Lay travertine pavers down in eye-catching patterns
Travertine pavers look amazing no matter what, but by taking the time to lay them down in a distinctive pattern, you'll really transform your patio into something else. 

Design website Houzz recently showcased a patio that combined large square pavers – all the same size – on top of a solid base of compacted pebbles. The dark gray of the pavers contrasted with the light blend of the base's tiny stones, instantly drawing the eye. 

Another way to make your patio less predictable is by using different sized pavers. Choose one blend of the stonework and lay down small, medium and large squares and rectangles, making a jigsaw puzzle pattern with the pieces. 

Want to boost the contrast on your patio surface? Choose two colors, such as pearl white and gold. Lay the pearl pavers down in the center of your spread and make a golden border. Or, think about some other funky design combining the different hues. However you spin it, two colors will give the space automatic interest.

Find accents that add distinction
If your patio still seems to be missing something once you've put the pavers down, don't worry – there are plenty of ways to further enhance this outdoor design.

Better Homes and Gardens magazine tossed out a few ideas. For example, try adding a water garden to your patio. It doesn't have to be too big, but as long as this installment has a re-circulating pump, the bubbling water in the corner of your patio will delight your senses. 

The source also suggests putting a small outdoor carpet over a patio surface. Choose a rug that complements the travertine blend you've chosen. You'll be surprised how many weather-resistant rugs are on the market.

Finally, you might want to build a fire pit for your backyard. You can do this with any extra travertine pavers you might have from your travertine installation project. The pit will add warmth and ambiance to your patio once the sun goes down.

Bottom line? Think outside of the box. Find contrasting colors and implement items you don't see on every back patio. Get in touch with your creative side and your patio will be one-of-a-kind. 

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Natural stone pavers are ideal for your pool patio
Cement surfaces have a tendency to absorb heat from the sun, leading pool-goers to have to hop quickly from the water to the lawn, which isn't just annoying, it's a safety hazard. Moreover, while they tend to be slip resistant, cement surfaces aren't exactly soothing on the skin. They can be uncomfortable under the feet and even lead to scrapes if someone slips or falls. 

The perfect solution to this is natural stone pavers. First, and most importantly, this material is slip resistant. In addition to its overall matte feel, it has cavities that add more than a rustic appearance, as they'll also offer you a little extra protection when wet. 

Travertine is also heat- and freeze-resistant. This means that it won't burn your feet when the sun is blazing, and won't warp or crack when the winter winds start blowing in – a definite plus when making a major investment such as a pool. 

Accent your travertine pool with other natural additions
OneKinDesign.com, a design and architecture website, showcases a selection of nature-themed swimming facilities. One of these designs uses stonework in multiple ways around the pool. Leading down to the water, large gray slabs of stone function as both steps and seating arrangements. The pool coping, also made of natural stone, is completely underwater. Different sized pebbles fill in the space between the green grass and this lake-like swimming area. 

With travertine pavers, you can similarly add natural accents to make your pool blend seamlessly with nature. Consider making steps with large pieces of the stone, or coping your pool with the pavers. For a lagoon-like feel, you may even implement a spa spillover through the coping. With this, warm water from your adjacent hot-tub cascades into the rest of your pool, the sight and sound of which is reminiscent of a natural waterfall. 

Still missing something? Change out your plastic patio furniture for wooden pieces. Try lining the sides of your patio with long beach grass, or invest in a stone fire pit. With nature-based decor and travertine pavers, your pool will look like it simply rose from the earth.

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1. Skimp on the base-construction
It may not be the exciting part of the process, but an adequate base for your travertine pavers is crucial. After you've marked the area with wooden stakes, you can begin work on the base.

Make sure you dig far enough down for your pavers to fit comfortably. Then, lay down a four-inch layer of gravel and crushed stone for a strong base. Once you've put this material down, consider installing a geotextile or filter fabric to avoid nasty mold buildup in poor drainage areas. To make this layer extra firm, use a plate compactor to compress it.

After you have the base prepared, you'll want to put an additional two-inch layer of sand over it. If your pavers have different thicknesses, the sand layer should be a bit deeper. Again, pat down this layer with your plate compactor. 

2. Laying down stones that don't quite fit
Once you get to the good stuff – actually installing the natural stone pavers - you want to make sure the pieces fit properly. For the most part, this process should be easy. Whichever size stones you're using, you'll likely be able to line the surface without running out of space.

However, if you hit your wood-staked boundary and there isn't space for the paver you're about to install, you'll need to cut the stones. Measure the stone carefully and score a line across the paver, then break the stone with a hammer and a cold chisel. If you do this carefully, you'll completely cover your space.

3. Forgetting to level the pavers
Once you have all of your pieces in place, make sure that the surface is even. To do this, use a spirit level. If you find a section that's higher than the rest of the patio, remove the pavers and adjust the base materials. On the other hand, if part of the surface is on the low side, take up these pavers and add materials. 

If you avoid these common errors, you'll successfully create a beautiful surface, whether next to a pool or outside your back door. 

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Make your pool patio lagoon like
If your swimming area just consists of a water-filled hole in a cement surface, it might be time to kick things up a few notches by implementing natural stone pavers. Instead of a drab deck reminiscent of a community pool's, a patio made from travertine pavers will class up your private swimming facilities. To further enhance the aesthetic quality of these stone pieces, bring landscaping touches into the patio area as well.

Houzz has a few ideas for how to make a tropical lagoon out of your pool deck. If your climate permits, get some palm trees in there – otherwise, plant beach grass along the edge of the water. To further the lagoon theme, you may want to consider installing a waterfall or a travertine spa spillover. With trees or grass bending around the swimming area, you'll have your own private oasis.

Create a walkway around your yard
Does your property boast groves of beautiful trees or pockets of flowering shrubbery? To access these delightful areas easily, you might want to consider installing a pathway winding through them. Use rustic, tumbled travertine pavers to line this path. A brown blend will complement the greenery around it, enhancing the impressive landscape even more. 

Better Homes and Gardens has also featured paths made out of natural red stones. This color creates a contrast to the green grass on either side of it, but it can blend with the red, orange and yellow leaves of a property's trees in autumn. 

Set up a garden courtyard
Even if your landscaping is already exquisite, adding travertine to the mix may further elevate it. Travertine pavers can be used in a number of ways in a garden. For example, you can stack the pavers to create walls, enclosing the space. Also, like in other areas of your yard, you can create pathways out of the stone, leading you from one section of the garden to another.

Along with these, treat yourself to a miniature courtyard made out of travertine. The surface doesn't have to be large, but it will provide a perfect sitting place for you to escape to and enjoy your garden. Choose a blend that complements the colors of your plants. Lay the pieces down in a simple pattern, invest in a bench or two and you'll have a secluded getaway right in your backyard. 

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1. The bathroom
Class up your facilities with travertine tile – black and white shiny tiles may be traditional in the bathroom, but why not break from this standard by using natural stonework? Travertine tiles are available in a range of blends, so you can choose anything from an ivory hue to a brownish-red color depending on the tone you want to set in the bathroom.

Design sites like Houzz showcase plenty of lavatories implementing travertine because the stonework complements any wooden fixtures in the room, from the bathroom vanity to its medicine cabinet. And, if you like the way these pieces look on the floor, there's no reason why you shouldn't apply the tiles to the wall as well. Use smaller sized cuts of the stone to cover about half of the vertical surface, leaving the remainder of the wall painted.

2. The kitchen
Are your kitchen counters looking a bit dull? With travertine tiles, you can rescue the space from looking even slightly mediocre. Tiling a counter instead of laying down a slab of stone can give your kitchen distinction. Consider going with a warm red blend to make this dining area extra cozy.

Once you have these pieces in place, take another look at your kitchen. If you still want more of this gorgeous stonework, try switching out that linoleum floor for a surface of travertine tiles. Using these pieces on the floor gives the kitchen instant elegance, and it's also durable: The tiles will stay intact and look brand new for years to come.

3. The basement
Don't overlook the lower levels when revamping your house with travertine! Whether you're finishing your basement for the first time or you simply want to cover that old cement floor with something more refined, travertine is a solid choice. Plus, cement flooring is a perfect foundation for laying down travertine.

When installing the tiles, either lay them in classic lines using tiles that are all the same size or get more elaborate with different sized tiles laid out in intricate designs. However you spin it, these tiles will elevate the space with their natural good looks and smooth feel.

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Install a pool bar
If you want to be known for your outdoor entertaining, you can't go wrong with a fully stocked bar on the pool premises. 

For pool patios made from natural stone pavers, it's important to pick a blend of travertine tiles for the bar that won't clash with the surrounding stonework. If the pavers around your pool are ivory, you might want to use white tiles on the bar. Many blends incorporate a wide range of colors, so meshing two different varieties well isn't difficult. 

Use the travertine tiles to reface the vertical front of the bar and its horizontal counter space. Travertine is resistant to water, so it'll withstand the elements as well as any spilled cocktails. 

Extend your patio
If you only have enough room for a few deck chairs along the sides of the pool, you may want to widen the space for the upcoming season. By installing an extended patio with travertine pavers, your guests will have plenty of room to spread out and socialize. 

Asymmetry is in these days. Design You Trust, an interior design website, notes that the intentional use of asymmetry in the home and yard is an interesting and trendy concept. Implement this style with your patio's design. Rather than covering the same size area on all sides of your pool, you could make one end have only a few feet of travertine and the other be exponentially larger. 

This will make your pool chic and keep all your guests together in one general area. Plus, this extensive patio space will make a great dance floor. 

Use travertine pool coping
People love dipping their toes in the pool, especially on hot summer nights. Instead of classic coping, you may want to incorporate a travertine spa spillover to really entice your guests.

House Trends, a home design source, describes how a spa spillover gives a pool area a contemporary look. As hot water runs through openings in the coping into your pool, guests won't be able to resist slipping off their shoes and letting the water cascade over their feet. 

Once you have your travertine-based patio set up – bar, mingling space and pool coping included – your home will be a hit. 

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Creating a handsome entryway
With the look of marble and the texture of stone, travertine tiles are a unique, ideal material for driveways. The wide variety of colors, finishes and sizes of tiles means that you can create any design - no matter how simple or complex. 

Homeowners going for an understated look can choose a deep red or rich gray and place the tiles in a basic checkerboard design. On the other end of the spectrum, designs consisting of two or three different hues and contrasting textures look impressive, but are simple and inexpensive to install. 

When choosing colors, keep in mind that light neutrals may show tire marks or oil drips more readily than darker colors. 

Travertine driveways are durable
With a driveway made of natural stone pavers, you won't need to worry about unsightly or hazardous cracks. These often occur with cement in the winter, when the ground freezes and expands. With tiles or pavers, the surface of your driveway isn't a whole slab, so it can better move with the ground below. Check with a professional to make sure you're using the proper adhesive when installing travertine pavers. 

Also, travertine has an advantage over brick because it won't fade as quickly, leaving you with a vibrant driveway for years to come. 

The installation process isn't difficult
Begin by measuring your driveway, both length and width, to be sure you order enough tile to cover the whole surface. Next, make sure that you have a level surface by evening out any bumps, potholes or cracks. Using a chalk line marker, divide your area into fourths, then eighths. Keep marking until you've outlined your desired pattern. 

When you begin laying the tiles, start from the center of your area to ensure you end up with an even design. Place the tiles as closely together as possible until you reach the edges, then fill in any cracks with sand, and you've got a beautiful, durable new driveway. 

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Get your patio's steps in shape
One area that you might overlook when revamping your patio space is the stairway. The steps leading up to your outdoor entertaining space shouldn't look shabby – both for safety and aesthetics. 

Due to its natural slip-resistant surface, travertine is an ideal medium for stairs. By installing travertine tile on the flat surfaces of your staircase using grout to secure the stone, you'll create a professional-looking and solid staircase. You can also use travertine to cover the surface of the tread. The San Francisco Chronicle reminds you that for this part of the staircase, you might want to go with a rustic finish for better traction when the steps get wet.

An article in the Chronicle explains that travertine is resistant to freezing and thawing, so it's perfect for outdoor steps. 

Embellish the area's surrounding wall
The wall surrounding your patio is another place that a little travertine can go a long way. The Chronicle suggests using travertine to reface this section, replacing your current wall with one made of travertine.

If you have a stone wall in place, the warm red and brown blends of travertine will be a welcome change from dull gray hues. Homeowners looking for a modern look can go with a honed paver. Otherwise, tumbled pavers provide a more worn-in, antique feel. 

Spruce up the walkway to the patio
Do you currently hop across a few slabs of stone to traverse from the patio to your yard? Make this trek a bit easier with a complete pathway made out of travertine pavers. 

You don't have to call up a professional for travertine installation, especially if you aren't covering too much ground. Simply mark out the area you want for your path, dig deep enough for layers of gravel and sand, then lay down the stones. Make sure your handiwork is level, then place your stones and fill the spaces between them with sand. 

Travertine is a great material for this section of your patio, especially during hot summer months, because it is heat-resistant. You won't have to worry about running across the surface to avoid burning your toes. 

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Make a cozy nook out of travertine
You don't need to have a gigantic patio for it to be impressive. Instead, you might make a more intimate nook out of natural stone pavers. 

Houzz showcases a patio complete with an overhang to provide some protection from the elements. The spread is complete with colorful cushioned seating surrounding a vintage looking coffee table. The travertine is a brownish-red blend that further enhances the intimacy of the small patio. 

Rather than constructing a roof to cover your patio, you might simply line the perimeter of yours with a small wall of travertine to close it in snuggly.  

In addition, why not use landscaping to tighten up the space even more? Line the edge of your miniature patio with tall hedges to make your new lounging area private. 

Create a small walkway with the pavers 
You may want to make a path to connect your patio with the yard. This won't require a complicated installation process, but it will make a huge difference in helping your backyard look finished.  

You don't have to get complicated with these pavers. Just lay down same-sized pieces in neat lines to make a distinct pathway. Lucky for you, travertine installation is pretty straightforward. You won't even have to pay the extra money for a professional to put the pieces in place: By simply following DIY guidelines, you can get the job done on your own. 

Incorporate travertine into your landscape
Another small but effective use of travertine is in garden design. One option is to make a miniature courtyard among your beds of flowers and exotic plants. 

HGTV showcases a cactus garden where the designer made a chess board out of large square travertine pieces against lines of grass diamonds. By juxtaposing the natural, lightly hued stone with the vibrant green of the grass, the spread creates an eye-catching contrast.

This kind of design doesn't require too many materials, but it will give anyone visiting your backyard something to talk about. 

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1. Clean the floor
It's important to take some time to thoroughly scrub the tiles clean first. 

According to DoItYourself​.com, a home improvement website, if you leave any dirt or debris on the travertine tile before you polish it, the filth will become embedded in the stone. By skimping on this step, your floors may not shine the way you want them to. 

With a damp paper towel or sponge, fully wipe down the tiles. Once they're sparkling, you can move on to the polishing process.

2. Sand down the tiles
Next, you'll want to smooth the travertine tile with sandpaper. Use large, circular motions while you're sanding down the surface.

Though doing this manually requires extra elbow grease, DoItYourself suggests that you don't use a power sander. These devices, albeit convenient, may damage travertine tiles. 

Before you begin polishing, the source reminds you to take note of any cracked tiles so you can avoid buffing them and causing potentially irreparable damage. 

3. Buff the floor
The San Francisco Chronicle suggests that you use a buffing machine with a 100-grit diamond polishing pad. Simply fill up the well of this buffer with water and you'll be ready to polish. 

Use long and even strokes when you use this machine. Be careful not to linger on any spot for too long or else you run the risk of leaving a mark on the floor. 

Once you're done with the entire surface, do a second round with a 200-grit pad. Follow this with 400- and 800-grit rounds, buffing the surface until you're satisfied with its sheen. 

4. Mop up the surface
There might be leftover dust and debris left from your buffing rounds, so once you're done polishing, finish the job like you started: by cleaning off the surface. The Chronicle suggests that you use clean water to do this. Next, use a wet vac to suction any water left behind. 

It's important to let the floor dry entirely. Then, you can seal the surface with tile sealant to protect it from staining. With this, your bathroom floor will look as good as new. 

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Travertine is an insulator
Hate how the bricks or cement of your pool area get ridiculously hot under the blazing sun? Switching to travertine eliminates this problem. 

Travertine reflects the heat from sunrays while absorbing the cool of the ground underneath it. This way, even on the hottest day of the summer, pool deck denizens won't burn their toes traversing the patio. A cooler surface will cut down on some poolside crying from youngsters and any four letter words from adults.

The stone is slip-proof
Aside from being cool to the touch, travertine pavers have another advantage: You won't have to worry about falling on your rear end with them in place. 

Due to the porous quality of the stone's surface, the pieces absorb water, preventing any hazardous puddles from forming around your pool deck. Additionally, this absorption prevents possible flooding from making a lake out of your patio. 

If you have kids, this safe surface is a definite perk. Water inevitably splashes across a pool deck so having a slip-free playing ground can give parents some peace of mind. 

Natural pavers look fantastic
Beside from the pavers' practical advantages, they also offer aesthetic perks. The stonework, offered in a multitude of colors and styles, will look fantastic alongside your pool.

Houzz showcases a pool patio with a Tuscan blend of the pavers. The pieces exhibit a spectrum of light brown and off-white color, creating an antique feel around the swimming area. Alongside the dark blue lining of the pool, the soft hues of this stone are pleasing to the eye. 

If your pool lining is a bright aquamarine or pale blue, you might consider a starker hue of the stone to enhance this vibrancy. Implement an ivory blend of the pavers to make your pool deck positively glow under the summer sun. 

Don't forget another design advantage of using travertine for your pool deck: pool coping. You can match the edge of the pool with the rest of the patio by coping it with the same travertine blend. With these pieces in place, your pool couldn't look better.

In the end, what's not to love about these pavers? Between their form and their function, they make the perfect foundation for any pool patio. 

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Make a path through your garden
If your backyard garden just consists of a few rows of flower beds, it may be time to make moves to elevate the space. By putting travertine pavers in the mix, your garden will be an impressive section of your outdoor spread.

You can easily make a walkway with travertine. Using wooden stakes, mark out the path, making sure to take measurements along the way. Next, dig deep enough to create a base for the stones. Your first layer should consist of gravel and crushed stone, and make the second layer 2 inches of sand.  

