Kitchen Remodeling: Working It into Every Budget

Natural stone is gorgeous, however it can be a little expensive when used with bigger projects. Larger projects such as counter tops, shower stalls, walls and floors can all be done with natural stone. You can add natural stone to your home in smaller inexpensive ways, while still getting that same earthy and rustic feel. See below for a few simple bathroom project ideas.

Natural Stone Bath Mat

Create your own bath mat made from natural stone. The feel of this mat beneath your feet will make you feel like you're walking on a pebble beach.

Here's What You'll Need:

• Pine "L" trim (7.5 feet in length)
• Five 18" pieces of 1/4" flat trim
• Galvanized wire Mesh
• Large bag of stones (your choice of color and type)
• Wire cutters
• Hammer and nails
• Staple gun and staples
• Sealer

Directions:

1. Take your pine trim and cut it as follows - Two 18" pieces, and two 26" pieces. You'll need to miter the edges so the pieces will fit together to form a square.
2. Use your hammer and nails to put your frame together. 
3. Apply sealer to your frame to keep your wood from rotting or mildewing. Allow the sealer to dry.
4. Add the 5 pieces of flat trim to the inside of your frame using your hammer and nails. Place two pieces on either end of the frame, and the other three pieces spaced evenly on the inside of the frame.
5. Next cut your wire or mesh to fit inside of your frame. Use the staple gun to staple the wire in place on the edges, as well as at the cross sections.
6. Finally, add your stone to your new bath mat and smooth them around.

Natural Stone Soap Dish

Using stone in your soap dish helps keep your dish from getting slimy. Simply add pebbles to your soap dish and add your soap on top. It's a very simple way to bring in stone decor very cheaply.

Stone Towel Hooks

Here's What You'll Need:

• 2" flat head screws
• 1" x 2" pine wood cut to about 3 inch lengths
• Rocks
• Super glue

Directions:

1. Super glue a flat head screw to your stone. This works best when using a flatter stone.
2. Pre-drill a hole in the middle of your pine wood section. You can either screw the screw into the hole, or you can use your super glue to hold it in place.
3. Attach your new stone hooks blocks to your wall by attaching large saw-tooth hangers to the back of the wood blocks. 
4. To make your wood blocks look a little nicer, you can stain the wood with the stain color of your choice, or use a coating of clear polyurethane to keep the wood's natural coloring.

These stone elements can be done inexpensively, while still adding some natural beauty to your bathroom. For more ideas about natural stone decor, contact a company like Old World Stone.