic, Instone offers a variety of exterior stone siding selections, including this Cultured Stone® Vellum Modera Pro-Fit Ledgestone

With a decade of experience in both the real estate and construction industries, McCann knows that stone veneers on a home’s facade, natural stone walkways, and pavers flanking a driveway can all add an upscale feel to a property.

And in today’s digital age, the first impression buyers get of a property is often through its online listing on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). That’s why it’s crucial to make sure that the property’s front porch and overall image is compelling enough to draw them in for a closer look.

“You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression and the exterior of a house is always your first impression,” McCann said. “If it doesn’t have a nice exterior, you won’t want to step inside the house and check it out.”

Pangaea® Ledgstone Copper Canyon Stone Veneer on Home Exterior
Instone’s Pangaea® veneer products offer over 40 natural stone patterns and colors. Pictured here is Ledgestone Copper Canyon.

McCann emphasized that the use of neutral-tone stonework, such as light grays and off-whites, has been quite successful in selling homes in her suburban Chicago market. She suggested steering clear of exotic colors that cater to too specific of tastes but emphasized that well-installed and tastefully designed stones are always a plus for your curb appeal.

While stone veneer siding is not a search criteria listed on the MLS, McCann stressed that it could set your home apart from others in the subdivision and give you an edge. As buyers tend to spend more on renovating the interior, having an attractive exterior that doesn’t require further renovation is crucial. When clients ask her for advice on boosting their curb appeal for a sale, McCann doesn’t recommend making pricey investments. Instead, the focus should be on maintaining the home and avoiding letting any features fall into disrepair.

Forbes suggests three simple steps for improving curb appeal, including making sure that any stone or brick work looks clean through professional power washing to remove stains and grime and “reveals a clean, fresh look that adds to the attractive ambiance the home should display.”

“Make sure you’re keeping up with the exterior of the house – there’s no peeling paint anywhere, there’s no shingles missing on your roof, there’s no siding hanging off, or anything like that,” she said. “Get all of your ducks in a row on the exterior because poor curb appeal will cause buyers to stray.”

So if you’re looking to sell your home, don’t underestimate the importance of curb appeal. Invest in quality materials, like natural stone veneer, keep your property clean and well-maintained, and you’ll be sure to make a great first impression on potential buyers.

Contact Instone today to learn more about products and services that can help enhance your home’s curb appeal.

Cottagecore Style: Bringing Nature Indoors with Stone Veneers

Cottagecore Style: Bringing Nature Indoors with Stone Veneers

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As winter moves in, if you’re looking for ideas to cozy up your home, look no further than the cottagecore trend. This lifestyle aesthetic celebrates the slow-paced, romanticized aspects of countryside living and bringing elements of nature indoors. Cottagecore began with streams of photos on social media around 2018 and really gathered steam during the pandemic for those wanting to embrace staying home and sheltering from the fast-paced, modern world. The look is now hitting the mainstream as an interior design style that provides balance from the hustle of life as we begin post-pandemic normalcy.

What is Cottagecore Interior Design Style?

Rustic, farmhouse and antique furniture, vintage collectibles, handmade items and decorative textiles, fresh and dried flowers, warm tones of aged and well-loved pieces are just a few of the elements you’ll want to incorporate to create this vibe in your home.

If it looks familiar to you, it may be because it borrows elements of other popular design trends such as shabby chic, cottage, granny, and English country. The idea is to strive for simple pleasures and comfort with a focus on nature and sustainability. A large aspect of cottagecore is using and repurposing items you already have—or have gathered from your own rural property—such as produce and flowers and handmade items. It also involves bringing in vintage or antique items, rather than those that are mass-produced, to produce a sense of calm and tranquility.

For Tara Kelly, whose blogs on The Art of Cottagemaking and Instagrams are filled with English-cottage style decorating tips, handmade how-tos, recipes and gardening inspiration, she says cottagecore is about creating a lifestyle that speaks to you, “I grew up on a small farm, so it’s about getting back to my roots and country life,”. she says. “Cottagecore embodies a slower way of living, less reliance on modern technology and appreciating the little things, as little or ordinary as they may seem. It’s about how I choose to go about living life: engrossed in nature, putting myself and my family first, and creating things that feed my soul.”

How to Use Stone Veneers for the Cottagecore Look

Adding elements of stone to your interior and exterior environment is a seamless fit for this design style to reflect nature and old-world charm. There are several ways you can use stone veneers to easily and instantly create the cottagecore look of a quaint home in the European countryside.

Add a stone feature wall: Create interest on a bare wall by using stone from top to bottom for a feature/accent wall. This wall could be anywhere in the home, from enhancing a headboard behind the bed in the bedroom, to a living room or a dining room. The look of natural stone will warm up the space with texture and color (not to mention it will look great for Instagram photos and videos or as a backdrop for Zoom meetings.) If you don’t want to commit to a full wall, stone wainscoting can also add some natural-looking texture to a space.

Do your kitchen backsplash in stone: A big part of the cottagecore lifestyle is spent in the kitchen. If you look at any cottagecore content creator’s social pages, you’ll find photo after photo of people baking pies and pouring tea. So the kitchen is the perfect place to incorporate stone into your backsplash, making you feel you’re cooking in an authentic English country kitchen.

Redo your fireplace surround with stone: If your fireplace is outdated and just not giving snuggly vibes, you can use stone veneers to basically wrap your existing fireplace and make it look like it was built with authentic stacked stone to add character and a vintage look.

Home exterior: Spice up the entryway of your home by using stone veneer for a textured, timeless look. Use it around doorways, posts and lampposts or as a wainscot siding.

Design Inspiration: Cottagecore

Need some more inspiration? Check out our mood boards:

What Stone Veneers Work Best for Cottagecore Décor?

We suggest these stone veneer options for your cottagecore home upgrade:

Pangaea – a high-quality natural stone veneer with easy installation made by a sustainably-forward-thinking company.

Cultured Stone – a manufactured stone veneer that is made with eco-friendliness in mind by using an average of 58% pre-consumer recycled content.

Dutch Quality – a manufactured stone veneer inspired by nature. It is made using art and technology for an authentic natural stone look.

Install a stone accent in your home, gather some wildflowers from the field and you, too, can be like an Instagram cottagecore influencer pouring a long, slow cup of tea before you tuck into a freshly baked pie and crack open a vintage book in front of your stone fireplace.

Ready to go cottagecore? Make your wish list and contact us for samples of Pangaea, Cultured Stone and Dutch Quality stone veneers.