After this, you can lay down the pavers. Be ready to cut the stones if they don't quite fit in the space you marked out: You'll just need a hammer and chisel to do so. Once you've ensured that the surface is level, fill the joints in with sand, and your natural stone pathway will be complete.

Create a small patio with the stones
If you don't have a green thumb, spruce up your outdoor lounging space instead of a garden. Try using travertine to create a "hidden patio," like one that HGTV showcases. 

This small patio is tucked into the backyard, totally separate from the house. The cozy outdoor space is the perfect spot to escape to with your morning cup of coffee. 

Use the same process you used for your pathway on this patio. Though this is a bigger space, you still will likely have to cut the pavers along the edge so they fit cleanly. 

Rather than laying these pavers down in simple rows, you might install the pieces using a French design pattern. This approach uses square and rectangular pieces in four different sizes.

There are several layouts you can follow for this design. To create one of these patterns, install a medium square paver alongside a large rectangular piece. In the space left underneath this paver, you'll have room for a smaller rectangle.

It may sound complicated, but like a jigsaw puzzle, your pieces will easily fit together. You'll add variety to the stone spread by using different sized pieces in a less linear way.

These projects show that by taking travertine installation into your own hands, you can make your backyard truly eye-catching.

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Decide on tumbled vs. honed pavers
What is the overall look of your house? If you're into antique, vintage style, go with a tumbled travertine paver. With their roughened edges, these pieces offer a worn-in look to a space. 

Whether you're revamping your pool deck or dining patio, you can use tumbled pavers. By choosing a red, brown or gold blend, you can give your home's outdoor design a few degrees of warmth. With a few large potted plants and antique-style lanterns, these travertine pavers will make your home look delightfully vintage.

Additionally, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, tumbled finishes look the most natural. If your home sports a sleek, modern style, you might choose a honed paver. 

A gold, silver or ivory honed travertine paver is a great pick if your home rocks new age design. Often used for driveways because of their smooth surfaces, these pieces can be used just as effectively on a patio space, especially if it has some sort of overhang to protect the stones.

Make travertine a part of your minimalist layout. Throw some chrome-painted furniture right over the stonework and your outdoor space will be a modern marvel.

Choose a pattern
There are endless patterns to choose from when installing travertine pavers. Instead of the typical rows of identically-sized pavers, the Chronicle suggests using a French pattern to lay down the pieces.419

This classic travertine design incorporates four different tiles, decreasing in size as the pattern continues, covering a square area, then repeating itself. By incorporating this technique whatever surface you line with travertine will take on distinction.

Decide on a color
Every travertine paver blend has a natural aesthetic quality. Nonetheless, based on the look you're trying to accomplish with your patio space, you may want to be conscious of your color choice. 

Houzz shows that next to a pool, a white or ivory travertine blend can make a patio glow. If you want to brighten things up, these sorts of hues will do so decadently.

However, if you want to tone down an area, you may go with a darker, deeper color, such as a red or brown blend. For a cozy outdoor dining nook, this color paver will add instant warmth. 

With these decision points in mind, you can choose the perfect travertine paver to enhance your home's outdoor style. 

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Travertine is durable
If you want your pool patio to not only last for years, but also maintain its aesthetic appeal during that time, travertine pavers are a surefire bet. 

These pieces are more durable than poured concrete and have a smaller likelihood of cracking or breaking. Even if your swimming area gets a lot of use, foot traffic and poolside play won't wear down this outdoor surface. 

Also, the beautiful color of travertine does not fade with time. The pavers will look as good as new for countless summers down the road.

Pool coping is an option
The ability to line the edge of your pool with travertine also makes it ideal for a swim area. Match this stone coping with the rest of your patio and your pool will look radiant. 

Houzz recently highlighted a few different design options for travertine pool coping. For example, you can use an ivory blend of the stone along the pool's edge for a bright, vibrant appearance.

If your hot tub or spa is attached to the pool, travertine spa spillover is also an option. Let the warm spa water fall right over the pool coping or through small square openings in the edge's sides. Even the pool or hot tub's stair treads can be made of the stone. 

Installation is straightforward
If you're the handy type, you'll love the uncomplicated nature of travertine installation. You'll need no more than a weekend to get your pool patio perfectly in place.

DoItYourself.com, a home improvement website, explains that some people hire professionals to lay down the stone but with a little work on your part, you can get the job done too. 

The basic steps of DIY travertine installation are planning out the space, preparing the base, laying the stones, and filling in the gaps. You may want to contact an expert before getting to work to get a few professional pointers on the process. After that, with a little elbow grease, you'll create a beautiful pool patio that will last for years to come. 

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There may be a thousand reasons why travertine is a fantastic  stone with which to work. When it comes to the outdoors, these pavers offer everything from style to permanence. 

Increasing durability with travertine
Whether you're thinking of revamping a backyard patio or a driveway, you probably want to choose a surface that'll last. 

As for driveways, asphalt may be an American standard, but the upkeep can be unending. Why not make touching up pavement cracks a thing of the past? By switching out the tar flat-top for a driveway of travertine pavers, you may be able to do just that. 

A 2012 Sunday Telegraph article noted that travertine, a classy alternative to the typical driveway, hardly needs any maintenance to keep its good looks. 

The same goes for a pool deck or patio area. Sure, throwing down concrete may be easier than carefully installing pavers, but the impending cracks and breaks in this kind of surface are a total pain. Travertine, on the other hand, will stay in tact for years. 

Implementing style with the stone
The bottom line is travertine looks great. The stone is available in countless colors and styles to fit any outdoor space. 

If you're updating your pool area, you can use the natural hues of the stone to complement the bright blue water. Perhaps your swimming area has an antiquated feel to it – these European-style stones will enhance it even more.

According to a 2013 Angie's List article, travertine pavers are not only stylish, they also provide comfort. The source notes that the stone stays cool. 

On a back patio or eating space, these pavers will kick your home's style up a notch as well. Combine travertine with landscape and your patio area will be a true feast for the eyes. By throwing a few potted plants in the space and keeping your lawn healthy, the color combination of bright greenery and the natural stone will be ravishing. 

There's no better time to make these outdoor changes than now, as the days heat up and you begin to spend more time outside. This summer your home will have renewed permanence and good looks with the simple addition of travertine. 

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Install the pavers yourself
Once you feel you have adequate knowledge on the process, you can get going, following these basic steps. 

First, mark the area where you'll be putting down the pavers with wooden stakes. Easy enough, right? After that, you'll want to dig out enough excess dirt, sand or gravel to make room for the pavers and base materials that keep them in place.

The next step? You guessed it. Get these base materials down. This layer is about four inches of crushed stone and gravel. If your soil doesn't typically drain well, you may want to throw down a layer of filter fabric on top of the base to stop any nasty mold from turning up. Use a plate compactor to pat down the area. 

Over the base, you'll want to put down a layer of sand. This will make a nice bed for your the travertine. If your pavers are about the same thickness, you only need about two inches of sand. If the pieces differ, give it a little more depth. Again, a plate compactor works well to solidify the layer.

Once you have these layers in place, you'll finally be ready to install the pavers. The best way to do this is starting in a corner and working out, using a rubber mallet to get the pieces snuggly in place. 

You may have to cut some of the stone to fit it into your space. To do this, you can simply draw a line on the paver. Then, using a chisel and hammer score this mark right into the surface. The stone should break apart easily along this line. 

After you have all the pieces down, you'll want to make sure that the surface is totally even. Using a split level, check to see if there are any high or low spots across the space. These are easy fixes: Simply add or remove sand underneath these pieces. 

To finish off your masterpiece, fill in any gaps between your travertine pavers with sand and wash the whole thing down with a garden hose. 

Of course, if installing natural stone pavers isn't exactly part of your repertoire, it may be a good idea to ask a professional for general advice!

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A garden can be a backyard oasis. With careful design choices, you might be able to create a perfect getaway through it. 

Complementing the landscape with stone
One feature that might give shape to your garden is stonework. Try blocking out sections of your outdoor space with stone or brick walls. Additionally, you can create pathways that wind through varying flower beds. 

If you're unsure of what to line these paths with, consider natural stone pavers. There are several options when it comes to these pieces, but tumbled travertine pavers may be just right for a garden. The vintage aesthetic of these stones will naturally complement the surrounding landscape. 

Freshome, a design website, notes that you can also create a stone or brick courtyard within your garden. To do this, expand the travertine from your walkways out into a large open space. Scatter a few chairs and a table in this area and you'll soon have a perfect spot to read a book or enjoy afternoon tea.

Finding decor for a garden
First and foremost, you'll likely want to concentrate on the plant life of your garden. Try to create variety in what you plant. Instead of sticking to small flowers and shrubbery, you might want to consider interspersing small trees within the landscape as well.

You may also want to look into making use of exotic flowers for added interest. Plant some of these in large, earthenware pots in addition to the flower beds and watch how they instantly transforms the space.

Beside the greenery, there are other ways to decorate your garden. Homes and Property, a real estate guide, suggests creating a lush atmosphere in the same vein as the antiquated style of Pompeii. Historically, these gardens were designed not only as refuges from the daily grind, but also as places to entertain. Garden designers installed bubbling fountains around the space and often even painted frescoes on the garden walls. 

Still missing something? To further accent your garden area, you might let vines grow over a wall or trellis. You'll likely be able to find a charming bird bath to place in the area as well. If you want to make a larger investment, you might even consider putting a small pond underneath one of your garden's flowering trees. 

By following these outdoor design tips, you'll likely be able to turn your garden into a miniature Eden.

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Put travertine poolside
It's almost summer, so now's the time to revamp your pool deck. Concrete works for this area, but in the end it might just make you feel like you're back at the community pool. We're talking about your private swimming facility though, so why not class things up a bit?

Travertine can save your pool from looking drab. Houzz shows how tumbled ivory pavers in a French pattern make the area chic. When matched with pool coping, the slightly vintage but totally classy look can't be beat. 

Beside these good looks, the natural stone pavers also have impressive durability. You can forget about having to touch up cracked surfaces because these pieces last. Plus, the stone doesn't fade in the sun like brick does. 

Installing these pavers can be just the beginning of your pool deck revitalization. Let them inspire you to invest in high class poolside furniture, from some reclining lounge chairs to large white umbrellas. 

Install travertine in your backyard patio
If you don't have a pool, you can still take advantage of the travertine trend. Has your back patio seen better days? You might want to exchange the faded brick or dingy tile for distinctive travertine pavers. 

By switching to this natural stone, you'll be completely ready for your first barbeque this season. Your neighbors won't be able to take their eyes off the varied color of whichever travertine blend you choose. 

Again, let this switch to travertine trigger further outdoor design changes. This could be the year you invest in that outdoor bar you've been dreaming of for years. You can even line its countertops with travertine tile to match the patio surface. 

HGTV recently showcased a similar entertainment space. With palm trees and green hedges alongside the pavers, the patio looked like that of a five-star hotel. Behind the bar, a bubbling fountain topped off this truly decadent atmosphere. 

Still feel like your swankiness is lacking? You can always add lighting fixtures, like large cast-iron lanterns, to illuminate the space while adding classic style. 

Whether you decide to install them by your pool or on your backyard patio, travertine pavers will help your patio be the talk of the town this summer. 

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One way to make a pool area have a pleasing aesthetic is to blend it into the surrounding landscape. By accenting the natural elements surrounding your swimming area, you can make it the talk of the neighborhood.

Natural stonework revitalizes a pool patio
The first place you may want to make changes is in the patio. If the worn-down cement surface currently surrounding your pool looks a little lackluster to you, you might consider replacing it with natural stonework.

Houzz shows how lining the foundation around the pool with stone has a rustic yet pleasing effect on the patio area. The brown and gray pavers beautifully neutralize the bright aquamarine color of the water. 

Travertine natural stone pavers offer this elevated look to a patio. If you're looking to brighten your pool area, you might choose a white blend of the stone. If you would prefer to add deeper color to the space, you could line the area with reddish-brown or gray travertine pavers. 

Additionally, the pool coping around your pool can be done with the same stone material so your patio area is cohesive. With natural stone as your patio medium, it will blend into the surrounding landscape.

Focus on the landscape around your pool
Once you've updated your pool patio, highlight the natural aspects around it. Elle Decor Magazine shows how this makes the swimming area a real part of the natural landscape. 

The source showcases a pool that has essentially no patio past the stone pool coping. Instead, the bright green lawn surrounding the pool acts as the pool deck. As soon as you climb out of the water, you can lie back in soft grass and feel one with nature.

You can also elevate the landscape surrounding your pool by putting palm trees and beach grass along the patio space. Try to find brightly colored flowers to plant in the area as well. 

To make your pool area nature-inspired, you can even install a miniature waterfall or a bubbling fountain on the patio. Coupled with the exotic plant life, this will make your pool look like a lagoon. 

At night, you might consider using candles or torches to light the pool area rather than bright outdoor lighting. This can further contribute to the natural feeling of the swimming space.

By basing design changes on nature, your pool will blend beautifully into the great outdoors. 

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Refurbishing your bathroom's surfaces
Instead of completely ripping your floor out, you may be able to place new tiles right over the old ones.

The Washington Post recently explained how to redo a bathroom floor without starting from scratch. In older houses, tiles are often installed in a mortar bed. Taking these pieces out may be more trouble than it's worth. Luckily, all you have to do is scuff up the former stonework, put another layer of mortar down and install new tiles.

If you're having trouble deciding what kind flooring to use, you might want to consider travertine tile. For houses that were built awhile back, these tiles can provide an almost vintage look with their natural, earthy hues. Travertine installation is pretty easy, too – you might not even need to hire a professional to get the stonework properly in place.

Elevating bathroom decor
Once the floor is all set, try making other small changes to revitalize the bathroom.

Design Style Guide notes a few simple additions that will enhance the area. If your bathroom door is scuffed up from years of use, you may want to invest in another one. A new wood door may be just the thing to freshen the room's look, from the moment someone walks in.

The source also notes that changing a room's wall design can do volumes for your revamping efforts. Due to the moisture that often fills a bathroom from taking a shower or bath, it's important to make sure that the wall can withstand such elements. For this reason, wall tiles can be ideal.

To match the flooring, you could add smaller travertine tiles to the wall.The source explains that it's important to balance wall tiles with painted wall space as well so that the pieces don't completely take over the room. If you've chosen a light brown or red travertine, you may want to go with a white or neutral shade of paint.

Following these steps, as well as adding a few additional accents such as a new mirror or lighting fixture, can make any dated facility seem new.

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Tiles can be a great medium
You have a few options in terms of the bathroom's floor. Instead of a linoleum surface, you might want to try something a little more durable in case of a broken perfume bottle or nail polish spill. Tiles can last a lifetime and also add a certain panache to a space with their polished surfaces. 

Floor tiles are available in countless styles and hues. If you're planning on using flashy colors in the rest of the space, the floor may be a good place to neutralize things a bit. For a girl's room, you might consider going with a travertine tile, which can easily be found in a natural ivory hue.

Tiles can also be used on the walls of the bathroom. In fact, Houzz recently showcased a girl's bathroom with tiny bright pink tiles on one of the walls. A segment of this tile was multi-colored and iridescent, offering the space the perfect amount of feminine extravagance.

Using paint to color the space
You might want to whip out a paintbrush for the remaining walls to make the space ring with girl power. Bright colors work to really energize an area, so consider painting the walls in a solid shade of pink, purple or orange. 

The design website Shelterness shows how you can get elaborate with the brush, painting large purple polka dots or spring flowers on white walls. Multi-colored stripes also add to a girl's bathroom with their bright, fun aesthetic. 

Decorating the bathroom
Every girl loves to accessorize. Once you have the space itself ready with tile and paint, it's time to go shopping. Give your bathroom the right finishing touch with some eye-catching odds-and-ends.

Stumped? Well, any girl will feel like royalty if her shower curtain has a princess crown on it. You may even keep small vases of flowers on the bathroom vanity. 

For contrast, you might put a vibrantly colored shower mat over natural toned travertine tiles. Perhaps consider soft pink lighting to illuminate the space. With these little additions, you or your child's powder room will have fun, feminine style. 

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A new floor transforms a space
Though installing a new floor takes preparation, doing so can instantly revitalize a bathroom's appearance.

There are several flooring options that can easily complement a natural theme. For instance, if you want to add create a really truly organic aesthetic, travertine tile is a perfect choice. You might try embracing a dark red or brown blend of the stonework. Anyone stepping into the room will instantly note the depth and natural beauty of the surface.

If you really love the effect this natural medium look has on the room, Houzz recommends concentrating on the bathroom's backsplash and wall tiles to really drive the earthy subtleties home.

Small square tiles on the floor and large-cut versions on the walls unify the surfaces of the bathroom. Travertine tiles are not only pleasing to the eye, but they're also wear-proof. The floor will last a lifetime and you won't have to worry about ever needing to touch up the walls with paint. 

Choosing nature-themed fixtures and accessories
Once the surfaces of the bathroom are ready, you can get to the fun stuff. Better Homes and Gardens explains that from the countertops to the rug next to the bathtub, nature-themed choices can be incorporated everywhere into the room. 

Wood is a natural medium that complements stonework beautifully. A dark cherry bathroom vanity with a travertine top blends these mediums together in one piece. You'll likely want to be consistent with whichever wood you choose and match everything from the edges of the bathroom's mirrors to the wall-shelving to it. 

The news source also suggests exposing any painted beams you may have in your bathroom to showcase the natural wood underneath. 

Once you have your fixtures ready, you may want to add some decor to the room. A couple of small potted plants scattered about may enliven the area. A wall screen created from bamboo adds subtle panache. You might even find that an animal-print rug used for when you step out of the shower adds a certain je-ne-sais-quois to the area.

Keep it simple
Whichever design implements you choose, try to avoid getting too elaborate. Limiting the number of hangings on the bathroom wall and odds and ends lining the counter space will create a clean, open feel to the room.

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According to Eater New York, Chef Paul Denamiel opened the eatery the second week of April. This may have been the ideal time of year for the restaurant's debut: Little Prince's lay-out is perfect for warm evening dining. An entire wall of the dining room consists merely of paned glass doors. These open right up to the quaint Soho street the restaurant resides on. Another wall is white-painted brick. Two-top tables are set in lines across the room. A leather banquette provides cushioned seating around the dining area's edges. 

What may be most stunning, design-wise, is the floor. This surface is made up of exquisite tiles. This isn't just your typical black and white tiling job either: These pieces are carefully painted, revealing a beautiful pattern of powder blue flowers coupled with yellow and red stars. With this design, the stonework looks almost antique and it adds to the restaurant's delectably foreign feel.

