At Horizon Stone, we believe in the power of partnership, especially when it comes to bringing stunning design visions to life. That’s why we’re incredibly excited to shine a spotlight on Cedar & Oak, an Austin-based builder renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship and distinctive design philosophy. Their commitment to creating homes that are not only beautiful but also deeply rooted in natural elements perfectly aligns with the enduring beauty and versatility of Horizon Stone products.
“Cedar & Oak’s dedication to quality and design allows our stone to create remarkable, enduring homes,” said P.J. Haberstock, Horizon Stone’s President.
Cedar & Oak incorporated Horizon Stone’s 19th Century Hermitage in two of their signature projects: the Estates Project and the Sinclair || home. In the Estates Project, this versatile stone graces the exterior, bathroom, and kitchen, creating a cohesive and elegant aesthetic. For the Sinclair || home, the stone veneer was used to create a striking interior fireplace, demonstrating its adaptability and ability to enhance both grand and intimate spaces.
This stunning kitchen in the Estates Project showcases a balanced design, where the Horizon Stone backsplash significantly contributes to the space’s character. The 19th Century Hermitage stone, with its subtle variations and textured surface, provides an organic backdrop that complements the light cabinetry and countertops. This selection introduces a natural element, adding depth and a touch of warmth to the area. Paired with warm wood tones and brass accents, the Horizon Stone helps create a kitchen that feels both sophisticated and inviting, showcasing Cedar & Oak’ ability to blend high-end materials with their signature design aesthetic.
We’re taking a closer look at Cedar & Oak’ unique approach to home building, their design inspirations, and how Horizon Stone helps them achieve the signature aesthetic seen in their breathtaking projects, including the Estates Project and the Sinclair || home.
Q&A with Cedar & Oak
Cedar & Oak is known for its distinctive style. How would you describe Cedar & Oak’s signature approach to home design, and what do you believe sets you apart from other builders in the Austin area?
“At Cedar & Oak, our design philosophy is rooted in the use of natural materials like marble, solid oak, stone, and raw brass. These elements bring a sense of warmth, character, and timeless charm to every home we create. We also believe that a home should be as functional as it is beautiful. Our approach seamlessly blends aesthetics with practicality, ensuring that each space not only looks stunning but also serves the daily needs of those who live there.”
When you approach a new project, what are some of the guiding principles that shape your overall design vision for the home?
“When we approach a new project, one of our guiding principles is to honor the neighborhood and its surroundings. We draw inspiration from the environment, ensuring that each home feels like a natural extension of its setting. Our goal is for our homes to blend seamlessly into their context as if they’ve always been there—never standing out like a sore thumb. This thoughtful approach allows us to create spaces that are timeless, harmonious, and deeply rooted in their location.”
In your Estates Project, you extensively featured Horizon Stone’s 19th Century Hermitage stone veneer on the exterior, in the bathroom, and the kitchen. What was it about this particular stone and color that resonated with your design aesthetic for this project, and how did it contribute to the overall feel you aimed to achieve?
“For the Estates Project, we were drawn to Horizon Stone’s 19th Century Hermitage stone veneer for its perfect balance of functionality and aesthetic appeal. Its thin profile made it ideal for interior applications, while its rustic, earthy texture brought a sense of natural warmth to the spaces. The subtle gray hues added a contemporary edge, creating a harmonious blend of timeless charm and modern sophistication. This stone helped us achieve a cohesive design that feels both grounded and elevated, perfectly aligning with the vision for this home.”
Considering the varied applications of the 19th Century Hermitage stone in the Estates Project (exterior, bathroom, kitchen), what were some of your considerations in terms of installation and integration across these different spaces?
“When working with the 19th Century Hermitage stone across various applications in the Estates Project, we paid close attention to the details to ensure seamless integration. For instance, we carefully accounted for the stone’s thickness when planning countertop depths, knowing it would impact the overall dimensions. We also prioritized functionality by planning ahead for outlet accessibility and collaborating closely with plumbers to ensure valves were easy to access. This included ordering longer parts or using extensions where needed. These thoughtful considerations allowed us to maintain both the aesthetic and practical integrity of the design across all spaces.”
For the Sinclair || project, you incorporated Horizon Stone’s Sinclair || veneer for an interior fireplace. What made this specific Horizon Stone product the right choice for that focal point, and how did it enhance the interior design of the space?
“For the Sinclair II project, Horizon Stone’s veneer was the perfect choice for the interior fireplace because it beautifully combined rustic texture with a modern hue. This balance aligned seamlessly with the project’s overall vision of a modern English cottage where warmth and sophistication coexist. The stone served as a striking focal point, anchoring the design and adding a cozy, inviting atmosphere to the space. Its timeless appeal perfectly encapsulated the character we wanted to bring to this home.”
When working with stone veneer, such as the Horizon Stone products used in the Estates and Sinclair || projects, what are some key characteristics or qualities that you prioritize in material selection for your designs?
“When selecting stone veneer for our designs, such as the Horizon Stone products used in the Estates and Sinclair II projects, we prioritize several key qualities. First and foremost is the material’s quality and longevity—we want every element of the home to stand the test of time. We also value how the stone will age and develop a patina over the years, adding to its character and story. Additionally, we consider its texture and color palette, ensuring it complements the broader design vision while offering versatility across various applications. These factors allow us to create homes that feel timeless, enduring, and uniquely tailored to their environments.”
Could you tell us more about the specific grout color(s) and grout techniques you employed with the Horizon Stone products in both the Estates and Sinclair || projects? How did these choices impact the final look and feel of the stone applications?
“For both the Estates and Sinclair II projects, we collaborated closely with the masons to carefully select grout colors that perfectly complemented the Horizon Stone veneer. We opted for custom grout colors to ensure a seamless blend with the stone, creating a softer, more cohesive finish overall.
In the Sinclair II project, we chose a classic mortar technique to emphasize the stone’s rustic texture, reinforcing the earthy, cottage-inspired aesthetic. For the Estates project, we went with an over-grouted approach, which provided a smoother, more modern finish while still retaining the textured character we wanted. These thoughtful grout choices played a key role in defining the distinct look and feel of each project’s stone applications.”
Looking ahead, are there any current trends or emerging ideas in home design that you find particularly inspiring, especially concerning the use of natural or manufactured stone materials?
“We continue to love incorporating stone in wall features and backsplashes because it creates a strong indoor-outdoor connection. Using stone in these ways brings a sense of solidity and permanence to interior spaces, almost giving the illusion that the home is a natural extension of its surroundings. It’s a timeless approach that adds texture, depth, and warmth—qualities that remain inspiring as design trends evolve.”
What has your experience been like working with Horizon Stone products? Is there anything about the quality, variety, or support that stands out to you?
“Our experience working with Horizon Stone products has been excellent. The thin profile of the stone makes it incredibly easy to work with while still delivering the natural, authentic elements we prioritize at Cedar & Oak. What really stands out is the impressive variety—they offer options that can suit any design vision, from sleek, modern lines to warm, rustic cottage styles.”
The exceptional design of Cedar & Oak is a testament to the collaborations that define remarkable home building. Their dedication to quality and innovative use of Horizon Stone resulted in stunning, enduring designs that bring visions to life.
For more images and behind-the-scenes glimpses into these homes featuring Horizon Stone, follow Cedar & Oak on Instagram and explore their portfolio online.