How to Heat Up Your Fireplace Design

Fireside season is upon us. It's that time of the year when the glow of a fire provides warmth to a room and a cozy backdrop for sharing special moments with friends and family. Though the fireplace is often the centerpiece of a room, it is an element that homeowners typically don’t consider when designing their space. Bring your fireplace to the foreground with tips from interior designer Nancy L. Mikulich, ASID.

Be bold – If you have a fireplace that extends into the room, think of it as a different piece of architecture. Consider wrapping the exposed sides in a textured wall treatment, such as a grass cloth or a shiny wallpaper. Since you won’t need a large amount of material, you may be able to splurge on a pricier product.

For a low cost approach, pick up an accent color from your rug or favorite pillow and paint the wall above the mantle. Then, paint the mantle itself in a complementary accent color for a bold, graphic touch.

Showcase inner beauty – The inside of a fireplace is a showcase and should be harmoniously designed to work with your decor style. Gas logs are a wonderful option for those seeking convenience and cost-effectiveness. These products look just as beautiful when the fireplace is off as they do when it's on.

Expand your seating – If the room allows for it, create a separate sitting area in front of the fireplace. Find a decorative screen, a pair of tufted ottomans and a small area rug. The additional furniture will provide overflow seating when the house is full of holiday visitors.

Enjoy it all year – Sometimes we only think of the fireplace when the weather turns chilly. But it is important to remember that the fireplace is in your room all year round, so make sure the dominant colors and textures in the room work from season to season. This way, you can interchange your accessories and artwork and enjoy the warmth of a hearth 365 days a year.

Source: R.H. Peterson Co.

Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2014. All rights reserved.