As the mastermind behind Doni Douglas Designs and the aptly named  Gut Reno Girl™, Jaclyn Isaac has made a name for herself by fearlessly blending the old with the new. But her latest project wasn’t delivering that mix for a client – it was personal. Jaclyn recently took on a project close to her heart: the renovation of her own historic farmhouse in New Jersey.  This renovation wasn’t just about updating an old space; it was about honoring history while creating a modern, luxurious outdoor living area that would stand the test of time.

The Vision: Honoring History with a European Twist

Jaclyn’s farmhouse, dating back to the late 1800s or early 1900s, came with its own unique story.

“We believe it was originally a farmhand’s house, possibly related to our neighbor’s farm,” Jaclyn explains. “At its core, it was a very old farmhouse that has been altered over several generations.”

Despite the home’s humble origins, Jaclyn had a grander vision in mind. She wanted to pay homage to the home’s history while infusing it with a touch of European elegance.

“I’m not a farmhouse girl and I’ve never liked the farmhouse trend,” Jaclyn admits, “but I feel a house requires you to honor its history a little. I was inspired more by the Italian countryside and French farmhouses — more of a European look than your standard American farmhouse style.”

This vision extended to the exterior of the home, where Jaclyn saw an opportunity to create a stunning outdoor living space that would complement the interior renovation. The key to achieving this seamless blend? Natural stone.

Choosing the Perfect Stone: Polycor’s Natural Stone Selection

INDIANA LIMESTONE – FOSSIL BEIGE™
A timeless, earthy limestone that brings warmth and character to any space.

GEORGIA MARBLE™ – PEARL GREY™
A classic marble known for its elegant veining and cool tones.

The combination of these two stones would form the basis of Jaclyn’s showstopping exterior design.

The Showstopper: The Checkerboard Patio Design

Inspired by the checkerboard pattern at designer Clare Brody’s home, Jaclyn made a bold decision: to create a large-scale checkerboard patio using the Indiana Limestone and Georgia Marble.

“Once I saw the image of the checkered pattern, it was game over for us in terms of what we were going to do,” Jaclyn says.

This decision was not without its doubts. “When I was first thinking checkerboard, I was like, is that crazy?” Jaclyn admits. “Because all the exterior checkerboard inspo images on Pinterest are in a cool little café or in a small area. This is a pretty big size execution of the checkerboard that we did. It’s our whole main area of the backyard.”

Despite her initial hesitation, Jaclyn trusted her instincts and moved forward with the design. The result? A stunning, one-of-a-kind patio that serves as the centerpiece of her outdoor living space.

The Installation Process: Challenges and Triumphs

Turning Jaclyn’s vision into reality was no small feat. The installation process, handled by Carrillo Landscape Design LLC, came with its own set of challenges.

“We had to do what you do with tile, which was a dry layout of some areas where we knew we wanted full pieces of the exterior stone,” Jaclyn explains. “We knew there would be areas of small cuts. We made it even more difficult in that we wanted to curve a couple of edges into the pool house area and then back towards the front door.”

Despite the challenges, the team persevered.

“Overall, the transitions are very clean and I’m really happy with how the pattern came out,” Jaclyn says. The installation process took about two to three weeks, not including the preparation of the yard and some settling maintenance after the install.

The Result: A Timeless Outdoor Living Space

The completed patio and steps are nothing short of breathtaking. The checkerboard pattern, created with the contrasting Indiana Limestone and Georgia Marble, creates a striking visual impact that elevates the entire backyard.

“I feel like we’ve created a base for a pretty incredible exterior just using the stone,” Jaclyn enthuses. “The backyard needs nothing other than that stone — I would be okay with no furniture and just the floor because it’s just so beautiful. The checkerboard has a lot to do with it too. It’s just so different. It’s my happy place, my outdoor dance floor.”

The natural stone doesn’t just look beautiful; it’s also transformed how the family uses their outdoor space. “My daughter’s outside every single day, multiple times a day,” Jaclyn says.

The Benefits of Natural Stone in Outdoor Spaces

Jaclyn’s project showcases the numerous benefits of using natural stone in outdoor spaces:

• Durability and Longevity: Despite heavy use and exposure to the elements, the stone has maintained its beauty. “I still don’t understand how it looks so great,” Jaclyn marvels. “We have two young kids, two dogs, and we’re always moving furniture around. We usually destroy everything that we touch, so I’m still really impressed.”
• Unique Character: Each piece of natural stone brings its own unique character to the space. “It came to us with a little patina. Things are a little different. Every stone is different. And that’s the cool part about it. There’s nothing like builder basic about it, which is really cool,” Jaclyn explains.
• Timeless Appeal: Natural stone transcends trends, ensuring that the space will look beautiful for years to come. “The stone has the perfect colorway of a blue-gray cream that would be really hard for someone to look at and say, ‘Oh, this is dated,'” Jaclyn notes.
• Sustainability: By choosing natural, durable materials, Jaclyn has created a space that will last for generations, reducing the need for future renovations and replacements.

Natural Stone: The Foundation of Timeless Outdoor Design

Jaclyn Isaac’s exterior renovation project illustrates the transformative power of natural stone. By combining high-quality Polycor materials with bold design choices, she’s created an outdoor living space that’s both functional and beautiful.

“It makes decorating easier. It just sets the tone for something that’s super classic,” Jaclyn reflects. “I feel like we have a statement stone, so everything else comes a little bit easier because it doesn’t need to take the design to a second level. The large pavers already do that.”

For homeowners considering their own renovation projects, Jaclyn’s experience offers valuable insights. “Natural stone is the way to go,” she advises. “This project really made me appreciate using natural materials, especially outdoors.”

In the end, Jaclyn’s project demonstrates that with the right materials and vision, it’s possible to honor a home’s history while creating a space that meets modern needs and tastes. Her checkerboard patio, crafted from Polycor’s Indiana Limestone and Georgia Marble, isn’t just a beautiful outdoor space – it’s a piece of functional art that will be enjoyed for generations to come.

As Jaclyn puts it, “I don’t think many people would look at our backyard and say, ‘That was a bad choice.’ The marble and limestone aren’t loud on their own, but together, they make a statement. These classic materials can stand the test of time individually, but combined, they create something truly special.

Need help finding the perfect stone for your project? Contact Polycor today to learn about our world-renowned selection of products.