Attaining the Euro-cafe atmosphere for yourself
Whether you own a restaurant yourself, or you simply want to update your own dining room, you can take on the European feel that Little Prince exhibits through a few easy steps. Decoist suggests utilizing marble surfaces for counters and restaurant-style pendant lighting. For a little panache, the source suggests putting vintage artwork and chalk boards on the walls. 

Like Little Prince, Decoist highlights tile as an apt choice for the floor of the dining area. If you don't want the classic solid colored tiles that restaurants often showcase, you might consider going with something a little more natural. Travertine tile, available in a number of styles and blends, may add an antique vibe to the room with its rustic yet aesthetically pleasing look. Choosing a lighter color, such as ivory, also brightens the room, contributing to the open-air feel of an European eatery. With these tips in mind, as well as Little Prince's design example, your dining area may be reminiscent of a French cafe. 

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Making the basic space impressive
If you want to transform this section of your house, the floors are a good place to start. Tiling the floor works to provide a natural loveliness to the space. Travertine tiles, available in a number of blends, will grace the room with depth and variance in color. Additionally, this stonework gives the foyer a refined appearance through its smooth brushed surface.

Making the floors unique adds immediate interest to a home. Whether using travertine tile or another type of stone, you can easily add a natural but distinctive touch to the space with this material.

Make a statement with the little things
The right odds and ends in your foyer will show people that they've entered a beautiful, eclectic home. HGTV reveals how everything from the light source to furniture pieces can do this. 

A bright entryway is welcoming. This doesn't necessitate intense, high-wattage overhead lighting. Instead, you might consider a chandelier with many small lights to illuminate the space. These are effective in terms of providing both light and style to the area.

If you don't already have them, put in a few windows. You can even include one in the doorway itself. Not only will this allow sunshine to flow into your foyer, but it will instill a feeling of openness and hospitality as well. 

Decorating a foyer can be a lot of fun. By putting interesting artwork on the walls and a plant in the corner, you can add an element of sophistication  to the entryway. A brightly colored table lined with a miniature clock, a few leather-bound books and family pictures in funky frames might be an instant conversation piece. 

Everything from an umbrella stand to a shoe-rack is a design choice. Luckily, whether you decide to shop at a second-hand store or a large furniture outlet, you'll have a plethora of options.

The foyer may be a place for individuals to slip off their shoes and throw their jackets on the wall, but its real purpose is to receive guests and make them feel at home. By making your entryway both eye-catching and welcoming, you'll likely succeed in doing so.

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Perfecting the modern bedroom
Thanks to its wide windows and white walls, Capella uses brightness as a way of making space seem open. 

Are you looking to do the same? Try upping the natural light that filters into your rooms. Believe it or not, windows do wonders to liven up an atmosphere: As the days get longer, you might want to take advantage of the sunshine that can fill your space.

Capella also uses wood flooring in its rooms. This gives the space a homey touch, while still maintaining its polished appearance.

If you want to switch up your flooring, you might consider using travertine tile to do so, instead of wood. This gets a natural element in the room that looks polished and refined.

For a modern look, Capella takes a minimalist approach to its interior design. The rooms, depending on the size, have a bed, chair, and desk, but are not otherwise filled. 

The bedspreads are white to match the walls. The tables are bare, besides an occasional flower vase. The walls have a few pieces of artwork on them to break up the otherwise blank surfaces. This art, as well as any additional decorative pieces in the room, is modern in style.

Similarly, you can use this style in your design mission. The hotel shows how having less in a room can actually be more pleasing to the eye. 

Make the lavatory just as lavish
The elegance of Capella is also present in its bathrooms. If you're renovating, feel free to make these facilities equally as chic as the rooms. Who doesn't love a beautiful bathroom? In Capella, larger tiles line the floors while smaller ones climb up the bathroom walls. Capella exhibits darker hues here, in contrast to the rooms, for a more intimate feel. 

If you want to replicate this feel, travertine tiles may work well. They are available in a number of colors and are not difficult to install. With this stonework, you can totally transform your bathrooms.

The hotel uses glass on their countertops to complement the bathroom mirrors. Capella's bathtubs are deep with unique wave-like walls. In general, though, like the bedrooms, the bathrooms stick to the idea of simplicity. Using this minimalist style while renovating will give your home or establishment a modern, tasteful look.

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Set up your patio
After sweeping your patio of winter debris, you may notice that it's a little lacking in luster. This season may be the one to update the surface.

Consider travertine pavers to step your outdoor design up a notch. These pieces of stone are available either tumbled or non-tumbled. 

Tumbled pavers give your surface a rustic edge. For those seeking a more antique, worn-in look to their space, natural stone pavers are the perfect pick.

If you have a more contemporary home, perhaps consider the non-tumbled, honed pavers. Often used for driveways and walkways, this stonework has a smoothness that works well with modern spaces.

Additionally, the honed quality of non-tumbled pavers prevents liquid from absorbing into the stone. Spills are a concern when having a barbeque, so this may be a considerable advantage.

DIY travertine installation is relatively easy, too, so you'll have no problem getting the work done before your first event.

Get the necessary equipment
Once you have your surface ready, you'll want to implement some decent barbeque amenities. 

First and foremost, invest in a proper grill.

If you enjoy an element of smoke in your food, go for a charcoal grill. These are available in a number of styles, but do involve a certain amount of work to tend.

Gas grills are a little bit simpler to operate, and you're likely to find one in a relatively large size. For those looking to entertain big crowds, this may be the best option.

Provide enough furniture
Make sure your guests are comfortable at your barbeque. These gatherings often involve individuals mingling while on their feet, but more likely than not, people will want to sit down with their plates.

If you only have a small table, consider getting a couple extras. Depending on your guest count, perhaps invest in a longer, banquet-style table as well.

You'll want to match the tables and chairs with the travertine. Wood goes well with lighter hues of the stone, while black or silver metal is a nice accompaniment to darker surfacing.

With a renovated space, including grilling equipment and seating, you'll have the basics for a fantastic first barbeque this year.  

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Consider a tiled floor
A good place to start when it comes to your redesigning efforts is with the floor. Give your reception room a high-class look with travertine tile. This stonework is naturally beautiful and will truly attract attention.

Honed and filled travertine tiles, as well as brushed pieces with chiseled edges, work best for the indoors. Whichever style you choose, the tiles will give your office a polished look that will impress anyone entering it.

Travertine installation is straightforward and relatively easy and will do wonders for your office's appearance.  

Give your space plenty of light
If any of your patients are nervous about a doctor's visit, you'll want to make the waiting area as relaxing an atmosphere as possible. Nothing instills positivity better than the right lighting.

Try to bring as much natural light into the room as possible. The more windows, the better. However, artificial lighting can be just as effective in getting people in the right mood.

Try to avoid high-wattage overhead lighting and go for something a little dimmer. Incandescent rather than florescent fixtures will make patients feel more at home.

Finding the right furniture
In order to make your patients comfortable, you'll also want to choose the right furniture for the area.

Try mixing chairs with sofas for a balanced aesthetic in your waiting room. Make sure the seating has plenty of padding and let your patients sink right into the pieces. Small comforts are essential in this room, so don't hesitate to purchase the sort of seating that you'd envision in your own living room.

Place tables among the chairs with a variety of reading materials on them. Remember that your clients have different interests: Let your magazines span from current events to lifestyle to news from your own industry.

Remember the little things
There are other simple ways to make this room a nice place for waiting. Consider hanging some landscape prints on the walls. Avoid elevator-type music, but play something quiet and tasteful in the room, like classical or blues. 

By following these simple steps, you're guaranteed to instill an atmosphere in your reception room that's both pleasing to the eye and mind.

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Travertine installation is a warm and welcoming upgrade that can lend a sense of natural and traditional appeal to kitchens, bathrooms and backyard patios. These travertine tiles are particularly good for echoing the light brown, tan and beige tones of a sandy beach, which you can then combine with other seaside elements.

Here are three other areas that can help bring a coastal aesthetic to your home kitchen.

Awning windows
One of the best ways to create a warm, beach-themed kitchen is by allowing plenty of natural sunlight to shine through your awning windows. Not only can this keep the temperature at a comfortable level in your home, but it can also help brighten the room and make it feel more open.

You may also want to feel refreshing breezes pass through your kitchen while you're lounging with a cup of coffee or preparing a meal. Luckily, awning windows are a great way to let in fresh air and sunshine. Even better, these unique windows can be open even during rain storms, as the awning design blocks precipitation from coming into your home.

Coastal elements
Travertine stones are a great way to bring a natural aesthetic into your beachy kitchen, but you shouldn't stop there. Wooden tables and chairs that appear worn and weathered can add to the seaside aspect of the room, as can wicker furnishings.

Sand is obviously a big part of coastal design, so consider filling some mason jars with white or tan varieties and mixing in seashells for unique decoration. Driftwood can also be great for countertop or cabinet decor. You can also consider travertine installation for kitchen counters as well if you want to unify the room's aesthetic.

Shore decorations
In addition to natural elements, there are many vintage or antique decorations you can draw from the beach to enhance the theme in your kitchen. Between buoys, lobster traps, oars, life preservers, anchors and thick spools of rope, there are numerous ways you can bring nautical inspiration to your home design project.

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Consider covering the floor of the area with travertine tile or pavers. Pavers offer a true weather-proof option, therefore they may be best for your outdoor eating place.

Choose from tumbled pavers to get a more worn-in, antique look, or else go for chiseled pavers to obtain a cleaner appearance.

If you have a screened-in area or a patio surface with an overhang above it, there is the option of using travertine tiles. Those tiles that are brushed with chiseled edges work best for the outdoors, as long as the area is covered. 

You'll next want to find a table-and-chair set to go with the tiles. If you chose brownish or reddish stone for your patio floor, try a wooden table. If you decided on white or gray travertine, black cast-iron furniture works well. 

Add a few finishing touches to the eating area. White string lights and Tiki torches make the space playful. If you're looking for a more traditional look, outdoor lanterns are tasteful lighting choices. Landscape the area to enhance it even more.

With a few simple changes, including travertine installation, you'll transform your outdoor dining this summer. 

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Elevate the entire work experience, from the moment employees walk in to work to when they leave, with certain tweaks to the interior design of the office. 

Start in reception
It goes without saying that the mood upon strolling into the office in the morning can vary. With the right aesthetic, those less enthusiastic feelings can be refueled. 

First and foremost, a paint-job is an easy way to transform a reception area.

Brighter colors can provide you with a start, as long as they aren't overwhelming to the senses. If you're looking for a calm effect, go with cool colors such as light blues or grays. Implementing warmer tones, however, can work to wake up tired eyes and get minds in motion. 

Travertine installation will also elevate your office's look. Switching out carpeting in a reception area for polished tiles provides a clean cut look that is pleasing to the eye. 

This look will put employees at ease, but it can also be impressive for those visiting. Make a good impression with this segment of the office. A floor of honed stone tiles coupled with just the right color on the wall aptly accomplishes this.

In the office itself
Carry the effect established in reception into the office area itself. Though these corporate spaces vary, there is always room for design improvements.

Use the walls of the office as a place to update. One route to take with this is in repainting the area. As colors do have an effect on mood, use them in the work area itself.

Try using lighter hues to make a more positive atmosphere. Be innovative with this: a solid green might do the trick to instill focus. A reddish tone could get creative juices flowing.

If you're interested in something different, a wall with travertine tiles adds a unique edge to the corporate environment. With its natural appearance, the stone effortlessly has the same mood-changing effect that fresh paint does. 

Especially if you don't want to fuss with color, the hues of these tiles give off an antique, yet tasteful, look to the office area. Additionally, the tiles are durable. You won't have to worry about touching up the walls after a few months of wear and tear. 

Whichever direction you've decided on, use your office's design to make employees feel good about the place they work in. This positivity will likely lend to better performance.

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Travertine installation is not too complicated. After employees clear out for the weekend, get in there with your trowel. They'll come back to a completely transformed work space. 

How to do it: an overview
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the installation process for floor and wall tiles differs very little. Whether revamping the reception area, kitchen or bathroom, you can follow these steps.

Before beginning, consult a professional who has worked with travertine. This is more pertinent when installing travertine pavers outdoors, where geography is a real variant, but you still want to be sure of what you're doing. 

First, get the surface you're going to tile ready. The main concern here is getting it absolutely even. You can use a leveling or spackling compound to do this. 

Make the base
There are only a few steps to making the base for the tiles.

First, spread a layer of thin-set mortar over the floor or wall itself. Over this, place pieces of cement fiberboard. Then, seal the parts with fiberglass mesh tape. Last but not least, screw in the fiberboard.

Tiling a floor
When laying down floor tiles, the key is precision. Make a grid-line to follow when installing to make sure that you distribute tiles evenly.

Lay down the tiles in quadrants, using thin-set mortar and a trowel to get the pieces in place. 

Additionally, as you put the tiles down, you want to use a level to make sure the surface isn't off at all. 

To leave room for grout, put spacers in between tiles as you apply them with the mortar. Once the mortar is dry, you can remove these.

Finally, you want to apply the grout. White grout works well with travertine, according to the Chronicle.

After mixing the grout with water, you'll have a paste that you can apply to the spaces between the tiles. 

Moving up the wall
In terms of tiling a wall, the process is very similar. Once you have your base, use chalk lines to ensure that when you put down the tiles, they are even. Start from the bottom and work your way up. 

DIY travertine installation is very attainable. Above are the general steps of getting tiles in place. Talk to the manufacturer of your tiles or consult a professional for their tips, then get into action. You will be surprised how successful the process is in elevating your office's look. 

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Redo the washroom
One area to work on is the bathroom. In an office building, this is a space that doesn't need to be elaborate. Keeping your facilities up-to-date, however, is not a bad thing. 

Employees will appreciate a fresh-looking bathroom, as will anyone visiting the office. You don't want to turn someone off by dingy lavatories, whether it's a client or prospective employee, so lighten things up with a few tweaks.

Travertine tiles can help substantially improve the look of a bathroom. This one adjustment can elevate the entire feel of the facility.

Medium-sized tiles are a good pick for the bathroom. Honed and filled tiles will give the space a polished quality.

Choose a light stone hue to go with white-painted stalls. Don't hesitate to touch up or alter this paint in the renovation process. Colors that go well with tile are warmer shades and neutral tones. A soft pink or a light beige with the travertine will look lovely. 

Additionally, make the lighting less overbearing than that in the rest of the office. You may need the high-intensity florescent fixtures in the working area, but you can tone things down a bit in bathroom. 

Make changes in the kitchen
Another part of your office that may need some sprucing up is the kitchen. Like the bathroom, the kitchen is a spot that employees consistently move in and out of throughout the day.

If you already updated your kitchen appliances, but still feel like the area's a bit shabby, consider making some bigger changes. 

Exchanging the linoleum floor of your kitchenette with travertine tile will improve its look dramatically. 

Brushed and chiseled travertine tiles are great for indoor floors, though any travertine tile will heighten the feel of the kitchen. 

Because they are usually small areas, office kitchens are great spots to do tile installation. You don't have to uproot the whole office floor, but at least one corner of the place will have some distinction. 

If you really want to elevate your kitchenette, don't feel like the floor is the only place for tile. Update the counter space with travertine stone, or else line the wall behind it with the tiles.

The bathroom and kitchen may not be at the top of your interior design priority list when updating a workplace. However, you may be surprised by how enhancing these areas improves the office's overall atmosphere.

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Choosing the right tile
Using travertine tiles will make it easy for you to be your own patio designer. Choose from either tumbled or non-tumbled pavers, both of which withstand the elements while adding a certain aesthetic touch to outdoor decor. 

For a patio space, tumbled pavers are often preferred. With their porous surfaces and rustic appearance, they offer a softer look and feel to your patio. 

If you have a pool area, tumbled pavers are your best bet. Their textured quality absorbs water and gets less slippery. Even without a pool, this is a perk when spring and summer rains hit. If you have a family, these pavers keep your patio area safe. 

Honed and polished pavers bring a less worn-in look to your patio. Because of their super-smooth surfaces, these are typically great for driveways. If you're looking for a more contemporary look, though, these non-tumbled pavers may do the trick.

A versatile material
Whichever you choose, the overall quality of travertine will not disappoint. The stone is found near warm or hot springs in Turkey. Travertine can be used for anything from kitchen counter-tops to a bathtub.

It is no surprise that travertine pavers, especially when tumbled, have an almost antique quality to them. This stone was actually used as a building material in ancient times. With about 1.25 inches of thickness, the pavers have a durability that matches their good looks. 

Though you can specify different colors and styles of travertine pavers in designing your patio, there is a natural variation between the stones. This may make it impossible to have a completely uniform surface, color-wise, but it is in this variation that the pavers really elevate the look of your patio. 

Laying down the stonework
Before laying down the travertine pavers, make sure to talk to a licensed installer of the stones. Techniques for getting them in place vary based on your geography.

Travertine stones are easier than others to install because they can be done dry-set. In other words, they don't need to be installed over an existing concrete surface. 

Whether remodeling your pool deck, your patio or simply a walkway, travertine is effective in revitalizing your outdoor living space. With that long-awaited warm weather on the horizon, now is the time to make these changes. 

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Picking the room
First thing is choosing the right place to make your office. The key here is getting enough natural light. Windows are great for this, but they can often lead to absentmindedness. If your work space permits it, consider a skylight – sunshine flows in, but you won't find yourself indulging in outside distraction.

A home office allows you to escape from sterile overhead lighting and brutal fluorescent fixtures. In terms of artificial light, you can go for the softer incandescent option, but make sure whatever you choose has enough wattage to keep you stimulated. 

Once you have the space itself figured out, you can detail in on its components.

Tiles make your space distinct
A tile floor helps clean up the look of a room. Exchange that faded carpet for travertine tiles. This stonework, similar to limestone, will last for years.  Also, travertine installation is a swift process.

There are several choices for indoor tiling. Try brushed and chiseled tiles or those that are honed and filled – these options will all give you the polished look of a professional work environment.

If you like the tiles enough, there's no reason why they need to be limited to the floor. Line a wall with travertine tile and give your room an added natural touch. 

Juxtaposing a tile wall with those that are painted adds a real interest to the room. Whether you match lighter travertine with white paint or darker tiles with dense red or green, a nice effect emerges by combining these mediums. 

Remember, color does contribute to a person's mood. Choose based on your personal preference. If you're looking to be energized, go for warm, reddish hues. If you want a cool, collected feel, paler shades may be your best pick. 

