Ready or not here it comes!
We’re talking about winter folks. The changing of the seasons is upon us. There are so many beautiful things in the fall that I look forward to like the trees changing colors, apples, and pretty much anything pumpkin flavored. The one thing I’m not super excited about is the cold. For me one of the biggest defenses against this is my fireplace!
Fireplaces can do a lot in creating the warm atmosphere you want in your home during the colder months. They also make beautiful focal points in a room. Have you noticed when a room with a fireplace how different it feels?
Now not all of us love with our fireplaces. Most fireplaces are not impervious to the style changes that happen with time. There are also some people who may not be fortunate to have a fireplace but really want one. If you fall into either of those categories I’m here to tell you there are solutions! If you’re not one of those people congratulations! You can still read ahead to get some ideas for other rooms or just enjoy some really cool before and after pics.
There are different degrees of fireplace rehab. Some of you may just need a change of color and mantel décor adjustments. Others of you may be looking for complete facelift. The photos below will give you some ideas of what I’m talking about.
Please don’t be afraid to paint wood! This photo is showing you how much of a difference paint can make. The fireplace has a very heavy feel in the first photograph. It’s very large for the wall but with the lighter paint color and removal of the wood paneling above the mantel it appears more to scale with the rest of the room.
This is another issue of scale like in photo 1. In this case however the fireplace is made larger to fit the height of the room. The fireplace works as a focal point more successfully when it is raised. The darker wall color also helps to accentuate this.
Photos 2 (Delacross) & 3 (mirror armoire)
These photos show what a darker paint color can do for your fireplace. In photo 2 you can see how the white surround makes the black and brass color of the fireplace insert pop out. After the paining and retiling it blends more with the rest of the fireplace’s architecture. The glass panel above the mantle is removable so the homeowner can take that with them when they move. It works to give the fireplace more height but creates visual interest because of the different materials.
In the before & after pics of 3 the wood around the fireplace matches the trim of the house. By painting it a different color it stands out more as a focal point. The tile around the fireplace provides a different texture and warms up the appearance.
Photo 5
If you don’t have a fireplace take a look at this photo to see what an impact it makes to a room. This is a more modern design for a fireplace. Instead of logs it has rocks, which gives a very beautiful effect.
That actually takes me to my next point, which there are so many different options for fireplaces now you should be able to find one that works for your home. Its incredible how many different designs exist today. If you want one you that doesn’t insert into the wall then there are also some beautiful options for fireplaces that are electric so they can be moved around. Of course if you want to design one then the possibilities are even greater.
Hopefully this has given you some ideas on how to create a winter refuge you’ll be happy to come home to. As always if you’d like a little (or a lot) of help refreshing your fireplace and/or space Revisions Interior Design is here to help!
