As summer begins, unless you live in a very cool climate, you’ll probably not be lighting indoor fires for a few months. Instead, summer is the time for outdoor fires at the beach, campfires, and time spent by your backyard fire pit. A backyard fire cooks your dinner and warms you up as darkness falls. It’s the perfect backdrop for playing acoustic guitar or telling ghost stories. And it’s a good place to get into the spirit of International Yoga Day with a pleasant outdoor evening practice beside your fire pit. Continue reading →
At Old World Stoneworks, we love to support artists from all over the country. And we hope you do, too. Our clients live all over the world. And so do contemporary artists whose works are worthy of hanging over your mantel.
This week, we’re going to celebrate contemporary artists – a few from Texas, and some from other states. And we’ll recommend how to find and support artists in your area. Whether you’re hanging an original work of art or a quality print, your art choices personalize your home and help support the arts. What could be better? Continue reading →
You might not be feeling the cold yet—but you will soon. And the best time to prepare your fireplace for winter is before cold strikes. Then, when the temperature drops, you’ll be ready for a nice, cozy fire.
Proper prepping is crucial for your safety. Done right, your fireplace is a source of warmth and joy through the long, cold winter. Done wrong? Fire hazard. Continue reading →
When it’s time to look for a new contractor to complete a house project, most homeowners feel a certain amount of anxiety. You don’t want to grant just anybody access to your personal space. But how do you know whether a contractor is trustworthy, competent and reliable enough to show up and complete the job in a reasonable timeframe? Here are five questions to ask to help you make this important decision. Continue reading →
On January 10, people celebrate conservation and savings during National Cut Your Energy Costs Day. At Old World Stoneworks, we think curling up by a fire is the nicest way to cut your heating costs. Here are a few ideas for saving energy every day of the year. Continue reading →
Any homeowner knows that the list of maintenance tasks is endless. From the foundation to the roof, the interior and the exterior, it’s a nonstop job. Why not make maintenance more manageable by breaking tasks down into monthly chores? January is the perfect time to get out your paper or digital calendar and make a few home maintenance resolutions. Continue reading →
Humans aren’t the only species who love lounging near the fireplace in winter. Cats and dogs also crave warmth. Whether curling up in front of a heater or a fireplace, heat soothes the domestic beast. But it can also backfire.
The Fall season is well underway and Winter will arrive before you know it. During this time of the year, millions of homes use fireplaces to keep warm. Using a fireplace is a great way to keep warm and gather the family around. However, it’s also dangerous. The National Fire Protection Association estimates there will be 14,000 house fires this year started by fireplaces.
There are several ways to prevent fireplace fires from happening, which is why we’ve created this infographic below. It’s important to stay warm and safe throughout the holidays.
Now that you know how to distinguish one firebox from another, it can be helpful to know what you should and shouldn’t burn in your firebox. Burning wood creates the most natural and cozy feeling with its crackling sound and beautiful fiery colors, but there are other options for you to consider and others to set aside. Continue reading →
Soak up the last of the warm season by throwing an end-of-summer bash. We’ve put together some tips and accessories to help turn your party into a memorable soiree.
1. Add Festive Lighting
Add some character to your outdoor party with some hurricane lanterns filled with a beautiful candle to illuminate your backyard in style. Place them on a flat surface like the mantel of your backyard fireplace or hang them from tree limbs or porch rafters. (Consider choosing flameless candles for safety reasons). Continue reading →
We love Fireplaces – they’re one of the few places inside a home where family and friends gather around and share everything – from interesting stories, to warm food, and gifts during the holiday season.
And for Halloween, it’s the perfect time to add simple and easy little touches to your Fireplace Mantels and make your family room spooktacular! There’s always a lot that you can do when you have plenty of time, but what happens when you need the room ready in a few hours. And under budget?
Here’s a collection of our favorite Halloween Decoration Ideas, for your fireplace mantel – which one is your favorite?
A question we are frequently asked is can our stone stand up to the elements? As you can see by this beautiful outdoor installation of our Cambridge mantel, by Eichnlaub Co. , based in Pittsburg, Pa, that it is an enthusiastic “YES”. Our man made limestone’s original use was intended for outdoor applications due in part to the forming process which makes it more durable and stronger than natural limestone. Continue reading →