Make the place your own
As it is your office, you don't have to hold back from inserting your flair. At the same time, resist surrounding yourself with too much. A couple pictures on the walls or a plant in the corner are enough to add interest but not copious distraction. 

As your own designer, choose what won't merely make do, but what will contribute to your office. Take liberties to give your workplace distinction, ultimately providing you with a place that you enjoy working in. 

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Go for basics
Several offices on a number of floors have this one common area for those stepping into the building. Because of this, when redesigning the space, it might be a good idea to keep things simple. You want to appease a large group of people, so avoid taking overly dramatic measures.

A minimalist approach is a tasteful way to make a lobby inviting but not overwhelming.

Travertine creates a polished look
Class things up with a travertine tile floor. The tile, a cousin of the limestone family, provides a natural yet upscale look to an interior.

This is the area of an office building that should not only make employees happy to walk into work, but should also impress visitors.

Travertine tiles, available in a number of styles and hues, do just that. As their heeled shoes click against the stonework, people entering the workplace will really feel like they are entering a professional environment.

Lighten things up
You also want to provide plenty of light to this part of the building. If you haven't already, consider upping the number of windows. The more natural light that can stream in, the better.

One way to do this is to make the the front wall of the lobby, including the doors, totally glass. This will not only brighten the entire space, but it will also make the place seem inviting. It shows to everyone, including passersby on the street, the openness of your workplace.

Make the lobby a positive space
Make the reception desk a place that people feel comfortable approaching, especially if they are new to the office.

Consider matching the desk to the floor. Perhaps tile the front of desk with travertine. As the stone is often used for countertops, you can even use it to surface the piece.

Though you are taking the minimalist approach, don't make the lobby totally void of decoration. Modern artwork on a couple of the walls complements an open space well.

If you want to go along with the au naturale feel of travertine, add some plant life to the place. You'll find that a few simple additions will really enhance the atmosphere.

If there is an area in the office building to go the extra mile in design-wise, it's the lobby. This is where people get their first impressions of your workplace: Impress them with a bright and upscale look.

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If your pool area was looking a bit shabby last year, it could be time to revamp it with travertine pavers. These pavers are perfect for pool coping, the process by which the pool shell wall is capped. This, in essence, makes the edge around your pool. 

There are a number of material options when it comes to coping. Pool-owners can choose from concrete, tile, or natural stone, all of which will have a different aesthetic effect.

Concrete and honed tile create a clean and contemporary look. For many, especially those with more modern homes, this may be preferred.

Natural stone pavers, on the other hand, provide a worn-in kind of warmth to your pool area. If you're into a softer, more antique appearance, this is the ideal option.

The same travertine pavers used for coping can be used for pool stair treads, as well. Pick your pavers in a variety of colors, from ivory to gold to other lovely blends. 

As the edge of the pool above water, pool coping is often what most draws the eye. For this reason, it isn't something to be overlooked in pool design. 

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While many homes rely on basic asphalt or concrete driveways, these can leave something to be desired for sophisticated homeowners. To bring out unique colors, textures and patterns in this area, you may want to consider the value of professional travertine installation.

Beyond being great materials for indoor flooring and travertine pool coping, travertine pavers can greatly enhance the look of your driveway. Here are three advantages of a travertine driveway.

Versatile installation
One of the reasons you may be hesitant to replace your current driveway with one made with travertine pavers is the difficulty of tearing up asphalt or concrete. However, some homeowners may be able to skip this frustrating step completely.

Travertine installation can be done right on top of your existing driveway, reducing the costs and time needed to complete your project. As long as your old driveway is still in fairly good condition – with minimal cracks, holes or breaks – the travertine pavers can be laid directly above it. Just make sure to inspect your existing concrete or asphalt for signs of significant damage before committing to this plan.

Durable design
When you're looking for a new driveway material, you need a product that is specifically designed to support the weight of at least one large automobile. This is even more important if your family has multiple vehicles that all share the same driveway.

Luckily, chiseled travertine pavers can sustain intense pressure and weight from numerous cars. This is because their chipped-style edges allow them to fit securely together without causing damage to the surrounding pavers. This will prevent accidental breakage or cracks caused by heavy vehicles.

Waterproof construction
Travertine pavers are perfect for resisting weathering and damage that is the result of exposure to the elements. In particular, these natural stones can handle heavy downpours and rainstorms that may lead to water and moisture damage.

While the stones are durable enough to deal with Mother Nature on their own, you can also apply a waterproof sealant on top that will penetrate deep into the stone to shield against rain and moisture.

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As you begin laying the groundwork for your personal or commercial spa retreat, you may want to consider the aesthetic and functional advantages of opting for professional travertine installation. Travertine tiles bring proven durability and decorative warmth to nearly any interior or exterior space, so you can be sure your spa will benefit from their unique colors, patterns and textures.

Here are three great reasons you should consider travertine installation when designing your new health spa.

Natural aesthetic
Almost everywhere you go, most spas have one decorative theme in common – natural beauty. Between stone tiles, the soothing scent of potpourri, leafy green plants and flowing water, these health retreats are designed to take you out of the modern world so you can find peace and relaxation in nature.

As you're enjoying a professional massage or taking a dip in the hot tub, the natural warmth of travertine tiles can help you forget about the stress of daily life and truly relax. Travertine installation also offers a level of decorative customization, so you can pick patterns and color shades that match your design scheme.

Water resistance
Between steam showers, hot tubs, swimming pools and guests sipping on refreshing beverages, there are numerous sources of liquid and moisture to contend with in a spa. Because of this, you need to base these areas around a material that can stand up to spills, splashes, sprays and steam.

When covered with a water-resistant sealant, travertine tiles and travertine pool coping are ideal for decorating spas while also ensuring that your flooring looks great for years to come. These tiles can also be used to enhance the look of walls in bathrooms and showers.

Temperature friendly
Spas often operate in temperature extremes, with patrons frequently enjoying steam baths and hot tubs. Beyond the potential damage caused by moisture, these high temperatures can also cause materials like wood or carpeting to warp or become hot to the touch.

However, travertine installation in your spa can ensure that heat won't damage your floors or walls. Furthermore, travertine tiles are resistant to heat transfer, which means that guests won't have to worry about hot tiles in the steam room.

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Because of the wear and tear the average kitchen can endure over the years, your interior design project should include a material that is a hardy as it is beautiful. Picking materials with versatile applications can also create a uniform appeal in the room.

Wood and natural stone tiles are popular choices for kitchen flooring and counters. Here are three reasons you should opt for travertine tiles over natural or engineered wood boards for your home.

1. Protection from fire and heat
If you're constantly whipping up delicious meals in your kitchen, you know how hot it can get. Between the oven, microwave, stove top and toaster oven, there are numerous appliances that generate high temperatures.

Whether it's from an electric burner or open flame, this heat can pose a danger to the design materials used in your kitchen. Wood counters and flooring may be temperature-resistant to a point, but there is a risk that these surfaces could catch fire or sustain scorching damage. Travertine installation, on the other hand, involves stones that are naturally fireproof and able to repel intense heat.

2. Resistance to water and moisture
On the flip side of kitchens' propensity toward fire and heat, there is often a lot of liquid being used during cooking and cleaning. Boiling pots of water, pitchers of refreshing iced tea and soapy dishwater are all common sights in a home kitchen, and any spills or overflows can ruin the appearance of wood.

However, travertine tiles are far stronger than wood in terms of dealing with liquid and moisture. Not only will these natural stones repel water, but you can protect them with a special sealant for further peace of mind.

3. Durable against abrasions
Wood is a delicate material that can easily be damaged by heavy and sharp objects, which are quite common in kitchen settings.

To avoid worrying about accidentally slicing into your countertops with a sharp knife or denting the floor after dropping a heavy cooking pot, stick with the proven strength of travertine installation. Thanks to the durability of these tiles, you won't have to concern yourself with cuts, scrapes and other abrasions that can occur while cooking.

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Not only is a swimming pool a great place to take a refreshing dip on a hot day, but it's a space where you can gather with family and close friends to enjoy the beautiful seasonal weather. As a social hangout, you may want to invest in several pool patio upgrades, which can bring added warmth and coziness to the design.

Travertine pavers and travertine pool coping are perfect for enhancing the aesthetic and functional appeal of your pool area. Here are four ways you can successfully upgrade your swimming pool with professional travertine installation.

Pool patio
The obvious place to start with a pool renovation project is with the patio itself. Travertine pool coping can lend natural stone hues like light brown, beige, cream and tan to the immediate area, bringing class and sophistication to your backyard.

Additionally, travertine is a strong and hardy material that can resist heat from the sun, water damage from the pool and remain intact despite years of weathering from Mother Nature.

Backyard walkways
A great way to unify the exterior design elements in your backyard is through paved walkways. Travertine installation in these stone paths can both physically and decoratively link areas like your back porch, pool patio, driveway and garage.

Patio stairs
If your in-ground swimming pool is located on a slight hill or incline in your yard, using travertine stair treads can provide a stunning focal point that also serves as the entrance to your patio.

You can truly impress guests with this stairway by adding wrought-iron railings, ground-level pathway lighting and an attractive metal gate in addition to your travertine stairs.

Pool bar
When the sun is shining and the pool water is the perfect temperature, providing refreshing beverages for your swimming guests can be a great way to add to the experience. You can do this in even greater style by designing a poolside bar area on the patio using travertine tiles.

This open air bar can be covered with an awning or wooden roof to provide shade for guests, while travertine installation provides a sturdy and beautiful stone bar for your friends and family to gather around to escape the heat.

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If you have a cluttered basement full of junk, rearranging the space is a great way to throw away things you don't need and organizing the items you do. You can also clear away the boxes of holiday decorations and baby toys to transform this room into a usable living space, complete with travertine tile flooring and plenty of comfortable seating.

Not sure where to begin your project? Here are some things to keep in mind about successfully tackling spring cleaning.

Get the whole family involved
Spring cleaning is too big an undertaking for a single person, so the first step should be delegating tasks to your significant other and children. While they might moan and groan about having to delve into the basement's rows of boxes and crates, giving everyone a manageable job will lighten the load for all.

For example, you might want to have one person responsible for bagging up items that can be thrown away while another hauls away the trash and garbage. As the leader of this project, you may want to take care of identifying what can stay or go.

Create a flexible schedule
Depending on the size of your basement and depth of your clutter, your spring cleaning project could take one day or several. As you begin to form a plan of attack, keep in mind how much work you can realistically get done before it's time for a break.

While you might be eager to clear out everything in a single session so you can arrange travertine installation for the new living space, spreading out the work over a weekend could be easier on your family members' spirits.

Create a space for organized storage
Considering that you have plans to transform your basement into a second living room or recreation area, it's important to have enough free space to arrange future furniture. However, this doesn't mean you have to completely gut your basement's storage capabilities.

You can leave a corner or section of the room available to house the various seasonal clothes, holiday decorations and spare furniture that you aren't willing to part with. To prevent this from infringing on the living area's design, try using a tall storage cabinet or set of shelves to partially divide and hide this area.

Make sure you emphasize organization and accessibility in this storage space as well. This will keep you from needed to undergo another extensive spring cleaning operation in the near future.

Don't get too attached
Perhaps the biggest threat to the success of your basement cleaning efforts is yourself. After all, you're bound to come across more than a few items that pose a moral dilemma when it comes time to decide if they stay or go in the trash.

While you might have a sentimental attachment to certain heirlooms or remnants, try to have your "keep" pile smaller than your "garbage" pile. Approaching this project with a practical sensibility will allow you to objectively decide what it's absolutely vital to your household.

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However, redesigning your basement with travertine tiles can be a great excuse to build a personal gym in your home. After you have removed the clutter and spruced up the structural elements in the room to make it a usable space, you will have a convenient and private space to focus on your health and fitness goals.

Here are three things to keep in mind about converting your basement into a functional gym following a travertine installation project.

Floor padding
Whether you're interested in lifting weights, practicing yoga or enjoying a cardio workout on a new treadmill, it's important to include plenty of floor padding in your gym basement plans. For starters, this will protect your beautiful travertine tiles from impact damage or abrasions caused by heavy equipment.

Rubber or thick foam padding is also important from a physical activity perspective. Many workouts involve sitting or getting close to the ground, and placing these protective mats in key areas will give you a safe and comfortable place to exercise without worrying about compromising the beautiful travertine installation in your basement.

Plenty of mirrors
Those muscled, toned workout fanatics you see staring into the mirror at the gym aren't doing it out of sheer vanity (OK, well maybe that's part of it…), they're also inspecting their form while exercising. Using mirrors while you work out helps you practice the motions as they were meant to be done.

Because of this, you should make sure there are plenty of mirrors in your home gym. Whether you devote a wall to reflective surfaces or have a few mirrors positioned in different areas of the basement, this will improve your overall workout.

It also doesn't hurt that mirrors can make a small, dark area like a basement feel more open, inviting and well-lit.

Helpful distractions
If you frequently find yourself getting bored while you run or lift weights, it may be that you need a partial distraction to take your mind off those exhausting exercises. Installing a surround sound system in your gym will allow you to crank up the tunes while you sweat, or you could place a large TV in the corner to watch the news or a movie.

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These expectations also extend to the hotel where travelers plan to stay. In particular, most people on vacation prefer a hotel with a beautiful swimming pool to help them relax and have fun.

However, beyond a basic hole in the ground filled with water, there are a number of other poolside accommodations that guests enjoy. Here are a few ways to enhance the appeal of your travertine paver pool patio area.

Poolside bar
There's nothing quite like enjoying a refreshing cocktail or cold beer by the side of the pool, so why would you make your guests head down to the lobby to have a drink? Situating a hotel bar right next to the swimming area will allow vacationers to choose from a variety of specialty beverages without straying too far from their deck lounge chair.

If you want to take your cocktail experience to the next level, you may even want to consider designing an aquatic bar within the pool itself. This way guests can float right over to a submerged stool and order their drink without ever getting out of the water.

Hot tub
After spending a sunny afternoon tanning on the hotel travertine tile pool patio, many guests may be interested in taking a nice dip in the hot tub. Because of this, you might want to think about combining this spa favorite with your pool area. 

Whether you decide to install the hot tub in a separate area of the patio or directly connect it with the main swimming pool, this is a great way to treat guests who are looking to unwind in between sightseeing opportunities. Vacationers in both hot and cool climates are sure to appreciate this hotel amenity.

Children's area
While families in your hotel are likely to enjoy playing with their children by the pool, other couples and older patrons may be looking for a separate swimming area away from the little ones. This will allow adults to enjoy some peace and quiet by their section of the pool while children run and play in their own area.

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It doesn't matter if your hotel is located in the heart of a big city or on a tropical coastline, one thing that's bound to impress guests is a beautiful pool area. Whether you're installing a brand new swimming hole or are looking to improve an existing one, travertine pool coping is a must.

Travertine installation will bring the beauty and strength of natural stone tiles to your hotel, which are perfect for both indoor and outdoor pools. Here are three reasons you can depend on travertine pool coping to improve your hotel's aesthetic appeal.

Authentic appeal
Atmosphere is an important part of establishing your business as one of the premier resorts in town. Luckily, the warmth and attractiveness of travertine tiles and pavers are sure to bring an authentic and natural edge to your pool patio area.

These materials are particularly appropriate if you're going for a rustic or old-world theme in your hotel, such as a Tuscan or Spanish villa. Seeing as travertine tiles typically come from these Mediterranean areas of the world, this is great for lending a traditional European appeal to your pool.

Water resistance
When you're picking out a new material for your pool area, it's vital that you find a product that can stand up against gallons of treated water soaking through its surface on a regular basis. After all, you don't want to find out a couple of weeks after installation that your new patio is crumbling.

Travertine pool coping covered with a water-repellent sealant can resist pools treated with salt, chlorine and bromine equally. This will keep moisture from soaking into the center of the stones and compromising their structure.

Durable design
Beyond the potential damage that pool water can cause, outdoor pool patios can be subject to harsh weather conditions throughout the year. Whether it's an icy frost in the winter or blazing hot temperatures in the summer, travertine installation is guaranteed to stand up to the greatest elemental punishment.

Even better, during the summer months, travertine pool coping remains cool underfoot. This means your hotel guests won't have to worry about burning their feet while relaxing on the patio.

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One of the best ways you can create a rewarding hotel experience for your guests is by boosting the decor in your lobby area. Not only is this ground level the first and last place patrons see upon checking in and out of the hotel, but it's often a place where people come to socialize and relax during their stay.

Here are some hospitality decor tips to keep in mind about breathing new life into your hotel lobby.

Rethink the flooring
As many hotel lobbies are essentially large open spaces to welcome guests, there are only so many ways you can make a big impact on the overall aesthetic of the area. However, redesigning the floor with beautiful travertine tiles can completely revitalize the space with a sense of rustic appeal and old-world grandeur.

With various patterns, hues and cuts to choose from, you can find a travertine installation plan that modifies your existing design scheme without taking away from the proven aesthetic that your patrons have come to know and love.

Create a social environment
While some guests may be looking to unwind with a movie or nap back in their rooms, others use the hotel lobby as a staging ground for their visit to your respective city. Because of this, it's often a good idea to have an area set aside for guests to mingle and socialize before heading out on the town.

Within earshot of the concierge, consider setting up a cozy indoor cafe or basic seating area where guests can sip coffee, enjoy a light lunch and read travel brochures. This can also be a place for patrons to chat with new acquaintances or old friends in the hotel away from their private accommodations.

Incorporate local elements
As a home away from home for guests, your hotel lobby should represent your surroundings in its interior design. While you don't need to overwhelm the aesthetic with tacky decorations or framed pictures, incorporating a few local elements can make your lobby seem like a transition point between their hotel room and the city at large.

For instance, placing a few antique trolley parts around the concierge can be great for a San Francisco hotel. A Miami establishment can incorporate Caribbean and tropical decorations into the design.

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Well, travertine installation can lend your next indoor or outdoor design project plenty of style, versatility and durability. However, you should take the proper precautions to make sure your travertine tiles and travertine pavers look great for years to come.

In particular, sealing these stones will help them stand up against weather damage, scuffs and abrasions down the line. Here is some basic information about how and why you should seal your travertine installation.

Where do I seal?
Travertine stones can be used both inside and outside your home, which can leave you wondering in which circumstances you should seal the material. These stones are naturally strong enough to withstand heavy use, but sealant can ensure that they retain their charm down the line.

