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Fireplace Designs that Compliment Any Space

How to Design a Fireplace Surround

Sep 21, 2009 Sarabeth Asaff

The hearth calls to mind the old image of the family's center. Today's fireplace can be the center of the room's design.

Every good design needs a focal point, something to draw the eye and focus the attention, bringing together all elements of the space. The fireplace is a natural focal point and gathering place, so let the fireplace surround pull the room’s design together.

Fireplace Surround Materials to Consider

There are several options to choose from when designing a fireplace surround. Wooden moldings that compliment the woodwork in the room are good choices for homes with a lot of built in design. Slabs of marble or granite can be a dramatic surround, full of movement and color. These make wonderful, natural pallets for pulling accent and paint colors from, if the furniture is neutral in color.

Tile designs can help to transform a fireplace and hearth into a unique showpiece. Use Delft tiles for a traditional beauty, or consider using custom mosaics for a contemporary fireplace surround.

Incorporate the Home's Style

Take cues from the architecture and period of the house's design. Utilize Arts and Crafts tile for a house of that design, or use gumwood for a craftsman. A contemporary home would work well with glass tiles, while a log cabin will make the most of slate.

Tying the Space and Design Together

Once the material has been chosen, it’s time to pull the space together. Paint a wooden surround in a complimentary color to the other wood work in the room. Try going just a shade warmer or brighter in color to highlight the space.

If using slabs, visit the stone yard and speak to the vendors and installers about how the slabs should be cut to maximize the veining for the best dramatic effect. Pull flecks and veins of color from the slab chosen for throw rugs, pillows and curtains. Take a predominate color and take it a few shades lighter to paint the walls and show it off.

For tile design, begin with the colors already chosen for the room. If using carved or decorative accent tiles, keep the colors to a minimum, and let the design stand alone. For a truly dramatic look, gather colors from the room, go a few shades brighter and combine them into a patchwork or mosaic design.

Finish off with a Mantel

Be sure that whatever material or design is chosen, the mantel becomes the warmth and personalization of the room. Display family photos, collections, or artwork and be sure that this space truly reflects the lives of the family that lives there.

Whether the fireplace will be getting a lot of use, or is merely for show, be sure to make the most of this natural point of interest in the room. People feel naturally drawn to the fireplace and hearth, so be sure to give them something of interest, as well as a place for the eye to rest, when they get there.

The copyright of the article Fireplace Designs that Compliment Any Space in Interior Decorating is owned by Sarabeth Asaff. Permission to republish Fireplace Designs that Compliment Any Space in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

An Arts and Crafts Fireplace