Like marble, stone fireplaces have always been very popular and are still in demand today. There are many kinds of stone to suit both modern and traditional homes, such as sandstone, limestone and the beautifully rustic French limestone and sandstone. Modern stone fireplaces are all about minimalism, strong lines and pure shapes.
Stone is the perfect material from which to fashion the minimalist look – it is versatile and robust, making it very popular with contemporary fireplaces designers. A stone mantel represented grandeur in the upmarket houses of the Tudor nobility, and the same can be said today – a modern stone fireplace creates a striking monumental look in any room, whilst at the same time adding elegance and surprising warmth. Also, like marble, stone has a natural character, meaning that each fireplace is unique in its own right.
Many modern stone fireplaces are based on a traditional design, but with a modern twist. In fact, the most popular designs combine the classical with the innovative – many contemporary stone fireplaces are reminiscent of the art deco period, with their clean symmetrical lines.
Stone mantels are available, in addition to complete stone fireplaces. Depending on the type of stone, there is a wide range of colours and finishes to choose from – textured limestone has a natural, rough stone-like finish, while polished limestone is reminiscent of marble, with a smooth, even surface.
The great thing about stone is it never ages or goes out of style – a modern stone fireplace adds a timeless and unique beauty to any home.
