It’s that time of the year where we pack up the decorations, clean the house and start make resolutions! I won’t be able to help much with the cleaning and resolution making unless it’s to tell you to clean up your family room from all the left over Christmas “rubble” and make a resolution to update it with our beautiful natural stone. How long has it been since you made a major change in your home that didn’t cost a lot of money or take a lot of time? Using Bella Roccia Stone on a wall can give you a new look and not break the bank.

One of the country’s “trend spotters” stated that tactile texture will feel fresh again in 2011. Another upcoming trends article said that although Eco-decorating or “green decorating” has been a trend for quite a while, this is the one trend you can really bank on continuing. Look for colors that are inspired by nature and materials that are made in an environmentally friendly way. That being said…Bella Roccia Stone is natural and made with reclaimed stone.

Colors run the gamut in 2011; which is tremendous considering the various color palettes will pop with our natural stone. There are many experts in the color area, Sherwin-Williams’ being just one. SW “Today’s Colors” 2011 forecast groups’ colors into four palettes: Purely Refined, Bold Invention, Restless Nomad and Gentle Medley. “Purely Refined” includes muted blues, lilacs, greens and grays interwoven with understated neutrals. “Bold Invention” has vivid greens and intense turquoises and blues, inspired by urban scenes, including graffiti. “Restless Nomad’s” palette includes dusky darks, hot vibrant pinks, reds and earthy food-influenced hues that evoke eggplants and cabbages. “Gentle Medley” is an eclectic mix of earthy neutral tans combined with freshwater blue, mint green, copper and chartreuse pastels. Please see their website for more information on their choices for colors this year. http://www.sherwin-williams.com/do_it_yourself/paint_colors/ideas/palettes/todays_colors/index.jsp

If you are looking for ideas to update your space, please get in touch with us at Bella Roccia Stone or visit our website to find one of our fine Retailers. We look forward to being a part of your home for years to come…even as the color pallet changes!

Everyone wants something fresh and exciting in their home. I want to share with you a great home improvement idea that is easy to do and I think you’ll be surprised by the monetary savings compared to the use of the traditional materials. I’m talking about installing beautiful natural stone. It’s an incredibly stylistic improvement to any home and is a worthy investment.

To make it better, there are thin natural stone veneer panels to make the project easy to install and more affordable than in the past. Not only can veneer panels be installed by those that enjoy the “ DIY” project, it will take a hired contractor less time as well (it’s been said as much as half the time). Saving time equates to your saving money. Standard stone installation is done one stone at a time, stone veneer panels allow for the same look with multiple stones already placed in each panel.

Thin natural stone veneer panels are approx 1 square foot in overall size by an approx thickness of 1” to 1-1/2” with flat backing for easier installation. Natural stone has its own color palette to choose from. The wonderful characteristic of natural stone is that you will find unique color and texture on each stone, as nature doesn’t reproduce the same exact thing over and over. But if you desire something identical, you can still find stones that are somewhat similar…it’s the beauty of nature!

There are many benefits to using thin natural stone veneer: natural stone does not fade or discolor; stone is extremely durable; the panels install quickly and are easy to install; the panels and accessories are available in various textures and colors; the products can be installed in either interior or exterior areas.

Thin natural stone veneer panels will give your house a handsome and stylish look at less cost and there are so many areas where the panels can be used. Traditionally, stone has been laid around fireplaces, but why not think outside the hearth to other possibilities? What about your kitchen backsplash, a bathroom wall, an accent wall in the office, or a stunning chair rail in your dining room? Of course outdoors there is the fire pit or the patio kitchen. Stone veneer can be used in new construction, remodeling, indoors or out. This type of stone is commonly being used in many new commercial projects and is in favor more and more with architects and designers.

Whether you are the do it yourself type or need someone to come in and help you with your project, start thinking about the many amazing uses for stone. Once you find the use for veneer panels in your home for your first project, your mind will start to fill with all the possibilities!

Bella Roccia Stone shares with you the finest in real stone veneers and stone mats. All of our products come in a wide range of colors and sizes to bring your residential or commercial project to life. Please visit us our website or give us a call to help you realize the possibilities!