When you step through the back door of your home, what’s the first thing that greets you? The mudroom—a space that’s often overlooked, yet it has the power to set the tone for your entire living environment. It’s the gateway where muddy shoes, wet umbrellas, and miscellaneous outdoor gear find their temporary abode. But it can be so much more than just a utilitarian space. With a touch of functionality and a nod to your personal style, your mudroom can make an unforgettable first impression. The Art of Elevated Functionality The challenge of designing a mudroom lies in striking the perfect bal ..read more

Cocktails with friends is on the calendar. Now comes the hard part. Which bar is the right spot for this group? Are they the type that care about the cocktails? Will they comment on the aesthetic? Are they looking for “dark and stormy,” or “the brighter, the better?” You take all of this into consideration before choosing the right spot. But when creating your bar at home, you’re the only person you have to keep in mind. What do you want to feel? Where do you want to be transported? Tuscany? Your favorite German pub? Napa? As you set out to bring the bar home, remember the best part is that yo ..read more

From all 13,000 miles of the Great Wall of China to the whimsical domes of Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, grand buildings and humble abodes alike, centuries have witnessed the steadfast presence of brick in architectural masterpieces around the world. With its sense of warm, textural contrast and timeless charm, brick has left a notable mark on our collective aesthetic consciousness. Now, picture infusing that very essence into your kitchen, the heart of the home, through a brick backsplash. The result? An inviting space that exudes character and authenticity. Heart of the Home  In essenc ..read more

Curb appeal still reigns supreme when it comes to getting the best return on investment for home improvements and repairs. According to national data from Zonda Media’s 2023 Cost vs. Value Report, exterior renovations vastly improve resale value while typically costing just a fraction of major interior projects. According to the report, manufactured stone veneer (MSV) ranks very highly for providing significant ROI, with 102.3% of purchase cost recouped in value following installation. This was large enough to secure the third spot on this year’s list, yet it represents a lower upfront cost an ..read more

As the seasons begin to change and we prepare to refresh out spaces for spring, it’s understandable that you would want to take stock of your current design decisions. Do the colors you chose during your last remodel feel a bit dated? And when exactly was that last remodel? Has it been that long? Today is the perfect day to start making a few updates. And with the new year comes a wonderful variety of Color of the Year selections that can make your most lived-in spaces feel brand-new. Here are three of our favorite color-and-texture combinations leading into 2023, matched to specific renovatio ..read more

Featured Products: Silver Shore | Sculpted Ashlar The long-term relationship between a brand and its customers is an important one, not simply because it leads to continued success for both parties but also because it’s exactly that: a relationship. In the best situations, the dynamic is more deeply rooted in mutual respect and admiration than in any material exchange or transaction. And it’s always wonderful to give and receive constructive feedback along the way, which is why our team at Cultured Stone is incredibly honored to have been selected as one of the nation’s top brands among b ..read more

When you envision your idea of a perfectly styled space, what comes to mind? Perhaps it is an easy-breezy coastal-inspired getaway or a sleek, sophisticated modern space perfectly curated to host chic cocktail hours. Conceptualizing this ideal space feels easily attainable as it lives in our dreams, yet, despite our attempts to turn our visions into reality, the finished space often ends up feeling off. Featured Products: Carbon Cast-Fit and Lyra 42″ Fire Bowl with an Aged Teak Honed Finish Our homes are intimate spaces, and the elements we choose to style them consequently bear the ability to ..read more

Throughout the ages, writers and artists have embarked on new creative projects with a keen awareness of their own limitations and their need for inspiration. In classical Greece, poets would often include an “invocation of the Muse” in the beginning of a new piece of writing to request insight, wisdom and guidance from a higher power. Artistically minded people of all cultures and every level of training still seek to channel some form of transcendent or even supernatural creativity today. Whether they are longtime practitioners in a specific medium or jack-of-all-trades experimentalists, cre ..read more

Wish list season is finally here, which means it’s also time to determine what steps you will take to transform your home for holiday entertaining. A dream winterscape is about so much more than design alone Your aesthetic selections should invite friends and loved ones to experience the true joys of the season: celebrating milestones, reinforcing bonds and making new memories that will last. Whether you are planning to host a large celebration after years apart or a small, intimate gathering, decorating in a way that embraces your style is sure to bring each of your guests a sense of merrimen ..read more

The hallmarks of Minimalism, such as clean lines, neutral color palettes, and uncluttered arrangements, have captivated the eyes of both designers and homeowners alike for decades. These identifying characteristics are found in Midcentury, Scandinavian, Modern, and Industrial styles and have taken the mainstream home design world by storm. While simplistic spaces can spark serenity, the opposite approach certainly has its own benefits as well. Whether as a result of more time spent at home over the past year or the inevitable back-and-forth of the infinite trend cycle, many are stepping back ..read more