Design Spotlight: Fireplaces

Debbie Naftel
Edward Andrews Homes
Atlanta

When designed to elevate the overall aesthetic of an interior room or outdoor space, fireplaces can serve as both the hearth and heart of a home. The fireplace is a beautiful focal point of an interior room, complementing built-in bookshelves and a coffered ceiling. 

Contrasting hues, woodwork in rich colors, and varied textures add a dynamic feel with the fireplace still at the center of attention.

Expand your living space by taking it to the outdoors with additional seating and dining. A stacked stone fireplace on your porch can warm up an evening and lengthen a season. Create the perfect outdoor entertainment center with a fire pit. Select a stone or brick that coordinates with the look of the exterior materials of your home. 

Janet L. Hobbs, AIBD
Hobbs' Ink
Lakeway, Texas

From prehistoric times, the fire was a place to gather for safety, food, and comfort. It’s still a place to gather for comfort, but now is also an opportunity for aesthetic appeal and even whimsy.

Fire still pushes away the dark, evokes memories of happy times, and says, “You’re home, relax a while.” But now we can splurge on it and have fun with fire. 

From the transparent fireplace in front of the window wall to the smaller but more massive-feeling outdoor fireplaces shown here, all give us a focal point and, more importantly, a living area that makes us want to sit and linger a while.  In our fast paced world, fire —properly packaged—is an opportunity to slow down and enjoy life.

Jennifer Beaman Pippin, FAIBD, CPDB, CGP
Pippin Home Designs
Mooresville, N.C.

Fire is a key design element I believe every home should incorporate, and most do by way of a fireplace, usually in the main living space, along with candles. Fire has magical qualities, is one of the four basic elements, and was used for centuries as a tool for survival, light, heat, and cooking. Fire is comforting and is a symbol of home and constancy. Most modern fires are used as focal points and gathering spots, sometimes with a commanding presence, or to set a relaxing intimate mood.

The type of fireplace you choose—gas or wood—is an important consideration, along with the maintenance, finish materials, style, budget, and accessories needed.

They can be understated, and secondary to the TV, as with this tiled fireplace.

Or they can have a unique finish like this dramatic stainless steel one.

Fireplaces can be used to create the feeling of luxury, such as the one in this bathroom, with the chandelier and the see-through slate fireplace.

Used outside, a fireplace is a great way to stay warm, or gather around a fire pit for a marshmallow treat.

CB