MATERIALISM

A NATIVE RESOURCE ADDS CHARACTER FROM SIDEWALKS TO ROOFTOPS

Dislodged from the earth by powerful ocean and river currents, beach stone, sometimes called river rock, brings home the rugged look of the Northeast coastline. Available in shades from tan to charcoal and white, stone has always been a staple of East End architecture, used in building foundations, pathways and chimneys, to name just a few. Whether old or new, stonework adds a touch of the natural landscape to the décor—inside and out."I use natural materials like stone as a connector for fabrics and furnishings," says architectural designer German Barrios of German Barrios Design. "Stones in varying textures and colors work well in East End homes because we use interior and exterior spaces as one. Using stones from the garden or the coastline in interior and exterior design marries the two perfectly."

• Forged in pressure and high temperatures deep beneath the earth's surface, beach stones consist of rock and minerals in sizes ranging from grains of sand to cobbles. They are brought to the surface by natural forces.
• Bay shores and Montauk's rocky coastline give designers plenty of natural inspiration. Beach stone is used in many accessories, like wind chimes, place mats, drawer pulls and more.
• Stone fences have gained in popularity for decorative purposes, but their origins are agricultural, having served as property boundaries for farmers. When a fence is being assembled, each stone, whether from the beach, riverbed or field, is chosen by size and shape to ensure a good fit.
• German Barrios recommends bringing a photograph of a stone or an actual sample to your local stone source or mason to achieve a unified look. Even better, have a masonry consultant visit the site to find the perfect match.