Fireplace designs for the modern home

The age old association between mankind and the element of fire has been much debated on. Whereas once man revered and feared this awe inspiringly powerful element, he has gradually honed his skills to manipulate and sometimes even exploit the potential of fire towards a greater good. With the degree of control that man has managed to exact, the element of fire has assumed a more benign and constructive role in contemporary times. One of the most prominent manifestations of man''s control over fire is the fireplace. Everyone likes to enjoy the cozy comfort of a warm fire on a chilly winter's night when the snow is piling up outside and the temperature is plummeting. This kind of a setting forms the backdrop for quality time spent with family playing board games or just indulging in light-hearted banter. Add to it some steaming mugs of hot chocolate and the scene is nothing short of picturesque.

A fireplace has become an indispensible part of modern homes what with the need to shield ourselves from unpleasantly cold weather and also to establish a forceful decor. Many home owners prefer their fireplaces to be the focal point in the context of the decor. However every focal point irrespective of its grandeur deserves a singular treatment that would do justice to the pivotal role it plays in the decor. Therefore it is important to get acquainted with the various nuances of fireplace designs. Buy some scintillating fireplaces from vitalwares.ca.

How do I get started on fireplace designs?

In case the absence of a fireplace in your home is getting particularly conspicuous especially in light of the beautiful fireplaces that grace your neighbor's homes, it is about time you think of investing in one. On the other hand, if your home already boasts of a fireplace, it is imperative to get started on a fireplace design idea. There are a few considerations that you must take into account before proceeding to implement the fireplace designs.

• Fireplace to complement your home

  Mull over the overall style of your home and consider the type of fireplace that would best be in harmony with it. For instance, if you have a home that is designed within the tenets of a contemporary style, a traditional type of fireplace would look rather jarring. Similarly a modern fireplace would be unbecoming in a traditional decor. At vitalwares.ca, we have a range of modern fireplaces just for you.

• Type of fireplace

  The next thing to invariably consider would be the type of fireplace that you would have a preference for. Would you like a modern gas powered ethanol fireplace from vital wares or would you want a conventional wood burning version? This consideration is guided by multiple factors which explore the aspects of your home. You will also need to evaluate and judge the safety considerations for each type of fireplace before you consider it as the forerunner to instituting fireplace designs.

• The hearth

  Any fireplace design involves the use of some major components. Understanding the nature of these components will certainly help you in your endeavor of going about designing your fireplace. One of the vital components of a fireplace is the hearth. Hearths can be bought in many different styles at vital wares. They can be installed on the floor or can even be raised or sunk into the floor. It would be a great idea to place hearth seats which can be used for seating on either side of a firebox. This designing strategy would work great in a home that is accustomed to family gatherings on a frequent basis.

• The Firebox

  The firebox is yet another noteworthy element in typical fireplace designs. The fireboxes are equally numerous in the styles that are available in at vital wares. The specifications of the firebox essentially vary in sync with the hearth and the floor. Fireboxes come in flush and dropped versions.

• The opening

  This is the most visually prominent part of the fireplace. Usually this is a rectangular opening that heralds the actual fireplace. Depending on the style of your home, you can opt for different types of arches for the fireplace. You could go for flat arch openings or even a full arch opening. On the other hand, a U shaped fireplace opening can also work well in certain styles of interiors.

What are the trends in contemporary fireplace designs?

Home owners who have a penchant for the contemporary style prefer designing elements that are modern and in harmony with the prevailing trends. Thus the preference is for styles that are unlikely to wane out even after a few years have gone by. The contemporary style is quite popular in context of modern fireplace designs. These differ vastly from the traditional fireplaces primarily in the enhanced safety and the kind of fuel that they employ. As opposed to their traditional counterparts that use wooden logs as the source of fuel, some of these contemporary fireplaces utilize natural gas or gel logs. These are relatively easy to use and are to a certain extent free from any safety glitches. Moreover the post-burning clean up in contemporary fireplaces involves little or no effort.

Modern fireplaces on offer at vital wares make use of advanced technology and designs that speak volumes for their sheer sophistication. Keeping in line with contemporary designing decrees, the modern fireplace involves the use of straight and curved lines as well as a minimalistic designing strategy. The result is a fireplace that oozes oodles of contemporary appeal with its clean and structured appearance. Thus these fireplaces are an ideal choice when it comes to purse fireplace designs in modern homes that seek to do away with all visible signs of clutter and unnecessary embellishments. At vital wares, modern fireplaces come in a vast range of sizes thus giving you the delightful opportunity to incorporate them in intensely personal domains like the bedroom. These smalls scaled fireplaces can range from the portable variety to the wall mounted versions that come with a sleek glass door.