While it can make sense to protect tiles installed in your kitchen or bathroom – where water spillage could potentially damage the surface – this procedure is primarily done for exterior patios and travertine pool coping as well as driveway and walkway pavers. 

Why is it necessary to seal?
Travertine pavers are naturally durable and resistant to water, allowing them to remain impressive parts of your home decor for many years. However, outdoor travertine pavers need extra protection when used near pool areas, especially salt water pools.

The reason for this is because travertine stones feature a surface that is naturally porous. This allows salt water to pool and become absorbed into the stone.

Additionally, external sealants are effective at protecting travertine from weathering over the years. During the cold winter months, this procedure can also shield the material from damage caused by ice repeatedly freezing and thawing.

How do I seal?
While you might consider yourself a handy type with plenty of DIY knowledge, it's often best to leave the job of sealing outdoor travertine installation to the professionals. This process can involve removing the surface wax from the stone before applying a water-resistant sealant, so let an expert perform this step to ensure no harm comes to your travertine pavers.

Once any wax has been removed, the sealer is applied in a thick layer across the top, allowing it to sink down into the pores of the stone for maximum protection.

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If you're getting ready to invite friends, family and neighbors over to use your pool, you might want to consider upgrading the exterior decor in the area. Travertine pool coping is a great way to improve the aesthetic of your pool patio while also protecting its structural integrity. Here are three reasons why travertine installation is perfect for your summer fun.

Travertine stands up against water
Considering that you'll be working with an area that is bound to see plenty of moisture, you'll need a product that can hold its appeal in the face of splashes and waves from the pool. After all, even wooden pool decks tend to deteriorate over the years with repeated water exposure.

Luckily, travertine pool coping is just the material to resist potential damage from moisture and wetness. Not only will these stones not fall victim to warping or rot as wood does, but they can maintain their unique colors and patterns in the elements as well.

Winter weather considerations
While you're probably thinking of the benefits travertine installation poses in the summer months, it's important to find a material that can handle the winter weather, too. Between the harsh winds, frigid temperatures, icy mornings and mountains of snow that can accumulate while your pool is hibernating, the last thing you want to discover come spring is massive amount of weather damage.

Travertine pool coping will ensure that your pool area looks great no matter what time of year. These durable stones are able to survive freezing and thawing numerous times without any signs of cracks, chips or dents. Should there be a sudden heat wave to break a cold front, they can withstand the extreme temperature shift as well.

Pool chemicals
Most pools contain some sort of chemical substance to purify the water for swimming. Whether your pool uses chlorine, bromine or even salt water, your travertine installation is safe from chemical damage.

To ensure the quality of your stones, just be sure to request professionals to coat the surface with a special sealant to ward off these substances. This will preserve the unique colors, patterns and textures of your patio.

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One type of design product that is becoming increasingly popular in modern homes is travertine tiles. These beautiful stones are great for bringing warmth and a natural, traditional aesthetic as well as durability into homes of all shapes and sizes.

However, travertine installation is often confused with a similar material – limestone. Here's some basic info to keep in mind about the differences between the two.

Sedimentary vs. metamorphic rock
If it has been a little while since you last cracked open your old school geology textbook, consider this a refresher course on the differences between various types of rocks. Travertine is a sedimentary rock, formed by mineral deposits left on the ground's surface or the bottom of lake and river beds. Because of this, travertine stones are often found near bodies of water rich in minerals.

On the other hand, limestone is a metamorphic rock, meaning that it was created by the transformation of another type of stone through intense pressure and heat. Metamorphic rocks can start as sedimentary, igneous or even other metamorphic rocks before being molded into their final form by geothermal forces.

Rock structure
Now that you have some background on the geology behind travertine and limestone tiles, it's time to talk about how this impacts their physical structure. Considering the amount of heat and pressure necessary to create limestone, these tiles are often solid all the way through, without many pits or dimples.

By comparison, the sediment deposits that create travertine stones often leave behind porous marks inside and on the surface of the rock. Because of this, travertine tiles are sometimes filled with concrete before being used for construction purposes.

Surface appeal
Limestone and travertine tiles can easily be confused, as they're essentially cousins. For instance, both materials feature earthy tones, such as light brown, tan, beige and creamy white, with other natural color variations and patterns.

However, since limestone lacks the pores that characterize travertine, its surface may be somewhat smoother and more unified. As a result, professional travertine installation is necessary to ensure that any surface dimples are filled in before polishing.

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Once you've started to see an influx of new guests, it's important to provide suitable seating arrangements to accommodate increased business. After all, the last thing you want to do is turn away patrons due to long lines and wait times.

But how can you do this while working within the limitations of your property? Here are a few restaurant tips to keep in mind for expanding your seating areas.

Small sidewalk patio
One way you can add more tables and chairs to your establishment without knocking down any walls is by creating a makeshift sidewalk patio. Using travertine pavers to extend the front of your restaurant to the neighborhood outside will not only allow you to serve more guests, but it will make your eatery a more prominent fixture for motorists and sidewalk traffic passing by.

If there isn't much room for an extensive patio project, consider putting up a few potted plants to frame the outdoor eating area. You can then place a handful of tables and chairs on the front sidewalk to accommodate guests who just want to stop by for a drink or quick lunch and enjoy the fresh air.

Restaurant bar
If you've been entertaining the idea of offering beer, wine or even mixed drinks to your patrons, designing a bar area in your restaurant is a great way to open up seating. Not only will you be attracting new customers who want to stop in for a few drinks in the evening, but you'll also provide more individual seating for smaller groups who want to order food and hit the road.

One of the best things about a bar is that it doesn't take up much space, meaning you won't have to dedicate much floor room from your main dining area. With a simple bar and a number of tall stools, you can quickly increase your restaurant's capacity.

Back deck
You can also utilize the rear of your restaurant's property by building a deck area. Whether this spot rests on the ground or is raised up, you can easily extend the appeal of your establishment to include warm weather, sunshine and cool breezes during the spring and summer months.

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Even if you have a delicious menu and choice location, you may need to offer a little something extra to entice new guests. One great way to transform your restaurant into a thriving hotspot is through update decor.

Even if your current interior design is far from shabby, investing in travertine tiles and a new decorative theme can do wonders to attract patrons. But once these new customers make it through the door, you need to keep them coming back on a regular basis.

Hosting special nights of entertainment can give your restaurant a reputation for providing fun times. Here are three regular events to consider for your establishment.

Trivia night
People are always looking for ways to enhance their evenings of good food and drinks, so consider making trivia night a weekly feature of your restaurant. There are sure to be plenty of would-be smarty-pants lining up at your bar to test their knowledge of music, sports, politics, movies, television and literature.

As an added incentive, consider offering prizes to the individuals or teams who win trivia each week. Whether you offer a big prize for first place or a series of gift certificates to those who take first, second and third, these rewards are sure to have people coming back week after week.

Live music
There are few people out there who don't enjoy good music accompanying their night out at a local eatery. If you're looking to push your tune selection beyond the limits of your jukebox, hiring local bands and performers to play in your establishment is sure to draw a crowd.

Whether you're looking for cover bands who can put a live spin on some of the biggest contemporary hits of the day or a local group trying to make a name for themselves, musical performances are a great way to boost your business' visibility.

Karaoke night
If there's one thing that karaoke nights have proven, it's that people love the opportunity to go on stage and embarrass themselves while singing their favorite songs. Picking up a karaoke machine can offer you another source of live entertainment when you don't have local bands or musicians available to play.

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Because of this, it's also important to create a warm, comfortable aesthetic in your restaurant. While much of your attention will likely be on areas like the front entrance, outdoor travertine paver patio or dining room, this doesn't mean you should neglect the aesthetic of more practical areas, such as the bathroom.

Not sure where to begin improving the overall appeal of your lavatories? Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind for your restaurant.

Fragrant touches
One of the most effective ways you can create a more appealing aesthetic in your bathrooms is through the use of flowers and potpourri. Considering the bad odors that can linger in this area, these fragrant additions will offer an appealing aroma to mask these smells.

In addition to their olfactory qualities, flowers and potpourri also make for welcome visual decorations. When placed on the sink countertop or on a small wooden pedestal in the bathroom, these design touches can help make the bathroom an inviting place.

Ornate lighting fixtures
You don't want to go overboard with the decor in your bathroom, as this may come off as unusual to guests who simply want to use the facilities. However, tweaking the practical elements already in place in the room can be a chic and subtle way to improve the decor.

One great place to begin this process is with your bathroom lighting. Instead of just relying on harsh fluorescent lights to get the job done, invest in ornate wall and ceiling fixtures. Installations that feature attractive brass or stainless steel designs can add a sense of sophistication to your establishment.

The right flooring materials
In keeping with the philosophy of taking practical elements and improving their decorative appeal, you may want to think about purchasing travertine tiles for your restaurant bathroom. These warm, luxurious stones can provide a clean and rustic appeal to your restaurants flooring that guests are sure to appreciate. It's also good to know that travertine installation is resistant to moisture and water damage, which makes it perfect for facilities used frequently by restaurant diners.

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Luckily, with a few minor adjustments, you can reduce your carbon footprint. Even better, many of these fixes require minimal time and effort.

Unsure of how to get started? Consider these tips.

1. Replace your shower head and faucet
A simple fix for using too much water would be to take shorter showers, but you can also replace your shower head to reduce H2O consumption. Aerated fixtures can inject air into the flow of water, minimizing usage without sacrificing water pressure.

The same goes for your sink faucet, so consider replacing it as well. This lessens how much water and energy you use on a regular basis, helping you do your part to protect Mother Nature.

2. Reconsider your toilet
While many modern homes already have toilets with optimal water efficiency installed, older houses built before the early 1990s may still have inefficient models. Putting in a low-flush toilet can significantly reduce the amount of water you use.

Even if your bathroom was built after the federal government mandated low-flow toilets become home fixtures, a newer model may be in order. New technology in low-flush toilets is a major step forward compared to those from 20 years ago. 

3. Use fabric in place of the turning up thermostat
There's an easy way to trap warmth in your travertine tile bathroom without breaking the bank. Rather than crank up your thermostat, consider simply laying a bathroom-safe area rug near the shower.

You can also use heavy fabric window curtains to prevent warm air from escaping through drafty windows in your bathroom. Windows and doors are the main culprits in home heating loss, so this quick and easy solution is sure to save you big bucks.

You may have noticed that there's a large gap between the floor and the bottom of your bathroom door. Placing a doorway snake – a long fabric tube filled with sand – underneath the frame can improve energy conservation in the room.

No matter what, it's important to remember that the best bathrooms will allow a person to relax and unwind in addition to being energy-efficient. After all, it's nice to know you're helping the environment when you're brushing your teeth or getting ready for work in the morning. 

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However, that doesn't mean you should have to sacrifice style in creating an effective culinary space. An ideal kitchen should be equal parts practical and decorative, so that not an inch of space is wasted.

One kitchen addition that is both useful and beautiful is travertine installation. With a floor made of incredible travertine tiles, you can bring a classic and durable aesthetic to this room.

As for the rest of this space, here are a few efficient and appealing storage solutions to round out your design.

Hanging pot racks
The great thing about storage in the kitchen is that you actually want to put your various kitchenware, silverware, cooking utensils and special ingredients on display. If you have a set of beautiful pots and pans, a hanging rack can be the ideal way to incorporate these items into the room.

This display rack should be positioned above your sink, a cutting board station or a central island for maximum effect. This way, the dangling pots and pans will seem like part of a well-loved and functional kitchen.

Glass-door cabinets
Chances are, most of the cabinets in your kitchen are made of wood. However, replacing a few of the cabinet doors with glass models can provide a unique and elegant edge in your kitchen.

Not only will this vary the design scheme of your cabinets, but you can highlight your fine china or antique kitchenware when guests come for dinner.

If you want to take this idea one step further, consider purchasing a new standalone cabinet for your kitchen with glass-paned doors. This will give you extra space to store odds and ends in your kitchen while freeing up room for silverware, plates and serving utensils.

Kitchen island
If you don't have one already, a kitchen island can be just the thing to breathe new life into your home. Set in the middle of the room, this unique countertop can be used for a variety of purposes.

The base of the island is perfect for holding a variety of ingredients and utensils you'll need when preparing family meals. Additionally, the island can be a great spot for family and friends to gather in the kitchen, whether it's chatting over drinks, sampling appetizers or helping the kids finish their homework.

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If you're looking for a material that will lend style and strength to your kitchen, consider the appeal of beautiful and durable travertine tiles. Here are three reasons these stones are great for your restaurant's flooring.

They are heat-resistant
If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen, as the old saying goes. While this primarily refers to people who can't handle the pressure of working in a frantic restaurant, the same rule can apply to your flooring material as well.

The average kitchen is chock-full of appliances that can crank up the temperatures in a restaurant, especially during meal times. Luckily, the stone tiles used in travertine installation are great for withstanding extreme heat without you having to worry about warping, scorching or fire damage.

The durability of travertine tiles is also helpful when chefs and line cooks are running around with scalding pans and plates that could easily damage weaker flooring materials if dropped.

They can resist water damage and spills
For all the flames and hot burners used by kitchen staff, they also work with a lot of liquids. This can be a problem for floors using hard or engineered wood planks, as multiple spills or bursts of steam could lead to damage over time.

Just like in a home bathroom, the buildup of moisture from hot steam can cause the wood to gradually distort and twist. Because of this, it's better to employ materials like travertine tiles that can easily resist water damage over the course of many years.

They work with a variety of restaurant themes
Open kitchen designs are becoming quite popular in modern restaurants, as they allow guests to enjoy the show while the culinary staff prepares their delicious meals. However, this visibility also means that you need to have a stylish kitchen that fits with the overall theme of your establishment.

Travertine installation is attractive and versatile enough to work with a variety of design schemes, from Southwestern Tex-Mex to a chic Italian bistro. Whatever your style, you can rely on these simple yet beautiful stones to get the job done.

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While pools are generally enjoyable and safe for children and adults to use, they do pose some hazards that you should keep in mind. After all, you don't want an accident or injury to put a damper on your aquatic fun.

Here are five safety features that you should consider when designing your pool area.

A sturdy fence
Unlike an above-ground pool, in-ground pools are essentially giant, watery holes in the ground. Because of this, it's important to have a sturdy fence surrounding the area to prevent unwary neighborhood children from wandering through your yard and falling in the pool.

Ideally, this safety fence should be tall enough to prevent any rambunctious kids from hopping over and using the pool anyway. Whether you decide on wood, iron or chain-link construction, a fence that is about 4 feet high will keep the area safe.

Gate that automatically closes
There's always the chance that a pool accident will occur during the few minutes you have your back turned or you head indoors. To stop any children from entering the pool area during these brief moments, consider purchasing a gate that automatically closes.

This product will allow you to enter and exit your pool without constantly needing to secure the entrance. Many models also feature devices that instantly lock or become secure for added peace of mind.

Warning sign
Let's face it – some people just can't take a hint. As an additional measure of caution to your fence and automatic gate, sometimes hanging up a sign that says "Exercise Caution" or even "Private Property" can be just the thing to deter curious kids from poking around.

While you're at it, you may also want to consider hanging up a sign or two in the pool area that list rules and safety procedures. These can inform users not to run, to avoid pushing and which ends are the shallow areas of the pool.

Nighttime lights
Not all accidents will necessarily occur when you're not paying attention. For those nighttime pool sessions when it's particularly dark outside, it's vital that you have plenty of bright lighting to illuminate the area.

Not only will fixtures, such as pool light and flood lights, help avoid anyone from accidentally falling in and hurting themselves, but it can also prevent accidents that may occur due to poor visibility while swimming.

Safety net
Whether it's backyard critters or the kids who live down the block, the main idea behind pool safety is to prevent anyone from accidentally stumbling into the water and hurting themselves. For an added safety precaution when the pool is not in use, a sturdy net covering can keep the area secure.

This device can be pulled out while you're away on vacation or out of town to ensure nothing winds up floating in the water when you get back. This is particularly useful for keeping small animals, like rabbits, mice and frogs, from diving in.

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If you're opening a new eatery or looking to expand the appeal of your current establishment, using travertine pavers to create a comfortable and luxurious outdoor seating area can be great for business. Not only will you be increasing the number of guests you can serve, but you'll also be opening up your restaurant to natural sunlight, warm breezes and clear, blue skies.

Luckily, even if you only have limited exterior space available, you can still design a great travertine installation patio. Here are three tips to keep in mind along the way.

1. Stick with small, circular tables
The first trick in efficiently using available space is to find versatile and appropriately sized outdoor furnishings. In particular, purchasing circular patio tables that are on the smaller side can free up plenty of ground space to accommodate guests.

Unlike square or rectangular surfaces, circular tables allow for greater flexibility when accommodating larger parties. Extra diners who show up to the party later can simply ask everyone to slide over without sticking someone on an uncomfortable corner.

2. Shift the host station
Chances are, you'll have a station set up for your host or hostess to keep an eye on guests eating outdoors. This will allow your establishment to immediately address any issues occurring outside without forcing diners to enter the restaurant or wait for a server for help.

To keep this station from taking up free patio space, consider locating it directly outside the perimeter of your patio. When stationed next to the front door of your restaurant, you can even combine this with the indoor hosting station for a more streamlined operation.

3. Keep decorations off the ground
Considering that you're working with only a little bit of space outside, it's important to keep as much of it free as possible for seating purposes and traffic flow. However, this doesn't mean that you need to completely neglect decorations such as plants, flowers and outdoor lamps.

Instead of relying on potted plants and standing lighting fixtures to improve the patio's aesthetic, consider placing these elements on a perimeter fence or barrier. By incorporating these decorations with the surrounding fence or low-wall, you can provide guests with a greater sense of privacy without sacrificing extra room.

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One great way to transform your humble restaurant into a happening neighborhood institution is by providing guests with an outdoor dining option. As the temperatures begin to warm up during the spring and summer, many people are looking for places where they can relax in the fresh air and sunshine while enjoying a coffee or sandwich.

Travertine pavers are great materials to use for creating a front or back patio. Here are five other design elements to keep in mind to create a wonderful outdoor experience for your patrons.

1. Room to breathe
One of the biggest mistakes restaurants make when creating outdoor patios is not leaving enough room for guests to dine comfortably. While it's alright to place tables and chairs a little closer than you would indoors to work with limited room, it's important that diners have a sense of privacy and personal space.

