What are the current trends in exterior stone? Check out these ideas!
In the evolving landscape of Twin Cities residential architecture, stone masonry continues to be a timeless choice for homeowners looking to enhance their property's appearance and value. At Fredrickson Masonry, we've been at the forefront of masonry trends across Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding areas for years, helping homeowners transform their exteriors with quality stonework. Let's explore the current exterior stone trends that are reshaping homes throughout Minnesota in 2025.
Natural stone remains a premier choice for Twin Cities homeowners seeking to add character and durability to their exteriors. The rich textures and unique colorations of materials like limestone, sandstone, and granite create unmatched visual interest that mass-produced alternatives simply cannot replicate.
As Minnesota weather continues to present challenges with freeze-thaw cycles, natural stone's resilience makes it not just a beautiful option but a practical investment for your home's exterior. When properly installed by experienced professionals like our team at Fredrickson Masonry, stone elements can withstand decades of harsh Minnesota winters while maintaining their elegant appearance.
One of the strongest trends we're seeing across Prior Lake, Richfield, Bloomington, and the entire Twin Cities metro area is the blending of different masonry materials to create visually striking exteriors. Homeowners are increasingly opting for combinations of stone and brick that offer textural contrast while maintaining cohesive color palettes.
This approach allows for greater creative flexibility in home design, with options ranging from predominantly stone façades with brick accents to more balanced compositions that highlight the unique characteristics of both materials. Our craftsmen at Fredrickson Masonry specialize in these mixed-material installations, ensuring seamless integration between different elements.
While full stone exteriors make a dramatic statement, many Twin Cities homeowners are discovering the impact of strategic stone placement on select exterior features. These partial applications can dramatically transform a home's appearance while often remaining more budget-friendly than complete façade installations.
Some of the most popular accent applications include:
Stone porticos and entrance surrounds create focal points that immediately draw the eye and establish a sense of permanence and quality. These entryway accents serve as a preview of your home's character and can be designed to complement both traditional and contemporary architectural styles.
Stone foundation facing offers both practical and aesthetic benefits, concealing concrete foundations with beautiful, natural-looking materials while providing an additional moisture barrier for your home's base.
As fireplace experts, we at Fredrickson Masonry have seen a significant trend toward stone chimney installations and renovations. A well-designed stone chimney not only improves functionality but creates a striking vertical accent that draws the eye upward and adds architectural interest to your roofline.
Stone application on gable ends creates visual interest at the highest points of your home's exterior, establishing a hierarchy of design elements that guides the viewer's attention across the façade.
The layered, dimensional look of stacked stone continues to gain popularity for its ability to add depth and visual interest to exterior walls. This style works beautifully in both contemporary and rustic home designs, offering a sophisticated yet natural appearance.
Clean, horizontal lines and rectangular stone cuts are dominating modern exterior designs. This contemporary approach offers a refined aesthetic that complements the architectural minimalism popular in new Twin Cities developments.
While traditional gray and earth-toned stones remain popular, we're seeing increased interest in lighter-colored stones and whitewashed finishes that brighten exteriors and create a more airy, contemporary feel. These lighter options pair beautifully with today's popular exterior paint colors while still providing the texture and dimension that only stone can deliver.
The integration of stone elements in outdoor living areas represents one of the fastest-growing trends in exterior home design across the Twin Cities. As Minnesota homeowners increasingly view their yards as extensions of their living space, stone has become essential in creating cohesive transitions between indoor and outdoor environments.
Stone fire features create cozy gathering spots that extend the outdoor season well into fall with custom designs that complement your home's architecture. Our masons at Fredrickson excel at creating these functional focal points that become natural gathering spaces for family and friends.
Beyond purely decorative applications, stone retaining walls solve practical challenges on sloped properties while adding beautiful structural elements to your landscape. These functional features can be designed to complement your home's exterior stonework, creating a unified aesthetic throughout your property.
While stone selection is crucial, proper installation makes the difference between stonework that lasts for decades and projects that deteriorate prematurely. At Fredrickson Masonry, our experienced craftsmen combine traditional masonry techniques with modern weatherproofing methods specifically designed for Minnesota's challenging climate.
Our attention to detail ensures your stone exterior will not only look beautiful initially but will maintain its integrity through seasonal temperature fluctuations, moisture exposure, and time. Unlike competitors who may use outdated installation techniques, we prioritize proper drainage, appropriate mortar selection, and systematic application methods that prevent common issues like efflorescence and mortar deterioration.
Whether you're considering a full stone façade, strategic accents, or outdoor stone features, the expert team at Fredrickson Masonry is ready to help bring your vision to life. Our design consultation process makes it easy to explore options tailored to your specific property and preferences.
Visit our website to view our portfolio of exterior stone projects throughout the Twin Cities area, or contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation. Discover how we can transform your home with the timeless appeal of expertly installed stone and brick masonry that stands the test of time—and Minnesota winters.