The materials used in contemporary fireplace designs include glass, stainless steel, copper and cast iron. These materials go into the crafting of all types of modern fireplaces that include the bowl type, table top or box type versions. Some of these high end fireplaces can be controlled by remote control. Thus you can bask in the freedom of cuddling up in your favorite couch and regulating the warmth of the fireplace according to your needs. The colors for modern fireplace designs range from the ubiquitous black to chrome, silver, copper or even a versatile combination of all of these materials. Nevertheless you have the choice to think out of the box and opt for other colors that would be visually viable in a modern setting.

How can I incorporate decorating ideas into fireplace designs?

The fireplace in your home can either be a prominent part of the architectural detailing or can serve as the primary focal point of the room. However the fact is that fireplaces are a potent design element and should therefore be shown off in its full glory. You can showcase your personality or choose to convey your distinct style signature by decorating around a fireplace. Injecting interest into your fireplace will ensure that your space is a visually exhilarating area.

• Paint

  One of the most inexpensive yet effective means of revamping your fireplace is with the strategic use of paint. For an immediate refurbishment, you can dab new and vibrant colors on the bricks that flank your fireplace. For a modern home, you can go for a color palette that includes chocolate, bold browns, black or tan. The mantle should be painted in a similar shade or a shade that is completely in conflict with it. For a more traditional touch, go for muted shades like white, light yellow, cream or pastels. In case you are troubled by the inconspicuousness of the fireplace, try to dress up the surrounding space in a bold color that will draw attention.

• Materials

  There are many wonderful options when it comes to designing a fireplace. Tiles can reinforce the contemporary look while marble is more in tune with the traditional look. Stone in its natural or concrete form can be fixed from the floor all the way to the ceiling. You will also need to ascertain the factor of safety by finding out the recommended distance that the chosen material should be from an open flame.

• The mantle

  A mantle is usually an awesome way to display photographs and other collectibles. The mantles could be both contemporary and traditional in style. It would be a great designing approach to install a mantle across the wall that sports the fireplace thus giving the illusion of continuity. In case you need to address additional storage issues, install shelves on either sides of the mantle.

• Mirrors

  Mirrors are a great way to accentuate the beauty of your fireplace. You can choose to hang a huge mirror over the fireplace or you can opt for a series of small scaled mirrors that can be tactically placed to amplify the opulence of the fireplace. You can also place a mirror on the wall opposite to the fireplace in a bid to catch the reflection of the dancing flames. Select from an array of striking wall mirrors at vital wares.

• Personalizing the fireplace

  Placing family pictures and photos in the vicinity of the fireplace is an effectual way of personalizing the space. You will need a considerable number of framed photographs to ensure the success of this decorating idea. Collect photographs that commemorate various occasions like vacations, dinners, birthdays and anniversaries and frame them in photo frames that match the overall decor. Place these photographs on the mantle and witness the astounding way in which the fireplace is personalized.

• Candles in fireplace designs

  Candles are beautiful decorating accessories that lend considerable credence to the beauty of any decor. You can take advantage of the gorgeousness of the candles to bolster the appearance of the fireplace. Place candles in a cluster on either end of the mantle or place the candles in attractive candle holders.

• Fireplace accessories

  Though modern fireplace designs involving the use of ethanol fireplaces do not actually require the use of accessories that are typically used in a conventional fireplace, you can nevertheless use them to emphasize the notion of a fireplace. Place fireplace accessories like fenders, andirons, pokers and bellows in a manner that is suggestive of a planned albeit unfussy style.

• Flowers

  There is nothing like freshly cut flowers to banish the monotony from a particular space. Use clear vases to keep beautiful long stemmed flowers on the mantle. You could also keep a tiny potted plant on the mantle.

• Painted tiles in fireplace designs

  For a contemporary fireplace, painted tiles are as evocative of a modern theme as an ethanol fireplace. Consider the design of the tiles that are meant to surround the fireplace. You can custom design the tiles by going for patterns that illustrate your personal sense of style. However a point to keep in the recess of your mind is that the colors of the tiles should be synchronized with aspects of the decor like the color scheme and the theme. Instead of indulging in intricate and tricky designing techniques, choose to retain simple elegance.

What are the safety considerations for fireplace designs?

Anything that employs the use of fire is privy to a possibility of danger. Without the proper safety precautions, a fireplace is just a disaster that is waiting for the right moment to happen. Therefore it is imperative that you keep some fundamental safety tips in mind when designing a fireplace.

• One of the key safety issues to consider is the material of the fireplace. This material should essentially be resistant to fire. This will include the materials that go on the walls, chimney, grate, hearth and the floor. Though marble and stone are popular options for fireplaces designs, brick, ceramic and metal are also great yet cost-effective options.
• Ensure that the area which boasts of the fireplace is adequately ventilated. Though modern fireplaces do not emit much smoke or soot, ventilation is nevertheless a prudent measure.
• Maintain the fireplace at a distance from the walls that is within the tenets of safety considerations. There are state and local codes that stipulate a minimum distance that should be there between a fireplace and the walls, curtains or carpets.