Additionally, you need to leave room  for waiters and bussers to navigate in between tables without bumping into everyone around them. Try to arrange your furniture so that there's a clear pathway leading from the patio to the front door of the restaurant for improved traffic flow.

2. Versatile shade
Some outdoor diners like to bask in the sun. Other patrons may be hoping to escape the glaring light beneath a shady awning.

Still more guests may enjoy sitting under the sun until it's shining directly in their eyes. Because of these conflicting scenarios, it's important to offer versatile shaded options to patio guests.

Making sure each table has a workable umbrella is a great place to start, as is installing a retractable awning over the entire travertine installation. You may want to locate the patio near a few shady trees as well.

3. Natural decor
Whether your restaurant is located in the heart of the city or on a suburban street, outdoor diners are sure to enjoy natural decor on your patio. Purchasing flower boxes filled with roses, daffodils, tulips, orchids and other flora will add soothing aromas and a splash of color to your outdoor area.

In addition, you might want to include a few large potted plants to frame the corners and entrance to your patio.

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While much of your backyard's aesthetic is likely determined by natural elements, such as your garden, lawn and trees, the patio plays a large part in creating an inviting outdoor space. To make sure your travertine installation is the envy of all your neighbors, consider some of the following home design tips for your patio.

Complement your exterior decor
Travertine pavers are natural stones that feature a combination of orange, light brown, red and yellow to create their signature warm, earthy tones. Because of this specific range of color options, you want to make sure the tiles you pick best match your home's exterior decor.

Yellowish shades may be ideal for enhancing a home inspired by a Tuscan villa of Northern Italy, while a dark red hue may match a traditional American house that features plenty of exposed brick. Keeping these influences in mind can be a great way to select travertine installation that doesn't clash with your existing design.

Consider your outdoor furniture
Next in your list of design considerations for a travertine patio is your outdoor furniture. Much like the appeal of your home's exterior, the look and feel of any patio or backyard furnishings can dictate what kind of environment you can effectively create.

If you have plenty of dark metal or iron chairs, tables and stools in your backyard, you may want to pick travertine pavers that work with a rustic Spanish or Southwestern scheme. Worn wooden furniture can be great for creating a Mediterranean or coastal American appeal.

Incorporate natural elements
Any good backyard patio is going to work best when it is flanked by natural elements, so keep that in mind when designing yours. Depending on the layout of your yard, you should leave plenty of room for the travertine installation without sacrificing large portions of your lawn.

You may also want to incorporate any elements from a nearby garden or patch of trees into your patio design. Positioning this area so that colorful flowers and shady trees add to the comfortable appeal is sure to make your home a desirable hangout.

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However, you may find the bare-bones design of your laundry room calls for something of a decorative upgrade. After all, it's always nice to surround yourself with nice colors and patterns while you're working away.

Here are some home design tips to keep in mind when it comes to improving the aesthetic of your laundry room.

Create a practical workstation
Much of a laundry room's decor should also be practical in nature so you have a space that is both attractive and efficient. If you have an entire family's worth of clothes to sort through on a weekly basis, consider creating a separate workstation using a table or counter.

This surface will provide the perfect area for you to sort color items from whites, fold clothes neatly and apply treatment for those stains that are tough to get out. You can also install some cabinets or shelves overhead in this area to contain the cleaning products and tools you need.

Keep water-resistance in mind
Just like any room that comes equipped with plumbing, it's a good idea to focus on water-resistant materials. This is particularly necessary for the floor, as wooden boards or carpeting can easily be ruined by moisture and water stains.

For a product that is sure to remain beautiful and durable in the face of spills, consider travertine tiles in your laundry room. Not only will these stones hold up against liquids without losing their appeal, but you can select an array of colors and textures to enhance your decorative scheme.

Buy new appliances
You can make a major decorative impact in this space by simply replacing your tired, old washing machine and dryer with state of the art models. Placing these new items over your travertine installation will provide a much-needed design boost in the form of sleek, high-tech appliances.

As a practical advantage of buying a new washer and dryer, you can also find products that are both energy and water efficient. This will reduce the overall carbon footprint that your home creates, saving the environment as well as the money in your bank account.

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If you're looking to take your patio beyond the basics of home design, you might want to invest in the strength and appeal of travertine pavers. These stunning stones are versatile enough to be used in a variety of design styles while also being able to withstand weathering over the years.

Here are three sources of design inspiration that will work perfectly with travertine installation in your backyard.

Rustic Italian
Regardless of whether you come from a large Italian family or you're simply an admirer of Mediterranean architecture, travertine pavers are ideal for creating a rustic Italy-inspired aesthetic for your patio. Consider selecting warm hues like light brown or tan for the stones to reflect the styles of Tuscany and the northern peninsula.

Italian design also favors traditional wooden elements, so you can enhance your patio's appearance with vintage outdoor furnishings. Backyard chairs and tables with decorative grains and signs light of wear and tear can provide an appeal that looks like they have been passed down over many generations.

With some authentic Italian cuisine and a fine bottle of wine, you'll feel like you're relaxing along the shores of the Mediterranean.

Southwestern fusion
The American Southwest is a melting pot of cultural influences, with architecture inspired by American settlers, Native Americans and Spanish colonialism from Mexico. Considering the bright, warm colors used to match the vividness of this region's desert landscape, travertine installation is a great fit for Southwestern design.

On top of your travertine pavers, try purchasing furnishings and lighting fixtures that feature dark wrought iron accents for a distinctly Spanish appeal. You may also want to use multicolored, hand-woven outdoor rugs to add interest to the space.

To round out the Southwestern design, potted cacti and agave plants are a nice finishing touch.

Nautical appeal
If you've always been partial to the sandy beaches and rolling waves of the coastline, then you might want to think about incorporating a nautical theme into your backyard patio. With your travertine pavers as a base material, you can add all sorts of aquatic accents and decorations – from lobster traps to buoys, oars and seashells – to reflect the charm of seaside life.

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If you've been looking for effective ways of improving the look and feel of your kitchen, you might want to think about upgrades that will make it more accessible. With the right attention to detail, you'll design a space that instantly welcomes guests into your humble abode while also remaining functional for family uses.

Here are some home decor tips and tricks to keep in mind for bringing new life to your kitchen.

Make entertainment a focus
Considering that guests often make their way toward the kitchen during a party or small social gathering, it helps to have the capability to provide some light entertainment in this space.

While you don't need to set up an enormous HDTV or home theater in your kitchen, you may want to include a small radio or speaker system that will allow you to play music. This is sure to please your guests while also offering you great tunes to cook to on your own time.

Create a breakfast nook
A great way to accommodate a few good friends or family members in your kitchen is by creating a welcoming breakfast nook. This divided area will provide a comfortable and semi-private space to chat over tea or coffee without monopolizing the rest of the kitchen.

Building off of your travertine tile, consider using a pair of cushioned benches to frame this sitting area. When arranged around a low wooden table, this collection of furniture will be set aside from the main eating area for a cozy effect.

Design a central island
Taking the same idea of a breakfast nook and tweaking a few of the details, a central kitchen island is another popular feature for entertaining guests in the kitchen. Instead of sitting down on benches, you and your visitors can stand or rest on tall stools while gathering around this waist-high surface.

A kitchen island is also a great place to store various snacks and ingredients commonly used when hosting guests, such as a bowl of fruit, sugar for coffee or a cookie jar. Consider picking a surface material that matches your travertine installation for the best decorative effect.

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No two backyards are the same, which means that you'll likely be considering a variety of different outdoor projects before you find one that matches your needs and tastes. Luckily, travertine pavers are perfect for dressing up numerous exterior areas.

Here are three potential uses of travertine installation to breathe new life into your home's backyard.

Backyard patio
Perhaps the most popular and basic addition to a home's exterior is a patio. Usually located at the back of the house, this outdoor area essentially functions as an extension of the creature comforts found inside your home.

Travertine pavers can provide a sturdy, attractive surface to set up a grill station for summer barbecues or lounge area for relaxing in the shade or sun. This will give you a great place to catch up with close friends, hold outdoor family meals or simply read a good book while soaking up some rays.

Gazebo
While many homes feature a patio or deck area, a gazebo takes this concept one step further. Instead of being situated close to the home, these beautiful structures are usually set back in the yard as a way to add interest to the landscape.

The gazebo itself may be made out of wood, but installing these stones at the base can be a creative way to enhance the gazebo's aesthetic.

This simple wooden structure is perfect for retreating out of the hot sun and enjoying some shade. You can also decorate this area for seasonal parties, using it as an area for dancing, playing music or even hosting a live band!

Pool area
Another great place for travertine installation is around your in ground swimming pool. For starters, these stone tiles provide a warm, attractive surface for you and your guests to dry off after a dip in the pool. You can also rest assured that no amount of water – either from the pool or the elements – will leave your travertine patio looking dingy or dull.

Whether you're just relaxing by yourself by the water or hosting a neighborhood pool party, a travertine pool area is a must-have.

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Luckily, these products are durable enough to resist damage from the rain, snow, ice and wind. However, the outdoors can have a way of creeping up on your travertine pavers and negatively impacting their aesthetic in ways you might not expect.

To protect the look and feel of your backyard patio or pool area, here are some simple maintenance and care tips to keep in mind.

Handle heavy outdoor furniture with care
Once your travertine installation is complete, you'll likely want to begin decorating the area with attractive outdoor furniture. As you're doing this, make sure you handle any particularly heavy pieces with caution.

Furnishings made of heavy plastic, wood or metal may crack or chip travertine pavers if they're dropped on the stone, so move carefully and deliberately when arranging these outdoor pieces. You don't want your brand new patio table or barbecue grill to be the ruin of your patio's appeal

Keep grass and weeds under control
There's nothing worse than seeing tall grass and weeds start to peek through the cracks between brand new stone pavers, so watch out for any parts of your patio that are adjacent to your yard. Ideally, you should be using a weed-whacker or stone edger to keep your lawn separate from your travertine patio.

In addition to trimming and edging, you may want to use weed control products to keep unwanted plants from intertwining with your attractive stone design.

Watch out for mildew and grime
Sooner or later, you may have to deal with the effects of the weather on your travertine pavers. While the elements aren't likely to impact the structural integrity of your stones, it is possible that mold, mildew and grime will begin to form on the surface of your pool area or patio.

If you do spot patches forming on your stones, consider using a high pressure power washer to clean up the area. Using a concentrate jet of water, this device can instantly remove the most difficult buildups of grime without harming the travertine below.

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So, to make sure you're staying warm this winter without sending your bank account into ruin, here are a few helpful tips for weatherproofing your home.

Seal your doors and windows
If you're searching for the main culprits involved with letting cold air in and warm air out, look no further than your home's doorways and windows. These portals can often be poorly insulated, meaning drafts can slip through the frames while cold temperatures penetrate thin panes of glass.

For windows, installing outer storm windows can block much of the chilly air. Similarly, hanging heavy window curtains indoors can add another barrier to the cold. You may also want to invest in rubber weatherstripping along the edges of the window.

As for doors, you can often get away with placing a door snake – a fabric tube filled with sand – along the bottom of the frame to seal off any drafts. If your home features flooring materials such as travertine tiles or hardwood, consider using large woven area rugs to block cold air rising from the floor and doormats to stop drafts under doorways.

Insulate your wall outlets and ceiling fixtures
Of course, doors and windows aren't the only ways for warm air to escape your home. Believe it or not, your electrical wall outlets and ceiling lights also contribute to heat loss.

You can check to see whether there's a draft by approaching these fixtures and feeling for any cold air movement. If you find a draft, consider installing special insulation designed to plug up any cracks around the outlets or light bulbs.

Get a furnace tuneup
Even if you manage to effectively stop most unwanted drafts from affecting your home, you're still going to need to turn on the heat to keep warm. For homes that use older oil furnaces, even turning the thermostat on for a couple of hours can result in burning a lot of energy, especially with travertine installation that does not help hold warmth in a room.

Because of this, you may want to call your heating provider to have a repair technician inspect the furnace's efficiency. A few hours of maintenance can greatly reduce the amount of oil used to heat your home, saving you bundles of cash over the course of the season.

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While a good part of your project should involve focusing on landscaping and gardening, you'll also want to pay attention to the non-lawn areas of your front yard. In particular, travertine pavers can make a world of difference in improving the look and feel of your home's exterior.

Here are a few outdoor design tips to keep in mind when it comes to getting the most out of your travertine installation.

Rethink your driveway
It might seem like a minor detail your front yard, but an attractive driveway can go a long way in improving the aesthetic effect of your house's exterior. Instead of relying on the all-too-common poured asphalt, concrete slabs or gravel constructions, travertine pavers can offer a sophisticated and stylish alternative.

If you really want to improve your driveway, consider expanding the boundaries to include a basketball court. These stone tiles are great for providing a hard surface for your family members to play ball.

Blaze a trail to your front door
Creating a pathway to your front door can provide a sense of unity and accessibility to your home. Travertine installation can extend the appeal of your driveway to the entryway to your humble abode while also providing a framework to plant flowers, shrubs and small trees around the exterior.

Upgrade your front stoop
It's only right that you extend this effect to your front stoop, don't you think? Whether you have a simple raised step leading to the entrance or a wider porch perfect for relaxing outdoors, these attractive stone tiles are sure to impress the neighborhood.

Create a gazebo space
If you've always wanted to create a shady, secluded spot to enjoy the natural appeal of your lawn, you might want to consider purchasing a traditional wooden gazebo for the front yard is the way to go. By placing this structure on top a plot of travertine pavers, you'll have a well-defined and attractive space to enjoy the warm weather while reading a book or sipping on a glass of lemonade.

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Usually located next to a side or back entrance to a home, the mudroom is the ideal place to store wet rain coats, muddy boots, dirty outerwear and other messy items. Not only is this a great way to keep filth from seeping into your home's rugs and furniture, but this space is also the perfect staging ground for outdoor activities around your yard.

Here are some design tips and tricks to help you get the most out of this functional room.

Purchase durable flooring
Considering all the mud, dirt and water that's likely to be found in your mudroom floor, you should have a floor material that's able to stand up to this challenge. Travertine tiles are not only great from an aesthetic standpoint, but their tough, reliable construction is ideal for the demands of a mudroom.

Any grime your family tracks onto your travertine installation can be easily swept up and washed away without worrying about replacing your flooring. You can add some decorative interest to this space with colorful floor mats for people to wipe their feet.

Repurpose your laundry room
If you've been looking for an excuse to purchase a new washer and dryer, refurbishing your mudroom is the perfect reason to do so! With all the muddy shoes likely to be spending time in this space, having the ability to run a load of laundry right is highly convenient.

Situating your washer and dryer in this space will also provide you with a private place to clean clothes, meaning your family won't have to throw on headphones or turn up the TV every time you do a load of laundry.

Use it as a storage space
Your mudroom doesn't just have to be a place for dirty clothes. With all the free wall and floor space in this area, you should take advantage of the storage capabilities of this room as well.

In addition to laundry detergent and fabric softener you'll need for your new washer and dryer, consider purchasing shelving units to organize other basic household items, ranging from cleaning supplies to light bulbs, toiletries, gardening materials, non-perishable snacks, paper products and other items you use every day.

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While it might present more of a challenge than redesigning an office or playroom, basement bedrooms can still be comfortable, attractive and spacious with the right planning. Here are some home design tips to help get your basement project off on the right foot.

Install travertine tiles
Once you've cleared away all the boxes of hand-me-down clothes and holiday decorations from you cellar, the first thing you will want to focus on is the floor. While cold, gray concrete is far from an inviting flooring option, you can easily transform the ground with beautiful and versatile travertine tiles.

Consider the walls and ceilings
If the travertine installation is all set, the next step in converting this storage space into a cozy bedroom is to focus on the walls and ceilings. Since many basements have exposed wires, pipes, ventilation, wood beams and even insulation, easy-to-install wall and ceiling panels can quickly cover these decorative blemishes.

Focus on warm lighting
Considering that your basement is located beneath the earth, attention to natural illumination and interior lighting fixtures is key. To let in plenty of sunlight, try to expand the size of any windows or doorways in the basement or create new ones altogether.

For nighttime, you'll need to purchase lighting fixtures that provide warm, comfortable illumination. In addition to a few floor and table lamps, consider hiring a professional to install ceiling lights that offer even visibility.

Don't forget the decorative accents
Last but not least, you'll want to purchase plenty of fabric accents to soften the aesthetic in the basement and make it seem like a livable space. Finding colorful, translucent window dressings will add a blast of excitement to the bedroom without cutting off the flow of natural sunlight.

As for your travertine tiles, consider implementing a large area rug with engaging patterns. Not only will this add visual appeal, but it will provide a warm, soft surface to talk on.

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To go along with the convenience of your extra bedroom, you may also want to consider designing a guest bathroom in your house as well. Here are a few home decor tricks to keep in mind for creating a cozy space for your guests to freshen up.

Stick with travertine tiles
Bathrooms don't usually require an abundance of design elements for an attractive design scheme. Because of this simplicity, you need to get the most out of the basic decor elements you do use.

For a bathroom floor that is attractive, durable and comfortable, you can rely on travertine tiles to get the job done. Not only is travertine installation available in a wide variety of textures, colors and styles, but they're strong enough to resist the wear and tear your guests can subject them to during their stay.

Provide plenty of storage
A functional guest bathroom requires enough storage space for visitors to stash their toothbrushes, toothpaste, hair brushes, shampoos, soaps and other toiletries. A chest of drawers or cabinet space will allow company to privately store any bathroom necessities.

Echo elements of the guest bedroom
If you're looking for a way to unify the aesthetic between the guest bedroom and bathroom, consider echoing some of the decor accents in the space. For instance, you can purchase similar floral patterned window curtains for the bathroom to mimic the flowery designs in the bedroom.

In addition to window dressings, floor mats and area rugs are great accents to recreate colors, patterns and textures in the two rooms. You may also want to hang up a similar portrait or painting to match those you used in the bedroom.

Maximize lighting fixtures
You can never have enough illumination in a bathroom, so be sure to focus your efforts on utilizing lighting fixtures. In addition to vanity lights, an overhead pendant light or chandelier can provide a unique decorative edge while also boosting visibility.

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Every guy needs a place to turn up his testosterone levels up in the comfort of his own home. Here are some home design ideas to keep in mind for creating the ultimate manly sanctuary.

Find a spare corner of your home
There's little chance that your significant other is going to let you turn the living room or guest bedroom into your man cave, so you're going to need to find a corner of your home that currently doesn't have much use. Some ideal locations include your garage, basement or another spare storage space.

