The Centerpiece of Your Home, the Fireplace
Designing your own fireplace is the dream of any homeowner. After all, it is the centerpiece of your home. It is where the family cozies up on a chilly autumn night. It is where you will spend many a Holidays with those you love, so why not make your fireplace the design of your dreams. If you are remodeling or building, take the time to make sure the fireplace design is everything you desire.
The place to start on your fireplace design is the hearth. The hearth is both an aesthetic design decision as well as a practical one. Do you want the fire raised so it stands prominently in the room or do you want it at the floor level? If it is raised, you will have a platform to work from as you kindle your fire. If it is at floor level, make sure not too install th carpet too close!
How big should the firebox be is a good second question to ask when designing your fireplace. A small firebox gives you a more quaint and cozy feeling, perfect for curling up in front of with a good book. Or, you may opt for a larger firebox, that will give you the space to build large fires and let your fire breathe. It also gives you room to work on your fire. The size should complement the room.
As far as the look and style of your fireplace goes, the materials used are the most important element of your fireplace design. The default choice for many will be a red brick with white mortar facing; this is a classic look which is instantly identifiable. Brick is highly heat resistant and holds up well. You can vary the materials somewhat and still have a great fireplace though - you can get the same kind of brick in different colors; for instance, an all white fireplace can be lovely.
Other than this basic component, you’ll need to decide on the mantel and surrounds. You can paint your fireplace or install mounts for many different types of decorating schemes to make your fireplace something truly unique. So have fun with it and don’t be afraid to try new things. If you get creative with your fireplace design ideas, you’ll have the reward of a personalized fireplace for years to come.
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