Using Brick, Concrete and Natural Stone Pavers for Indoor and Outdoor Decor

Due to their durability and versatility, brick and natural stone are making a comeback in interior and exterior decor. Brick can be used not only for fireplaces, patios and sidewalks but also for countertops, driveways, pool decks and terraces. You are not restricted to one color; today’s brick comes in a variety of sizes and colors from which you can create beautiful patterns. The natural look of brick adds warmth to any room and will blend with any decor.

Natural stone has been used for thousands of years. Used in sidewalks and retaining walls, it can also be used over existing masonry walls, incorporated into fencing or applied to a home’s foundation. Stone is becoming a more popular material for outdoor kitchens, walls used for seating, barbecue stations and outdoor fireplaces. Stone adds value to a home not only for its visual appeal but also because of its association with upscale homes.

Concrete pavers come in a variety of shapes, styles and textures and are an excellent alternative for outdoor hardscapes. Compared to synthetic materials, you can incur savings of up to 50%. When used in tandem with other materials, concrete pavers can created a distinctive outdoor design scheme.

Professional landscaper Ahmed Hassan explains the basics of building patios and walkways in this video:

You can combine brick, concrete and natural stone into one design. Here are some tips:

• Stay in the same color family. As color selection is more limited, choose the color of the concrete pavers first and then match the other materials.
• To give your design depth, if you use concrete for flat surfaces, use stone and brick in upright elements such as retaining walls or columns.
• Use the elements to control erosion and water runoff.
• Using a large stone boulder will fill voids in your landscaping and bring elevation to your design.