Lay the groundwork
Before purchasing a new flat screen television or installing a home bar, you're going to need to tackle some basic design elements. A great place to get started is to install travertine tiles in the space.

Travertine installation provide a versatile surface that you can dress up with area rugs and floor mats. This stalwart flooring material is also great for resisting spills, stains, scuffs, abrasions and other damage while retaining its quality.

Design a multimedia center
No man cave is complete without plenty of high-tech toys and gadgets for you and your buddies to enjoy, so be sure to make a multimedia center the focal point of the room. Ideally, you'll want to purchase an HDTV to go along with a Blu-ray player, surround sound system, video game console and other gizmos.

These electronic devices will make your home ground zero for hosting the guys for Sunday football, running action movie marathons, blasting live concert footage or holding an all-night video game session.

Create a home bar aesthetic
In addition to a multimedia center, another man cave staple is a home bar. Creating a watering hole in your basement or garage will provide the perfect hangout spot for you and your friends to enjoy without heading out on the town every night.

Consider installing a classic wooden bar in the corner of your space without plenty of accompanying decorations – dart boards, glowing neon signs, beer memorabilia, leather stools and an extensive collection of fine liqueurs are just a few examples of what could work in this new, guy-friendly area. Bottoms up!

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Or is it? Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Consider your colors
Different colors can have a drastic impact on your perception of an object’s size and shape.

For instance, darker colors call attention to an area’s borders before drawing the eye inward, creating a visual illusion of reduced space. Alternately, lighter hues can direct the eye outward while glancing over the room’s limitations, making the area feel more comfortable.

Consider using shades like white, beige, light blue, gray and yellow to paint the walls in this room. Travertine tiles can also provide a light tan or brown hue that will help the room feel more expansive when paired with similar natural shade in furnishings and wall colors.

Emphasize the flow of light
Much like colors, lighting can significantly open up a tiny space. This is why emphasizing any windows in the room is sure to make the area seem larger. Not only do windows let in warm, natural light, but they make the scene outdoors part of the room.

Framing these portals with light, translucent curtains can provide added decoration without blocking the view or flow of sunlight. Travertine installation can reflect natural light for a warm, comfortable glow in the room.

Similarly, employing mirrors in your home can also create a sense of enhanced space. This is because mirrors function similarly to windows in a tiny room by reflecting natural illumination throughout the area. Additionally, mirrors can trick your eye into seeing the room as slightly larger, even if your mind understands it’s just a reflection.

Rearrange your furniture
In a normal size room, people have a tendency to push furniture against the walls to leave plenty of open space for movement. Believe it or not, in a smaller room, doing the opposite can make the dimensions seem more spacious. Consider pulling your sofas, chairs and tables away from the walls a bit and toward the center of the room.

There might be less central space, but this dynamic arrangement can actually make the room feel less cramped. This is partially due to the unconventional design as well as the added space perceived behind the furniture.

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Here are some tips for getting started.

Invest in nighttime lighting
Most pool parties tend to occur when the sun is high in the sky, allowing people to enjoy the beautiful weather and work on their tans. However, warm summer evenings can also be ideal for taking a refreshing swim

This is where creative lighting fixtures come into play.

A great way to provide after-hours illumination with an aquatic theme is by installing glowing pool lights. These waterproof fixtures can be placed directly in your swimming pool for an atmospheric touch, often coming with the ability to shift between various colors.

Coordinate eye-catching tiling
One must-have feature for your pool area are travertine pavers. These stylish stone tiles are great for creating a warm and inviting aesthetic around your swimming pool while also being durable enough to resist the elements.

Even better, travertine installation is an investment that will keep your home’s exterior fashionable for years to come. 

Build a bar area
The only thing better than relaxing by the pool is doing so with a cold drink nearby. To keep the refreshments close at hand during your summer pool parties, a bar area may be in order.

Whether you opt for a basic wooden gazebo with a mini-fridge or a more elaborate poolside shack with an entertainment system, grilling capabilities and plenty of bar stools, this concept is sure to be a hit with your guests. Just make sure to keep the area stocked with bottles of water, soda, beer and other summertime beverages.

Install an outdoor lounge
Despite the fact that it’s called a pool party, not everyone who shows up is likely to jump in the water. To provide a place for these shy swimmers to relax while everyone else is splashing around, consider setting up an outdoor lounge area.

All you need is a few outdoor lounge chairs, an overhang, sofas and tables for your guests to kick back and relax in the shade during your backyard event.

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Because of this, you’ll likely want to make sure your humble abode has maximum curb appeal. By sprucing up the exterior of your home with a few subtle upgrades, you’ll have a better chance of attracting potential homeowners. 

Here are some home design tips to keep in mind for transforming your home’s exterior into an extremely desirable piece of real estate.

1. Trust in travertine tiles
Not only will these pieces of stone bring beauty and sophistication to your home’s exterior, but they’re designed to stand up to the elements for decades. These combined factors are vital for convincing buyers that your home is not just aesthetically pleasing, but a good long-term investment as well. Travertine installation can also extend to your front walkway, unifying this look in your front yard.

2. Focus on the details
You don’t necessarily need to break the bank to impress home buyers. For instance, touching up the smaller elements of your front stoop or porch can go a long way in boosting your home’s curb appeal. Consider polishing any metallic elements like the lock, handle and numbers on your front door.

The same goes for your mailbox and any exterior lighting fixtures positioned nearby. Even placing a few potted plants or hanging a seasonal wreath on the front of your home can create a more appealing aesthetic.

3. Don’t neglect landscaping
Perhaps the easiest and most effective way to sell your home is by focusing on your yard. Between the trees, grass, bushes and flowers, there’s likely a good deal of plant life that could use your attention.

If you don’t have the time (or, let’s face it- patience) to coordinate a complete landscaping overhaul, consider hiring a professional to spruce up your property. After all, a potential buyer will likely respond to a trimmed lawn, calming trees and beautiful flowers, even if the house itself already looks great.

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Of course, you’ll want to create a welcoming design scheme in your foyer, which will set the tone for the rest of your home’s appeal. Here are some unique tips and tricks for balancing style and function in this entryway.

Maximize lighting appeal
Considering that this is the front room of your home, you have a great opportunity to harness natural light in your foyer. Installing decorative window panes around the frame of your front door can allow additional sunlight through to brighten up the interior. A small, semi-circle window at the top of the doorway can round out this look, giving the space a sense of natural warmth and beauty.

As for the nighttime hours, you’ll want to use an impressive central lighting fixture to illuminate the foyer. Either a traditional chandelier or contemporary pendant light can be used as a decorative focal point in the space, depending on the existing style of your home’s interior.

Keep practicality in mind
When you’re not welcoming guests into your home, the foyer is essentially a room that your family members pass through on their way in and out of the front door. Because of this, you may want to use a practical wooden cabinet or table as a place to leave items you might need before heading out – keys, wallets, mail, weather gear and sunglasses.

Next to this surface, consider placing a tall coat rack for your family members to leave their coats, jackets and hats for easy access. You can also hang a wall mirror nearby for last-minute touch-ups before heading out the door.

Infuse some personal elements
Just like any other room in your home, it’s nice to bring a personal touch to your foyer. Not only does this help expand your decorative efforts, but it conveys a well-loved aesthetic when neighbors or friends comes to visit. Hanging a few family portraits on the walls smaller photographs of vacations, picnics and warm family moments are sure to make the room come to life.

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If you’re currently thinking about installing a patio, sturdy, aesthetically pleasing travertine tiles will help get the job done. These materials can stand up to the worst Mother Nature throws their way while providing an array of colors and textures you and your guests are sure to love. Once your travertine installation is complete, here are some patio design tips to round out your home project.

1. Include natural elements
Considering that your patio is located outside, part of your decor efforts may want to revolve around incorporating more natural elements. An array of colorful potted plants and flower boxes will infuse energy into your travertine tile patio while also making the space feel more unified with the trees and shrubs in your yard. You can build on this theme by selecting cushions and pillows with floral hues and patterns, which will work to incorporate your outdoor furniture into the natural aesthetic.

2. Mimic your living room arrangement
Furniture arrangement is essential to creating a comfortable backyard patio, but many people are unsure how to approach this task. Luckily, designing your outdoor space is really no different than placing items in your home’s living room. Your chairs and sofas should be arranged to emphasize social interaction around a focal point, such as a table or outdoor fireplace. You also want to make sure your furnishings don’t impede the flow of traffic, so make sure any doorways or outdoor paths to the rest of the yard are unobstructed.

3. Keep outdoor lighting in mind
Chances are, you’re going to spend most of your time on the patio while the sun is shining. However, there are sure to be those outdoor gatherings like block parties, family barbecues and pool parties where you don’t want to fun to end just because the sun is going down. In these instances, it’s helpful to have plenty of attractive outdoor lighting fixtures to set the mood. Floodlight can overwhelm your patio, so focus on dimmer options that still provide adequate illumination. For more aesthetic options, consider strings of white Christmas lights and a fire pit that are perfect for low-key evenings and larger parties.

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If you’re searching for an attractive and memorable material to use throughout your humble abode, look no further than travertine tiles. Offering beautiful colors and a warm aesthetic, these limestone tiles are sure to boost the design of your interiors. Not sure where to begin with this home project? Here are three places travertine tiles will fit perfectly in your home.

Kitchen floors
With all the food stored and meals made in a  kitchen, you’ll likely need a flooring material that can stand up to just about anything. Luckily, travertine tiles are durable attractive, and can help you create a space that will look beautiful for years to come. You can install these tiles to specifically fit any kitchen size or shape with ease. If you’re looking to create a dynamic effect sure to wow your guests, consider using two different yet compatible tile designs to distinguish between separate areas of the room. For instance, longer plank travertine tiles can match nicely with standard square cuts.

Master bathrooms
If you have to choose one bathroom in your home to lay exquisite travertine tiles, make it your master bathroom. Not only are these limestone tiles perfect for creating a luxurious floor design, but they can also be used to boost the aesthetic of your bathtub and shower area. Travertine installation can line the outside of a raised tub to make it seem like the area is rising out of the tile floor. For the shower, the walls and floor can be decorated in one style of travertine, with smaller, multi-colored tiles blended to create a unique pattern.

Backyard patios
The great thing about travertine tiles is that they can be used effectively indoors as well as outside, so consider your backyard as prime tiling ground. If you don’t have one already, a flat patch of earth can easily be transformed into a cozy patio with the help of these stone tiles. Not only will this provide your backyard hangouts with a sophisticated spot to kick back, but you can also rest assured that any barbecue food spills or acts of nature won’t blemish the material.

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Annual Survey and Analysis of 11 Million Monthly Users

 Reveals Top-Rated U.S. Professionals 

[HALLANDALE, FL]  –  January 22, 2013 – Travertine Mart has been awarded “Best Of Houzz” 2013 by Houzz, the leading online platform for residential remodeling and design.  The fastest growing online retailer and wholesaler of Travertine Pavers and Tiles was chosen by the more than 11 million monthly users that comprise the Houzz community.

The Houzz “Best Of Houzz” award for 2013 is given in two categories: Customer Satisfaction and Design. Customer Satisfaction award winners are based on homeowner members who rated their experience working with remodeling professionals in 12 categories ranging from architects, and interior designers to contractors and other residential remodeling professionals. Design award winners’ work was the most popular among the community of 11 million monthly users, also known as “Houzzers,” who saved more than 124 million professional images of home interiors and exteriors to their personal ideabooks via the Houzz website, iPad/ iPhone App and Android App.

“Houzz has been an extremely important resource for us,” said Jessica Kilinski, Managing Partner of Travertine Mart. “The fact that it puts us in direct contact with homeowners and designers who are in the market to remodel and who are looking for ideas has been invaluable to us.”


“Houzz provides homeowners with an in-depth, 360-degree view of building, remodeling and design professionals through images of their work, reviews and an opportunity to interact with them directly in the Houzz community,” said Liza Hausman, vice president of community. “We’re delighted to recognizeTravertine Mart among our “Best Of” professionals for exceptional customer service as judged by our community of homeowners and design enthusiasts who are actively remodeling and decorating their homes.”

About Travertine Mart

Travertine Mart is a direct importer, retailer, and wholesaler of Premium Grade Travertine Pavers, Tiles, and Pool Coping. With a rich history and focus dedicated to high-end residential and commercial real estate projects, they approach the highest level of customer service by working closely with homeowners, interior designers, developers and landscape architects. Travertine Mart tailors each project around the client’s specific needs and desires, while integrating specific ideas for each individual project.

For more information about Travertine Mart please visit http://www.TravertineMart.com or call (800) 556-9720.

About Houzz

Houzz (www.houzz.com) is a leading online platform for home remodeling, providing inspiration, information, ‘advice and support for homeowners and home improvement professionals through its website and mobile applications. Houzz features the largest residential design database in the world, articles written by design experts, product recommendations, a vibrant community powered by social tools, and information on more than 1.5 million remodeling and design professionals worldwide who can help turn ideas into reality.

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What Are Travertine Pavers?

In a nutshell, travertine pavers are made from natural stone, they come in a variety of shapes and sizes and they can be easily matched in order to create a beautiful and original look. They are exclusively designed for outdoor paving and they are ideal for both pools and patios. Travertine is formed by several complex, natural processes and they are cut from pure, natural stone (thus their natural and unique look).

Main Advantages Of Travertine Pavers

As mentioned above, one of the main advantages of travertine pavers is that they have a special look, unlike most brick pavers and cement pavers. Moreover, they are safe to use for the entire family, given the fact that they are considerably less slippery when wet. In other words, you don’t have to worry about falling and breaking your bones when you get out of the pool! These pavers add safety to your pool area, and this is one of the reasons why so many people (especially couples with children) use them.

Another important benefit is that they are very affordable, and this is what makes them a good investment in the long term. You can get a custom look of stone decking that matches the overall decor of your home without having to pay a small fortune for it. Moreover, travertine pavers are durable – they are freeze-thaw resistant and they can be easily replaced if damaged.

Besides, it must be mentioned that unlike some pool and patio pavers (like brick pavers, which are known for collecting moss), travertine pavers are resistant to discoloration and they do not gather debris. Discoloration is a commonly met problem when it comes to pool decks – fortunately, this is not the case with travertine pavers which will look as good as new for decades to come.

Last but not least, another great advantage of travertine pavers is that they are very easy to clean – it takes no more than several minutes to clean these pool and patio pavers. Otherwise stated, no more rubbing to eliminate those annoying stains and the debris that accumulates between the pavers. If you have a busy schedule and you simply don’t have time to waste, then travertine pavers are definitely the right choice for you. From this point of view, these pavers are a lot better compared to cement pavers, which require a lot of care in order to maintain their color shades and avoid fading throughout the years.

To sum up, this is what you need to know regarding travertine pavers. You should be well-aware of their numerous benefits, in case you think about purchasing this type of pavers for your pool or patio. They are durable, affordable, safe, beautiful and easy to clean and maintain throughout the decades. What else could you possibly need for your pool area?

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Travertine Mart Ranked as One of America’s Fastest Growing Companies on the Inc. 5000 list for 2012

Travertine Mart is getting the recognition it deserves as The Most Trusted Place to Buy Travertine. The influential business publication Inc. Magazine has ranked Travertine Mart as No. 1486 in their exclusive Inc. 5000 list.

ABOUT TRAVERTINE MART

Travertine Mart is a direct importer and wholesaler of Premium Grade Travertine and Marble natural stone flooring products from Turkey. With a rich history and focus dedicated to high-end residential and commercial real estate projects, the company approaches the highest level of customer service by working closely with homeowners, interior designers, developers and landscape architects. Travertine Mart specializes in travertine pavers and travertine tile

For more information about Travertine Mart reviews please visit http://www.TravertineMart.com

ABOUT INC. MAGAZINE

For more than 30 years Inc. Magazine has been the premier print publication for entrepreneurs and business owners.  In 1982, Inc. Magazine introduced the Inc. 500, which celebrates the fastest growing privately held companies in the United States.  Then in 2007, they expanded the list to the Inc. 5000 in order to help readers get a broader and deeper understanding of the entrepreneurial landscape, as well as recognize a larger percentage of this important and growing market segment.

For more information about Inc. Magazine please visit http://www.Inc.com

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When sand-set, travertine is able to safely expand and contract. Perfect for Northern climates!

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Below is the process Martin in Coconut Grove, FL used to install our Premium Select Walnut Brushed & Chiseled Travertine Tiles on his screened porch:

I decided to keep the current porcelain tiles and lay the Travertine Tiles over top.

1. In order to create some traction on the porcelain tiles, I made slices with an electric saw, both horizontal and vertical across the porcelain tiles.

2. Due to the lack of freezing temperatures in Miami, I decided to mortar-set the tiles. I do not foresee this being an issue.

3. I was able to lay all of the tiles in one day, even cutting the larger pieces and finishing the borders.

4. Since it is a high traffic area, I sealed the area after two days of letting the mortar set.

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Travertine Mart is pleased to announce its collaboration on a project to build a Mikveh at Chabad of Nashville.

Chabad of Nashville chose French Pattern Vein Cut Honed & Unfilled Travertine Tiles, French Pattern Walnut Brushed & Chiseled Travertine Tiles and Light Honed & Filled Travertine Tiles to complete the project.

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Travertine Mart is proud to announce it’s involvement in the $275 million dollar multi-year redesign and revitalization of the Hyatt Regency New Orleans. The reopening of the Hyatt Regency, one of New Orleans’ most recognized hotels, marks one of the most significant developments to open in the area since Hurricane Katrina devastated the region in 2005. Among various amenities, the property boasts the largest event and meeting space in the city, as well as a 25,000 sqft leisure pool patio deck for which Travertine Mart was chosen to provide the Travertine Pavers. The design team chose Premium Select 16×24 Walnut Tumbled Travertine Pavers for the Hyatt Regency New Orleans pool deck pavers.

The restaurants, reception and common areas of the hotel were covered with Polished Marble Tiles.

For more information on Travertine Mart or the material used for this project, please call (800) 556-9720.

For more information on the Hyatt Regency New Orleans or for reservations, please call (888) 591-1234.

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Below is the process Edward in Palm Beach, FL used to install our Premium Select French Pattern Ivory Tumbled Travertine Pavers around his salt water pool:

1. I hired a small team to help me remove my existing brick patio which was full of cracks and broken pieces. If the brick was in better shape, I would have laid the new pavers directly on top of the old ones.

