Most often, stone wall cladding is seen in homes with a rustic style as they seem the perfect match for them. However, natural stones come in many varieties, and they can look just as beautiful in all the different styles of architecture and design so long as one knows how to harmonize the elements and apply them in the right proportion.
The beauty of natural stone cladding is that it brings a personalised and unique touch to any space. As it’s extremely versatile, it can be used both on exterior facades as well as for interior decoration. For homeowners who are looking for ideas on how to use stone cladding on the walls but are uncertain about how it will turn out, to provide inspiration we’ve put together this ideabook with images from homes designed by professionals registered on homify. It includes all the details, including the various types of stone as well as the cost of different wall cladding stones.
While there are several varieties of stones that can be used for wall cladding, some types are more versatile and easier to apply than others. A significant factor to be considered is the finish of the stone, whether it will be rough or smooth, as this will make all the difference in the overall look of the area. This professionally designed living room wall is a perfect example of the stylishness wall cladding can bring to a room.
In India, granite, sandstone and slate are the most common choices for stone wall cladding. Marble is another option for areas that require a sophisticated finish. These natural stones come in a range of colours and sizes, including smaller slabs or rounded stones for a more rustic look for the exterior walls.
Additionally, nowadays, one can find textured wallpaper with a natural stone effect or even ceramic tiles with a stone print that replicate the look of natural stone wall cladding. All one needs to do is to hire a reliable contractor to ensure that the finish of the stone wall is perfect.
Now, let’s look at the different ways in which stone wall cladding can be used in the indoors and the outdoors.
For remodelling the exterior façade of a house, using a larger cut stone in a mix of shades is guaranteed to catch the attention of visitors. Granite is an excellent option as unlike other porous natural stones it has the capacity to resist moisture, making it an excellent choice for the stone cladding for exterior walls. It can even be mixed with exposed bricks to create a stunning façade. Moreover, it’s cheap with starting prices at INR 30 per square feet. More expensive options, including rare colours, can go up to INR 180 per square feet.
Get more ideas for using wall cladding for exterior facades.
Instead of opting for plain cladding, one can create a unique visual effect by applying the stone tiles to create a 3D effect. Don’t forget to install a lighting system that casts shadows to enhance the effect of the outdoor stone tile wall. Granite is a cost-effective stone to use to achieve this effect. It is durable and can withstand the exposure to the natural elements.
Natural stone also works well in the internal environment of a house. Granite is suitable if it is applied only on a single section when creating stone feature walls indoors so that it doesn’t overpower the space with its dark tones. However, a light-coloured stone such as slate can also be used to cover larger sections or more than one wall in the room. Depending on the finish and the tone of the stone, it can create a rustic or a modern look. Combining it with wood or vegetation brings a natural touch to the indoor environment as can be seen in this stunning design.
As mentioned in the previous example, using slate for the wall cladding gives the room a lighter feel. It can be used in a larger area in the interiors without creating a visual disturbance in the décor. The texture of stone wall cladding brings an interesting look when compared to a plain painted wall.
Outdoor areas, especially those with barbecue zones, are a great place for wall cladding. When using stone for walls outdoors, choosing a dark colour that resembles brick brings a cohesiveness to the functionality and the beauty of the area, as this beautiful terrace design shows us.
Earlier, we mentioned how slate is a great choice for the indoors as it has a lighter tone. However, darker shades of slate can be used in combination with wooden flooring to bring a seamless, natural look to any room. Wood and stone always work well together to create a cosy ambiance in the interiors. Black slate wall cladding tiles cost around INR 80 per square feet.
On the façade, natural stone cladding always adds a charming feature. This example shows how a single wall with natural stone complements the façade of a house with a modern architectural style.
Even in a house that blends the classic and the modern styles, natural stone wall cladding can be used creatively along with lighting to bring a stunning glow that adds a touch of intimacy to the ambiance.
Although it’s ideal for a country-style home, stone wall cladding can be used to partition indoor spaces even in modern apartments. The combination of neutral earthy tones, light-toned stone and wood bring ample charm to the home.
Here’s another model of a stone wall that enhances the rustic design style of the house. The combination of wood and stone never fails to magnify the effect of rusticity.
Find inspiration with these beautiful stone wall ideas.
A trick to employ for creating a unique look in a dining room that doesn’t have a view is to create one. In this example, the granite wall cladding serves as a background for accessories and potted plants. The result is a pleasant view while dining.
Using wall cladding as a single decorative element in a room can still work towards creating a memorable effect. In the kitchen or in barbecue areas, they are a great alternative as they can be combined with wood, concrete and stones in different shades.
The final example we present is a seating area that is connected to an outdoor environment. The rough slate wall cladding complements the rustic wooden rafters, the earthy tones on the flooring and the lush vegetation in the garden.
Stone wall cladding is among the most affordable solutions for elevating the style of a room without spending too much. In India, natural stone can be locally sourced to reduce its environmental impact and to keep transportation costs low. The challenge with using wall cladding tiles lies in choosing the perfect colour and texture to match the design style of the home. Consulting a professional interior designer can help to ensure that the right option is chosen and applied to create a lovely decorative feature.