TRM-2024NovDec

MICHELE VAN DER VEEN

a great statement in the design of a ranch-style home. These design basics hold true whether you’re using natural stone inside or outside the home. A SOLID CHOICE Incorporating natural stone into home design offers both aesthetic and practical benefits, making it a timeless choice for homeowners. Its durability ensures longevity and resistance to wear, while its unique textures and colors add unparalleled natural beauty to any space. Moreover, natural stone is an eco-friendly option that can enhance the energy efficiency of a home due to its inherent insulation properties. From marble countertops in the kitchen to slate tiles in the bathroom, natural stone can elevate the overall value of a property. Ultimately, the use of natural stone in home design not only enhances the visual appeal but also contributes to a sustainable and functional living environment.

and brown. These full-size stone veneers are a great example of how many color variations natural stone can have within one project. Taking the extra step to lay out the design rock by rock beforehand protects the project from becoming too gray or brown in one spot, which would take away from the beauty of the design. SOURCING AND SELECTING YOUR STONE Finding natural stone these days has become much easier. Just about any landscape yard will have a good selection of stones to choose from. Big-box hardware stores now offer a substantial selection of natural stone, owing to its popularity in the design world. Before you go shopping, however, educate yourself about which stone is best suited for your project. As with any material used in design, certain natural stones define certain styles of designs. For example, a travertine stone is best suited for a Tuscan-style design, and limestone will always make

Michele Van Der Veen is the host of Good Day segments, including Flip It, Decorate Like a Designer, and Stage to Sell. She started her career in real estate investing more than 30 years ago. A published author, Van Der Veen has been recognized and featured in international magazines for her unique approach to interior design. Acquiring a formal education from the Interior Designers Institute of California, her experience stems from building custom homes to flipping more than 100 homes and working in commercial real estate development alongside her father at a young age. Not afraid to push the limit on her designs and investments, Van Der Veen will often be heard reassuring her team about her decisions by saying “Don’t worry, we are the comps!” For more on Van Der Veen’s work or to contact her, visit iHeartHomescorp.com

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