2. Next, I mixed sand and Portland Cement to create a foundation on which to lay the Travertine Pavers. It created a mud-like substance.

3. My team used a yard stick to smooth the mud so the Travertine Pavers would not wobble after being laid.

4. We began to lay the French Pattern on top of the mud. This took less than a day to do.

5. As a border, we decided to use 12×24 Ivory Travertine Pool Coping instead of 6x12s. We used a Flex Bond when installing the border so things would not move around.

6. The next morning we swept sand over the Travertine Pavers, allowing it to fill in the cracks.

7. Once we finished, we sprayed the pavers with the garden hose to set everything.

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These are methods that our clients have found useful when installing Travertine Pavers, Travertine Tiles and Pool Coping.

Please keep in mind that it is always best to check with a local installer in your area that is licensed, insured and experienced in Travertine Paver Installation.

Today’s post is by Nick in Sudbury, MA. After much research, he believes that the below installation method is the answer for those who has concerns about freeze thaw cycles and travertine pavers installation in other colder climates such as New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia as well as Massachusetts.

Below is the process he followed to install our Premium Select French Pattern Walnut Tumbled Travertine Pavers:

1. I laid 8″ – 10″ base of “Crusher Run” (from stone dust up to 3/4″ stone), packed very hard. It sat like this for a week – rain, sun, compaction.

2. Next, I used stone dust to level off the highs and the lows and I fine-tuned the pitching, bringing the height to 3/4″ below the bottom of the tile.

3. Then, I laid 3/4″ of sand.  Spread evenly.

4. I began to lay the Travertine Pavers.

5. After everything was in place, I laid large sheets of cardboard down on top of the Travertine Pavers and I ran the vibrator- compactor over it several times. (I tried several different methods but cardboard worked the best.  There were no problems with the pavers cracking or scratching the finish).

6.  To finish, I swept in polymetric sand between joints and then re-compacted.  I did this twice.  then sprayed a light mist of water to let the polymetric sand set.

“It has been over a year since the install. We have been through one very bad winter (cold and a record amount of snow) and the patio is perfect. ”

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DIY Travertine Installation Techniques: Coconut Grove, FL DIY Travertine Installation Tips: Palm Beach, FL Travertine Mart Launches New Virtual 3D Patio Designer for Travertine Pavers

MIAMI BEACH (September 16, 2011) – Travertine Mart announced today that it has just unveiled a Virtual 3D Patio Designer for Travertine Pavers – a first in the natural stone industry. The new Patio Designer allows clients to see first hand how their Travertine Pavers, Tiles and Pool Coping will look when installed around a pool patio area. Travertine Mart has included nearly all of their color range, including Ivory, Walnut, Noche, Gold, Country Classic Ivory Swirl, Leonardo, Autumn Blend and even throwing a marble paver into the mix, Pearl. All colors can be seen in either a 16×16 size or a French Pattern – a classic 4-piece pattern that has been in existence since Roman times.

“Visually speaking, we wanted our clients to have a better understanding of the material and to feel comfortable ordering Travertine from the internet,” said Evrim Oralkan, President of Travertine Mart. “With the new Virtual 3D Patio Designer, we feel confident we will be able to do just that.”

In addition to the Patio Designer, Travertine Mart has developed a Floor Finder software which can be found on their new highly-interactive website. The Floor Finder allows clients to find the most appropriate stone for their project. Another new tool is the Freight Estimator which allows clients to budget shipping costs while using the My Estimate feature. “What sets our Freight Estimator apart is its accuracy,” says Mr. Oralkan.

Business is booming for Turkish Travertine suppliers in the U.S. lately, thanks in part to Turkey’s commitment to providing exceptional quality Travertine at a great value.

ABOUT TRAVERTINE MART

Travertine Mart is a direct importer and wholesaler of Premium Grade Travertine and Marble natural stone products from Turkey. With a rich history and focus dedicated to high-end residential and commercial real estate projects, they approach the highest level of customer service by working closely with homeowners, interior designers, developers and landscape architects.

Travertine Mart offers a wide range of Travertine Pavers, Travertine Tiles and Pool Coping, tailoring each project around the client’s specific needs and desires, while integrating specific ideas for each individual project.

For more information about Travertine Mart please visit http://www.TravertineMart.com

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Virtual Patio Designer

See first hand what your patio will look like with our new 3D Virtual Patio Designer. Mix and match the different colors and sizes of our Travertine Pavers and Travertine Pool Coping. Available color options are: Ivory, Walnut, Noche, Gold, Country Classic, Ivory Swirl, Leonardo, Autumn Blend and Pearl. Available sizes are: French Pattern and 16×16. You can even change the color of the house to make it look more like your own.

Floor Finder

Not sure which stone to choose for your project? Try our Floor Finder, located on the Travertine Mart home page. All you need to do is specify the type of project you are planning to install and your ideal color. The Floor Finder will give you various options to choose from, making sure that you are getting the stone you need for your project.

My Estimates

Get an estimate of what your order will cost, shipped to your door.  We always strive to give you the most accurate prices possible. Once you have finished putting together your order, submit your estimate to us so that we may work on getting you the best possible shipping rate.

My Samples

Order samples of our Travertine Pavers and Tiles on our secure site.   1¢ Samples and Free Shipping when you place your order of 500 sqft or more.

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By Patricia Leigh Brown

Photography by Russell MacMasters

At six foot three, with his Claude Montana leather jackets and signature black lambskin briefcase filled with sketches, the legendary designer Michael Taylor cast a huge shadow, and his imposing presence in the design world continues to this day.

Those seeking the quintessential Taylor—call it Michael Taylor 101—perhaps need look no further than a residence he designed beside a golf course in the Palm Springs area, where his singular approach to light, color, scale, natural materials and outsize California living were on vibrant and voluptuous display.

His rooms were like rests between measures in a piece of music. “Michael created a new language,” says Paul Weaver, who founded Michael Taylor Designs with Taylor in 1985. “This house was a statement of his genius.”

The residence, pre-Taylor, was a rather undistinguished ranch house that had the advantage of being surrounded by walls for privacy. The designer’s painterly eye immediately gravitated to the question of light—how to make rooms flow into one another and to the outdoors while elegantly filtering the desert sun. He raised ceilings, pushed out walls and added skylights. But his coup de grâce was typically stunning: a series of patterned Chinese-style floor-to-ceiling ash window screens hand-glazed to resemble driftwood.

The screens infused the residence with subtle patterns of light and were inspired by originals that Taylor had purchased for his own dining room in the Sea Cliff neighborhood of San Francisco. He procured them from the estate of Adrian, the MGM costume designer who was married to the actress Janet Gaynor. The magic of a screen, of course, is that it allows in light but provides privacy, creating a spatial division that is somehow illusional.

“Michael loved to play with light,” recalls designer Suzanne Tucker, who was his design assistant in the early 1980s. “He was not one for fussy curtains.”

Taylor had an unerring sense of quality, as might be expected from someone who spent his childhood collecting porcelain (let other boys amass baseball cards). In travertine, he found a material that embodied two of his deepest passions: nature and luxury. Known as the creator of the California Look, Taylor designed travertine floors that spilled out from the residence onto the terrace and down to the pool. The approach reflected his belief that glamour—in this case, in a wildly romantic terrace worthy of Fred and Ginger—was much too important to be confined to the indoors.

Inside, much of the furniture, too, was travertine, including the 10-foot-long, nine-inch-thick dining table and the low and side tables, their classical bull-nose beveling softening the stone’s hard edges. Even the lamps were made of travertine. (The installation of thousands of pounds of travertine craned and dollied into place was biblical.)

“Michael didn’t pull any punches,” observes the photographer Russell MacMasters, a close friend. “When he said travertine, he meant travertine.”

In his eulogy for Taylor at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, MacMasters spoke about the designer’s appreciation of nature, manifested in his affinity not only for travertine but also for slate, rocks, fossils, shells, geodes and the tree-stump furniture introduced to him by his onetime collaborator Mimi London, and big living plants and trees in oversize pots that he felt brought character and life to rooms.

If nature abhors a vacuum, Michael Taylor was comfortable with one, believing, as he once wrote, that “the most beautiful rooms are those that retain a feeling of not being quite finished”—where there still was room for a painting on the wall or a chair in the corner. Completed perfection felt static and decadent to him, while lacunae kept a room feeling “alive, young and growing,” he said. Thus, the house’s expansive white fireplace wall of textured slump-stone bricks in the living room, a “negative space” that provided visual breathing room for patterns of light to dance with shifts in the sun.

He was a master of scale and a proponent of bountiful upholstery (“He felt large furniture made women look more delicate,” Tucker explains). His influences ranged from the white rooms of Syrie Maugham in the 1920s to the simplicity and minimalism of Coco Chanel’s salon on Paris’s rue Cambron. Every winter he would spend a month at the Royal Hawaiian in Waikiki, communing with the interiors of his mentor Frances Elkins, whose maxim, “When in doubt, take it out!” he liberally applied.

But the designer’s biggest inspiration may have been his clients, with whom, as MacMasters points out, “there was always a love affair. He was fiercely protective of their interests.”

Taylor would sketch at night in bed on a big tray, the phone cradled on his shoulder, his end of the conversations going something like this: “Are you in your lovely canopy bed? There’s a beautiful pair of chairs I want to show you!” The next morning he would arrive at a client meeting with dozens of fresh sketches.

The timelessness of Michael Taylor’s vision and his devotion to his craft are expressed by the house’s current resident, who, though she never met him, has found herself over the course of a decade restoring the original Italian raw-silk melon, lime green and orange pillows there. She describes her window screens as “beautiful, to die for, drop-dead” and confesses that she is extremely reluctant to make changes, even now.

“The integrity of the design was so pure,” she says of the masterpiece she inhabits. “You can’t replace the quality of Michael Taylor.”

(via Architectural Digest)

travertine pavers, travertine tiles, california

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Frameless showers, claw-foot tubs, relaxing paint shades and antique touches are among the design trends in bathrooms for 2011.

In a recent poll on the National Association for the Remodeling Industry website, when asked what room homeowners plan to remodel in the next six months, an overwhelming majority said the bathroom.

“Minimalism and simplicity is definitely a popular trend in baths right now. Many clients are looking to achieve a ‘spa’ type atmosphere and minimalism helps provide a tranquil feel,” said Kate Talbott, a designer at Millbrook Cabinetry and Design.

The spa-like bathroom can be achieved by using natural materials such as slate and travertine tiles, which are very popular right now, Talbott said.

“Oftentimes those materials are accented with glass and metal mosaics, which add visual interest to an otherwise subtle color palette,” she added.

This year’s color choices include relaxing and soothing shades for walls such as light, pale pink or yellow, and earth tones that help to reflect the “green” side that people are feeling, explained Jane Henderson of FW Interiors Design in Wappingers Falls.

“These colors may sound drab and dull but with the correct elements and within the right amounts, your home will seem like a masterpiece,” Henderson said.

“Remember, you do not have to paint an entire room with the same color. We are often suggesting to our clients to paint an accent wall with the dramatic hue and accenting the room with various elements that
can pull everything together.”

(via Jackie DiMarzo for the Poughkeepsie Journal)

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1. Retaining Walls
In order to prevent erosion on a hilly terrain, a retaining wall can be formed by stacking together various sizes of Travertine Pavers. Tumbled Travertine Paversare the ideal material to be used on retaining walls due to their robust and porous surface.

2. Outdoor Kitchens
Brushed & Chiseled Travertine Tiles are an excellent way to add sophistication and functionality to an outdoor kitchen project. These tiles are ideal for a high traffic area and should be sealed in case of spills and other occurrences that happen in the kitchen. Doing so will help to preserve and protect the travertine from stains. Travertine Tiles can also be used for the backsplash.

3. Fire Pits, Fireplaces & Hearths
Traditional fireplaces have long been associated with bricks, but the decision to build a modern or even a rustic fireplace leaves plenty of room for other material options. The different colors, sizes and finishes of Travertine make it easier for homeowners to obtain the fireplace or hearth that they desire. Tumbled Travertine Pavers can also be used for outdoor fire pits as well as the walkways leading to the pit.

4. Walkways and Steps
The tumbled surface of a Travertine Paver makes it a great choice for walkways, providing good traction for foot traffic. They are also strong enough to take on the load of heavier objects you may find along the way, such as large planters and patio sets. Travertine can be used for stairs, which is usually done with stair treads. It is a great way to incorporate the stairs with the walkway and is easy to install. Travertine comes in sizes that make the stair design more ergonomic.

5. Patios
One of the main uses of Travertine Pavers is on an outdoor patio. Patios made with Travertine Pavers are not only safer, but more accommodating as well. The pavers retain heat and as such will not burn your feet in hotter temperatures. They come in different sizes and colors differentiating them from the monotony of concrete and the busy illusion of bricks.

6. Driveways
At 1.25” thick, Chiseled Travertine Pavers are a great option for driveways. The chiseled edges allow a closer fit, giving the pavers a higher load capacity and the honed surface will not immediately absorb spills, (i.e. the oil dripping on the driveway for instance).

7. Bathrooms
Travertine Tiles and Mosaics come in various colors and designs to appeal to any bathroom project. They cost less than other materials in their category yet are easy to maintain. They are great for countertop backsplashes and are an innovative way to replace the typical subway bathroom tiles that are so common today.

8. Flooring
Travertine Pavers and Tiles are a simple way to increase your home’s value. At a price that is more economical than other natural stone flooring, Travertine has become the obvious choice for home projects. It is recommended to have any high traffic areas sealed in order to preserve the Travertine’s beauty and to protect it.

9. Walls
Travertine Tiles can be used on walls and ceilings to give the look of a room built entirely of stone. They can also be used in hallways, dens, studies or wine cellars. Travertine is extremely durable and is a great investment that will really stand the test of time.

10. Pool decks
Tumbled Travertine Pavers create a beautiful and refined space around a pool deck. Their porous surface ensures that any standing water will be immediately absorbed, leaving the area safe to walk upon. As mentioned earlier, they stay cool to the touch and will not burn your feet during hot summer months or in tropical climates. Travertine Pavers also work in cold weather climates as they are able to withstand repeat freeze/thaw cycles without so much as a crack, if properly installed.

As you can see, travertine can be included in all types of projects and will add elegance and great taste to any mundane space – making it a natural stone not to overlook.

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Design: For the design aspect, travertine pavers are a great option as they come in various colors and sizes. Travertine pavers are considerable for several types of projects, especially pools. The pool copings come in a variety of widths: smaller widths are ideal for pool edges that have many curves as there will be fewer cuts to be made. This will make it less time-consuming and less expensive for the contractor. Larger widths are more suitable for more linear, geometric shaped pools and large-scale projects. Travertine is also a favorable option to consider as it offers a wide selection of matching tiles to counterpart with the pavers. Such tiles are great for exterior spaces like outdoor kitchens and landscaping features like retaining walls for example. For the quintessential designer always looking for variety and novelty, travertine pavers provide a new kind of appeal. They are sleek and elegant, perfect for more modern looks. Travertine will emphasize the purist allure of a public space and gives great curb appeal to a property, all for a less expensive price than other traditional materials.

Construction: Concerning the construction facet of a landscaping project, travertine pavers offer many long-term advantages as landscaping stones. It is a lighter natural stone as opposed to granite or marble, which is favorable for the load capacity of a project. It is particularly important to consider the load capacity for elevated structures such as rooftop gardens or terraces. It will cause less stress on the existing structure and create no damage over the years. Long term wise, travertine pavers are highly regarded as they will not crack and are resistant to extremes cold and hot temperatures. They are durable and eliminate the need to redo the paving as opposed to concrete or brick pavers. Travertine will not lose its color as it ages or gets used. Being a limestone, it is perfect in terms of sustainable design as it is an environmentally friendly choice because it is extremely durable and will not require major changes over the years to come.

Safety: The last element to consider travertine pavers for is the safety component they offer as landscaping stones. Due to its properties, travertine is a natural stone that is safe and convenient. Its natural non-skid surface is again ideal for pool decks, avoiding chances of slip and fall while wet or for environments where children prevail. It is great for any kind of climate, withstanding the freezing cycles of cold climates and the extreme heat of warm/tropical climates. A big plus for travertine pavers is that they are cool to the touch and do not burn while walking on them barefoot in hot temperatures.

That being said, travertine pavers offer plenty of benefits when it comes to landscaping. It shows great advantages for the design, construction and safety aspects of landscaping. The durability, elegance and price quality ratio of travertine make it a great choice for upscale and permanent projects. It can be used for any scale project and comes in various colors and sizes to respond to the client’s tastes and needs. It is not surprising now to see mainstream brick and concrete pavers replaced with travertine pavers and they will surely be more noticeable in future landscaping projects to come.

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Percussionist Ben Meyers was asked to come do his thing at LACMA’s new Resnick Pavilion. Meyers strikes a beat on the surrounding travertine lined walls, travertine flooring and marble tiles – among other objects at the pavilion.

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Spanish Architecture firm A-Cero‘s new modernist Travertine house, located just outside of Madrid, Spain. The 3-story house’s facade is made up of alternating Travertine slabs and glass walls. The angular style of the house make it look from afar as though the house itself is a large Travertine quarry.

The modern, geometric pool was not made using pool deck Travertine pavers, but rather custom made long narrow strips of Travertine.

The interior Travertine flooring gives the living room space a sleek look. While the earth tones of the stone ensure that it never looks too “cold.”

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For an 11,840-square-foot house in Curitiba, Brazil, architect Marcos Bertoldi designed the pool and back yard as a quarry, with large Travertine slabs over flowing up into the first story and throughout the house. The residents didn’t want just any old patio pavers. Bertoldi strove for “excavated volumes, unadorned white surfaces and wide openings in an asymmetrical play of volumes and proportions.”

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A-Cero’s Travertine House The New Travertine Mart Website is Here! Jennifer Aniston’s New Home, Beverly Hills

Architectural Digest’s March 2010 issue features Jennifer Aniston’s airy and spacious new home in Beverly Hills. Designer Steven Shadley, who worked with her on the project for nearly two and a half years added wall-to-wall slabs ofTravertine flooring and finishes throughout the residence. The front entry way features two dramatic 14-foot doors, which open from a Travertine bridge that spans a koi pond. To withstand the weather elements, the design team constructed the 20-ft long section of lanai of the same Travertine slabs. It’s enough stone, remarked Shadley, “to create our own little Getty.”

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