If you are amongst those who think that the function of a fireplace is restricted to creating a warm and cozy ambiance, you surely need to take a look at the creative fireplace designs that the interior designers have come up with. While a fireplace is basically an architectural structure that warms up a place, a decorative frame or a fireplace surround makes it an artistic design element or an attractive focal point of a room. If you leaf through lifestyle magazines, you will certainly come across interesting plans. However, home owners need to use their aesthetic sense to sift through the fireplace surround ideas and find a design that complements the decor or the design theme of their home. It is pointless to get a surround that doesn't go well with your home decor. Well, there certainly is no dearth of design elements that can be incorporated in a surround. Marble, brick, wood, granite, concrete, stone and tiles are some of the materials that can be used for designing a surround.
The surround not only makes the fireplace look attractive, sturdy surrounds also provide certain safety benefits. This makes the choice of materials a very important decision. The materials used for making the surround must be able to preserve warmth, and keep the flames from burning the surrounding areas. Once you have selected he design, take the measurement of the fireplace. It is very important to ensure that the fireplace mantel and the shelves fit well. You can even have the surround custom-built, just make sure that you comply with the local building codes. Though you might have to shell out more for such surrounds, all you need to do is explain the surround design to these professionals. The finished product will look exactly as you had visualized.
Design Ideas for Fireplace Surrounds
First of all, you need to ensure that the design complements your home decor. The material must not clash with the texture and the color of the flooring or the walls. Here is some information that will give you an idea about the latest trends
Traditional Designs
The Victorian style fireplace mantel and surrounds that are made from rich wood will certainly work well for traditional homes. Wooden surrounds are always a hit with most people. Pine and birch could also be used for a natural and rustic look. In fact, wooden surrounds made from poplar, cherry, oak, pine or maple are very much in vogue these days. These can be used in both traditional and modern homes. A wood surround made from oak will certainly create a sophisticated and elegant look. Brick or stone surrounds can also be used to impart an old-world charm to your home. You could also use stone veneers or have cultured stones stacked in distinctive patterns. Mantels and surrounds that are made from natural or cultured stones are usually well-liked by those who are more inclined towards traditional interior design.
Contemporary Designs
If you have incorporated contemporary interior design elements in your home, you should definitely use modern fireplace design ideas. Granite, marble or ceramic tiles can be incorporated in a surround. These can certainly enhance the interiors of a modern home. Granite and travertine are a great choice if you want to create a formal and subdued look for your fireplace. Marble emerges as a very popular option too. Carved marbles can successfully create a rich look, but marble surrounds can be expensive. The designs have evolved with time. The combined use of various design elements will work wonders. Another interesting idea would be to accent wooden mantels by using natural stone tiles. Multicolored tiles and mosaics can certainly make the fireplace a visual treat. Several interior design companies are creating mantels and surrounds using wood and stone tiles. A combination of dark wood and travertine stone tiles can certainly create a world of difference to any fireplace. A combination of marble tiles and dark-colored granite with oak can also work wonders. Ceramic tiles also provide endless options for creating distinctive, colorful patterns and decorative borders. Slate tiles or concrete has also emerged as a viable option for fireplace mantels and surrounds for homes that are styled as per the contemporary designs.
The interiors of your home say a lot about your sense of style, so use these design ideas to convert the fireplace into an attractive focal point. You can also use mirrors, ornamental appliques, decorative columns or lighting to further enhance the look of the fireplace.
