The Story of Stone Curators:
How I Fell in Love with Stone
A Maine Stone Barn Inspires
The way that I got into the stone business was through reclaimed stone.
My mom had moved to northern Maine and wanted to convert an old Maine barn into a house. I went to the site to help her as she tried to figure it out.
The whole farmstead—everything—had burned down except for the barn. What was left was all these old foundation stones and landings.
As I checked out the old foundation of the barn, I discovered that the stones were a really beautiful material.
That was a moment of inspiration. There were these old stones, incredibly interesting, with a great backstory, and they were just kind of abandoned. I knew that there was a growing interest in rustic design and I thought that there’s gotta be a market down here, in and around Boston.
I knew there was a market for patina-ed materials. I had been pulling on that thread for a bit. I had been developing a business idea to sell clamshells for driveways and walkways to homeowners in places like Nantucket, Cape Cod, Cape Ann, and the New Hampshire and Maine coastal towns. But there were some challenges that I didn’t foresee with that business direction.
But as one door closes, another opens. As I got to understand the outdoor architecture and landscape design space. the idea of reclaimed stone, it was this beautiful product that you had to hunt for, acquire, and then figure out how to get the right stone in front of these visionaries looking to get the right stones for their projects.
That’s where we developed the curation process — Our Foundational Process — finding these amazing stones and connecting with designers and architects who wanted something better than what they could find in their local stone yards.
It’s the best part of this job, whether it’s finding a trove of historical stone from New England or Europe that is basically being abandoned or building a relationship with a family-run quarry in Italy, Portugal, or Brazil. I really love being the source for the perfect stone to fulfill someone’s creative vision.
Gavin Johnston
Gavin Johnston is the founder of Stone Curators.
Recent Posts
STONE CURATORS WEBSITE 4.0
At Stone Curators, we’re always striving to enhance collaboration, be a better partner, and provide stronger tools for designing awe-inspiring spaces.
In early February, we launched a new way for you to search and discover our global selection of natural and reclaimed stones. Finding the perfect stone is now quicker and easier than ever – whether you know the exact color and surface finish you need or you’re seeking inspiration during the early stages of a project. Our goal is to help unleash your imagination and uncover opportunities to create something you’ve never created before. Let’s explore the key improvements.
The Four Key Decision Makers in Any Stone Project
A stone job will not come to fruition, unless all the four key players involved on the same page. With the Stone Curators process, we aim to ensure that clients are happy with the results of their home project.
Introducing: Our Stone Designer Tool
It’s an architect’s dream tool. Easily search our directory of reclaimed and natural stone to find materials and ready-made products for your upcoming building and landscape projects.
3 Generations of Reclaimed New England Granite Curbstone
Explore the nuances between first, second, and third generation reclaimed granite curbstone. Consider this curbstone for your next project, the variety of uses are endless!
