Travertine is a type of natural stone that develops over time when rivers, hot springs, and geysers deposit minerals on the earth’s surface. For example, large deposits of travertine can be found in places like Yellowstone Park. Travertine is actually a type of limestone, although many think of it as a form of marble. It is affordable and easy to cut compared to other types of stone, making it a popular choice for flooring and countertops.

Floors

Create a travertine tile driveway for your home. Have tiles cut in repeating sizes for the main floor and create a border in a darker shade of travertine around the edge of the floor. Make it a single narrow strip of travertine a few inches wide with a thin strip of brass or copper on each side of the strip. Have floors sealed to protect the metal and floors, and to preserve the colors of the metal.

countertops

Travertine tiles come in shades ranging from brown to light ivory with natural veining and small pockmarks unique to this type of stone. Give your kitchen countertops a unique surface with travertine tile. Choose a lighter-colored travertine tile in a diamond pattern for the base of your countertops and place a slightly darker shade on the backsplash in a corresponding diamond pattern. Add a narrow vertical border between the backsplash and countertops for a transition between the two areas. Or choose a variety of lighter and darker tiles, for a varied look. Fill small holes with grout and seal the surface to prevent staining.

bathroom

Make your bathroom feel like an old Mediterranean spa with ivory travertine tile. Since travertine tiles are known to be porous, if you choose a honed or honed style, your floors and other bathroom tiles will resist staining. Choose a variety of colors in a mix of pale coral, muted yellows, and browns and mix and match them for your bathroom walls, floors, and backsplash. Add a marble sink and travertine light switch cover to complete the spa’s antique look.

Chimney

Create a travertine fireplace surround with a mix of diamonds and vertically laid tiles. Wrap a white wood mantel around it, or add a solid granite mantel, in colors that complement your travertine. Or, create a geometric pattern for the fireplace surround that contrasts with a different geometric pattern on the mantel and yet another pattern for the fireplace hearth, all of the same travertine stone. Another possibility is to build a mantel out of amber travertine tiles and cover it with a white wood mantel cover.

Porch

Create a sophisticated-looking entryway to your home with a porch made of travertine tile. Include the steps, but make them a slightly lighter or darker color than the top of the porch for contrast. Or consider decorative concrete, which can be stained in travertine colors and stamped to look like the real thing.