There’s more to fireplaces than, well fireplaces! Whilst this seemingly humble piece of architecture can be the hearth and soul of every room in the house, it takes a bit of savvy to make the best of it. For a start, there are so many architectural styles. Whether you are looking for French country flair or American south west down home comfort, its the details you put with your fireplace installation that will dictate the final effect.
Modern Cosiness
A cosy corner that owes just as much to the use of paint and pattern as it does to the style of hearth and mantel. If this is the sort of look you’re after, the secret is to stick to a single colour.
If your taste is for something altogether more modern and streamlined, this limestone fireplace pictured above offers just as much cosiness without the fussiness of the model shown below. These two distinctly different styles just go to show that, as with everything else in life, when it comes to heating your home its very much a case of horses for course. More than that though, these images also illustrate the fact that the fireside isn’t just for winter evenings but can serve as a decorative feature in your home whatever the season.
Make the Most of your Hearth – Whatever the Season
Seasonal - Every season has its own ‘feel,’ from the sweet pastel colours of spring through to the russet tones of autumn. When there is no fire burning in the grate, use it as a ‘picture-frame’ and display glass bowls or vases filled with fruits and flowers of the season. Pick up these colours in a throw draped over the sofa.
Fireplace O-la-la
Celebrations – Make birthdays feel traditional with displays of birthday cards on the mantelpiece. Do the same at Christmas, with the addition on some festive stockings just waiting to be filled with all sorts of goodies. And nothing says Christmas more traditionally than a garland bedecked mantel, complete with twinkling lights!
Whatever the season and whatever the occasion, you should hang something special on the wall above the mantel. A stylish mirror is the traditional choice, but a stunning piece of artwork also works. In recent years it has also become fashionable to hang a large family portrait on this wall. The main rule is to keep the decor here simple – one large piece above the mantelpiece and one or two classic pieces on the mantelshelf itself.
He disliked the continental love of elaborate decoration, commenting that form and function should be the over-riding factors in the design process. However, he felt that interiors were superbly apt for continental flourishes and curlicues.