FIREPLACE DESIGN

Our family vacation destination of choice over the last couple of decades 
has been this breathtaking spot

Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park

With only a very few exceptions, we have come here every year

We've been coming here long enough to know exactly the perfect time to visit

when the waterfalls are at their fullest

before the weather is hot

and the crowds and mosquitoes arrive

My son is less than a year old in this photo

he's 26 now

Yosemite is his second home

As familiar to him as our own back yard

only this back yard is a LOT bigger

we usually stay here - in Curry Village

here I can feel like I'm camping out

hear the wind in the pine trees

or the rain on the canvas roof

and in the morning I can wake to the sounds of the early birds -

both feathered and human

but I have a bed,

blankets,

electricity,

toilets,

showers,

a pool,

a lodge,

shops, bike rentals and a pizza patio

Now that's MY kind of camping out

We stayed here once... the awe inspiring Awahnee Hotel

nestled among the granite cliffs

one of the great lodges

we ate here

and sat here

lovely, isn't it?

I can't think of a better place to start a discussion about fireplaces...

but first, how about a better perspective on this fireplace. . .

it is actually large enough to sit and stand inside

but remains in perfect scale to the cathedral ceiling in the great room it which it resides

and is just one of several equally impressive fireplaces in this great hotel

which is open to the public

so you don't have to be a guest to enjoy the ambiance

or have breakfast or dinner in the dining room with the spectacular views

But I digress....

back to fireplaces..

If you are fortunate enough to have a fireplace in your own home, you know how cozy a cool evening and a warm glow can be.  It is also often the focal point of your room - or should be.  Sometimes our fireplaces are a little drab - a basic hole in the wall with a mantel (if you are lucky) stuck on top.  My first home had an exposed brick fireplace and a big painted chunk of wood as a mantle.  It was as forgettable as you could get - or so I thought until I met my fireplace in our second home - white painted brick with a painted brick mantle.  I was glad it nearly disappeared into the wall around it.

A fireplace should be a feature in a room - a spot that a room can be designed around.  Fireplaces are a true asset.  It should invite you, warm you and be a solid statement - not blend into the surrounding wall.  

But take heart - if you have a forgettable fireplace, it doesn't have to remain that way. 

Country Living

In exploring fireplaces, I found a few that quickly became my favorites...

like this beautiful grey stone-clad fireplace

there is no mistaking that this is the focal point of the room

I am also drawn to fireplaces with paneling and built-in cabinetry - making a statement much bigger than the fireplace alone - like this dramatic black painted paneled surround and bookshelves.  Think beyond the fireplace to the entire wall - use the space to add panels, bookshelves, mantle and moldings.

Brooke Gianetti

attention to detail is evident in the molding and trim on this paneled fireplace wall

and this symmetrical setting is most pleasing

everything well balanced

the fireplace and bookshelves working together as a unit

Desde My Ventana

drool-worthy massive stone fireplace
in a french chateau

doesn't hurt to dream....

Custom Precast Stone

but, more likely than not

you and I will not end up in a french chateau with period architecture

so.... a happy alternative

Antique limestone or cast stone reproductions of antique fireplaces

with their massive silhouettes and generous mantles

make my heart go pitter-pat

Tailor made to fit your space, these are fairly quick fixes for a non-descript black hole in the wall.

precast stone fireplaces are reproductions of antiques

in a variety of finishes

and a variety of styles

Charme d'Antan

If you prefer the real thing,  Los Angeles shop, Charme D'Antan, LLC, offers both antique and reproduction french limestone fireplaces

Details International

Vintage and quintessentially 'craftsman' looking, the chunky stacked stone pilasters are eye catching  in this peek through fireplace design -

shared by two spaces - a warm, inviting room divider

Wainscot Solutions

Another wood design, the fluted columns in this design draw your eye upward
and create a feeling of height in a room

Custom Precast Stone

the same effect is achieved with this precast stone fireplace -
raise your fireplace to new heights

and create a stunning focal point

Alex Molding

another beautiful fireplace with built-in cupboards and shelves
I love the painted bead board panelling backing the shelves and topping the fireplace mantle

another craftsman style fireplace wall

with built-in glass fronted cabinets

cabinet and panel detail

Garden Stone

Here's a product that allows you to design your own...

Garden Stone has created a series of man made chunky moldings, chair rails, carvings and embellishments that you can put together with other stone products to create your own custom  fireplace.  You are limited only by your imagination... I love this product.!

Here's a fireplace I created with this product and beautiful slate
in a contemporary setting with a space issue....

More beautiful fireplaces.....

Brooke Gianetti

Brooke's impeccable classic styling.  Simply beautiful.

Martha Stewart

if you love this cottage look, keep your eyes peeled for one that fits your space
at antique shows or flea markets

House and Home

I've discovered that the actual style of the fireplace isn't as important to me as whether it is substantial, makes a statement, or creates a strong focal point.  They can be stone, brick, cast stone, or wood if they also speak the language above. 

This one certainly fits the bill - a wonderful rustic-yet-sophisticated

stacked stone peek-through fireplace with a clever mantle/niche built in.

It quite simply makes the room.

Mantle Craft

more cast stone sources

Mantles Direct

Have you ever wished you had a fireplace in your bedroom - or your bathroom?  Wouldn't you love a fireplace in your dining room?  Or your home office?

Direct vent fireplaces

Direct vent fireplaces do not require a chimney and can be vented directly through a wall or roof.

they can be installed anywhere a vent can be installed through an exterior wall or a roof.  Doesn't that just open up a world of possibilities? 

For even more possibilities, and a more modern look, a vent less fireplace combines the warmth of a fire hung on a wall - no ventilation necessary as it is fueled by gel or ethanol.

Meridian Home Products

Stardust Modern Design

More eye candy....

Patina Finishes

True Craftsman

When you are planning your mantle, make sure your mantle area is deep enough for what you would like to display.   I like 10 - 12 inches so I can layer instead of just line up....

J Steinberg Design

 Stacked stone, in a lovely light beige and a simple application

Decorpad

 Another nod to Craftsman design -

mantle and bookcases united with one long mantle

stone fireplace - rustic and warm

Well, I'm inspired.... I'm ready to redo my fireplace in the family room

and maybe add one in the master bedroom or bath

all I need is a little wall space....

Your comments make my day.

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