Fireplace Design & Construction Tips
The fireplace in a home is usually the focal point of a room. Most builders today are only giving one row of tile, usually the standard version, around the outside of the opening
The fireplace in a home is usually the focal point of a room. From a design stand point you want to embellish the surroundings so it completes the look of the space you are working with. Most builders today are only giving one row of tile, usually the standard version, around the outside of the opening. This is easy to replace after you move in. There will probably be a little bit of drywall damage but not to worry as this is an easy fix especially when covering it over with other options.
Updating Your Existing Fireplace:
You can update the look with different options:
- Faux painting
- Stone options......granite slab, different sized pieces of stone, decorative borders around the tile,
- Different mantle options....wood on top only, wood with legs down the side, wood and marble combinations
- Solid stone mantles with detailed designs. These are generally more costly.
- Add a decorative screen. These are some very pretty ones available, glass, wrought iron...etc.
- Build a hearth in front of the fireplace
- There are many more options.....
To help you choose the best option for yourself contact a designer who will sit with you to help you decide on the best solution for your lifestyle.
Replacing Your Existing Fireplace:
To replace an existing fireplace is a little more costly as there are always venting and possibly structural issues involved.
If you have a real wood burning fireplace, there are options to replace them with a combination gas and wood burning as well as bringing in just the gas option so not to have to deal with the mess of the wood and soot.
If your home is newer, local building codes now prohibit real wood burning fireplaces to be added. A designer or contractor can help you with this option decision. Make sure that your designer has a design/construction background as there are different structural issues to be considered when either replacing an existing firebox or adding one in a place that wasn't there before.
A very popular option today is to take out a one sided fireplace and replace it with a two-sided fireplace so that it can be utilized in more than one area of the home. This creates both warmth and ambience throughout the year.......did someone say Christmas is just around the corner? Where would Santa be without the good 'ole fireplace?
Happy Holidays and Happy Designing from Bella Vita Interiors and the Home Show with Lark Williams "Showcase of Services."
Contributed by: Bobbie Jo Kinsey
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Fireplace Design & Construction Tips
