SELECTING A FIREPLACE
A fireplace is a welcome feature in any space, especially during winter! I was recently interviewed for an article, in Australian House & Garden, where I discussed my top tips on selecting the perfect piece!
Is a fabulous fireplace about more than just heating - what can it add to the look and feel of a room?
JB: A fireplace can be an ultimate style statement in any interior, it gives a room character and visual strength. A fireplace can ground a room by adding a focal point. Seating and occasional tables can be grouped around a fire to create an intimate setting for conversation and entertaining. A fireplace can instantly create a mood that welcoming and inviting
How should you go about choosing the right style of fireplace for a room? I.e. what are the main 3-4 things to consider?
JB: Select a fireplace that features the existing style of elements of the architecture, the interior, or landscape design; ie: think about any existing timber panelling, rock or plaster detailing. It is important to make your selections cohesive, creating a harmonious and continuous style throughout the home. Consider bringing the outside in, by using elements from your home exterior, i.e. matching a rock fireplace face to a rock wall in your landscaping. Also, Decide between real or artificial! There is nothing like a real wood-burning fire for awakening your senses, however, gas-burning fires have become very realistic in recent years and can be a welcome alternative to the work involved lighting a natural wood-burning fire. If choosing gas, avoid unnecessary gimmicks such as OTT built-in neon digital light effects. These will date and be a costly feature to replace.
How can you go about getting the proportions right?
JB: Definitely consider the proportions of the room the fireplace will be in. A large room with high ceilings, for example, will require a large statement piece for balance and scale. Generally, a mantle should sit at almost half the height of the room itself. A small room could perhaps be best with a simple fireplace with minimal to no surround at all.
What are 2-3 of the latest trends in fireplace design? I.e. shape, profile, materials, statement flues etc?
JB: Rather than looking at what’s in fashion, I would suggest that it’s far more important to choose a fireplace that suits the existing features of a home. However, we are seeing a resurgence of natural rock surrounds as mantle pieces and entire floor to ceiling installations. Classic panelled style mantles are also popular and are always a timeless choice
What about wall-mounted heaters - is there any way to disguise them or get them to blend into a room scheme?
JB: Rather than trying to disguise wall mounted heaters, I prefer to embrace them by making them a feature in themselves. Decorative heating panels or metal over grills are a fabulous way of adding another design element to an interior, and there are some great options available at the moment. Just make sure you work with the existing style of the room, not against it!
For assistance in selecting the right fireplace for your next project, please contact me via email or book a consultation by following the link
below.
A limestone floor to ceiling fire surround at a recent project, Brighton 2020
Two traditional fireplaces in a recent project. Timber and cast iron. Canterbury, July 2020