Back yards have a story to tell. Patios, outdoor living spaces and landscapes have a story to tell … and you have a story to create. Imagine that your personal story is more dramatically designed and accurately established when an appreciated connection and genuine relationship exists. Relationships matter.

So how do we make your backyard story unique, fun, custom and not resemble the slew of other cool patios in the neighborhood built with the same pavers, shapes and seat walls? Thriving landscapes certainly help as does well appointed furniture, rugs and planters. But, maybe it’s time to go real – real stone.

Bluestone, Travertine and Limestone

Let’s face it. There is a jungle of patio materials available from concrete, standard pavers and decking and we are fans of most. However, when luxury and elevating a space to incredible is critical, often the solution is one that’s endured for centuries.

Some of our favorites, bluestone, travertine and limestone are quarried throughout the nation with the world’s top-shelf limestone harvested here in Indiana. Pennsylvania and China produce exceptional bluestone and the worlds best travertine resides in Turkey.

 Texture, presence

The texture of most natural stone is factually historic, as if it has a presence or identity all its own. Although natural stone commands a slight premium, just like a Robert Graham shirt or your favorite Cabernet from Napa Valley, here are four creative techniques to introduce a paragraph of real stone in just about any story:

1. Flagstone slab steps or inserts.

2. A natural stone border around a standard patio surface

3. Cobble stone edge or accent

4. Boulder landscape bed outcropping

Let’s vow to spend as much time as possible outdoors, celebrating life and creating our own intimate stories this year. Like never before.