by Lisa Van Liefde | Jun 3, 2022 | Natural Stone
A new patio is an exciting and functional addition to your backyard. There are many areas of the design that can lead to long term satisfaction – or – headaches. The experts from Houzz suggest, choose your materials wisely, which includes incorporating natural stone....
by Lisa Van Liefde | Apr 25, 2022 | Natural Stone
We’re proud to be a member of The Natural Stone Institute, a trade association representing every aspect of the natural stone industry. The organization offers a wide array of technical and training resources, professional development opportunities, regulatory...
by Lisa Van Liefde | Mar 15, 2022 | Landscape Design, Green-Sustainable
Learn how simple swaps — or a different approach — can reduce your yard’s water consumption Keeping your landscape’s water use low is a must if you live in a drought-prone area. But it’s a good approach to take even if you live in a region that doesn’t face water...
by Lisa Van Liefde | Feb 17, 2022 | Green-Sustainable, Natural Stone
Reducing energy demand and CO2 emissions is more important now than ever. And because the construction industry makes a major contribution to global CO2 emissions and energy consumption, construction products should have the lowest possible environmental impact. In a...
by Lisa Van Liefde | Jan 21, 2022 | Client Project, Cobblestone, Reclaimed Stone
This early 20th century Craftsman style home in New York had been extensively re-designed by Jessie Chapman and Peter LaBau with Goodhouse Design a few years ago. The next phase was an addition of a Carriage House, designed to maintain the look of the main home, and...
by Lisa Van Liefde | Jan 3, 2022 | Maintenance, Natural Stone
Natural stone used for interior or exterior applications, is inherently low-maintenance. When combined with the use of a sealer (when and where needed) in combination with a proper maintenance program, it will provide decades of satisfaction in even the most...
by Lisa Van Liefde | Nov 22, 2021 | Landscape Design, Landscape Architecture
Designers share timelines, key project stages and other insights to help you kick off an outdoor overhaul this season. Many people start thinking about redesigning their yards and gardens in spring, but it’s better to kick things off in the autumn or winter, the...
by Lisa Van Liefde | Nov 16, 2021 | Cobblestone, Reclaimed Stone
Belgium (or Belgian) Block, called “Setts” in Europe, is quarried granite used for driveway paving or edging, walkways or paving for commercial projects. Belgium Block or Setts, also known as cobblestones, come in rectangular shapes, usually identified by their larger...
by Lisa Van Liefde | Sep 24, 2021 | Santa Barbara Sandstone, Green-Sustainable
Santa Barbara Sandstone is a beautiful locally sourced option! Santa Barbara Sandstone, locally sourced from Southern California, is an excellent building and landscape stone. Santa Barbara sandstone is not ‘quarried’, but rather ‘harvested’ as boulders. The stone is...
by Lisa Van Liefde | Sep 10, 2021 | Client Project, Basalt Stone, Cobblestone, Reclaimed Stone
Monarch Stone International specializes in sourcing and supplying unique stone from around the world! Our main specialty is reclaimed antique Historic European Cobblestone. When we were contacted by Mr and Mrs Coleman, to find an authentic European cobblestone with a...
