The fireplace is the heart of the home and should be designed as such. It brings warmth to the room and everyone is drawn to the fire for intimate, comfortable conversation. The TV is mounted above it in the Family Room; the family portrait is hung above it in the Living Room; the furniture is placed in front of it. A well designed fireplace surround is important to the look and feel of the room. A dated brick surround can be updated by mudding over the brick to create a smooth texture, or the brick can be torn out to create a completely different look. For a more contemporary look, use large horizontal rectangular tiles on the face of the fireplace to add drama and interest. Raise the hearth for a more comfortable sitting height or for the rustic cabin look, throw some pillows on the ledge for a welcoming additional seating area in a Family or Living Room. Lowering the hearth so it is flush with the floor can open up a small room and leave more space for chairs and ottomans.
Firebox doors can be changed to create a larger opening with more glass, which will let the beautiful glow of a fire into the room. There are many options for the finish, oil rubbed bronze, antique gold, or nickel to name a few. Decorative mantels are created to draw the eye to the focal point of the room and can be made from cast stone, carved wood, or metal. Creating a new mantel gives you a chance to get more depth and space to showcase candlesticks or family heirlooms.
Stone, tile, granite, faux finished materials are all great options for the face of a fireplace wall. Nothing draws attention to a grand fireplace wall better than a floor to ceiling decorative faux treatment. A designer will coordinate the flooring material with the mantel and fireplace surround material to fit in with your home and look as though it has been there for years.
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