Weekly Design Inspiration: Open Fire

Few household conveniences have stood the test of time like the fireplace. For most of us, they are now considered a luxury as opposed to an essential heat source. If you love fireplaces as much as we do, then you want it to be a statement piece in your home. Luckily for you, we have compiled a few of our favourites from around the web.

Farmhouse

A farmhouse fireplace is what most people think of as a classic fireplace. They can range from cabin chic to a more refined take, but they all fall under the farmhouse aesthetic. If you are looking to invest in your fireplace, consider using stones or stone veneer to get the cozy, aged look. If you want your fireplace to read more modern, or you don’t want to spend as much on the look, consider what silhouettes you can make using drywall and a plaster finish. 

Source: Studio McGee

Retro

Retro fireplaces are a wonderful option for those of us who like the look of retro design or simply want to save a little floor space. When thinking of mid-century modern, think of where you can introduce angles, whether that be the roofline, the materials, or the composition. Small format tiles will also keep the look more authentic. If you don’t have the space for a grand fireplace, invest in a retro-inspired freestanding fireplace. They come in a variety of shapes and lots of fun colours! 

Contemporary

With the swell of new construction happening over the past couple of years, one of the trends has undoubtedly been contemporary design. With more efficient space planning, people find that bigger is better--and that includes fireplaces. Playing with a large and linear scale is one way to achieve the look, but materials also matter. Sleek natural tone, metals, and wood are all essential to the design. Think of ways to create movement, whether that be through veining or tile layout. 

Design Tip: When choosing an insert, don’t forget about the interior options! We prefer natural looking logs and sleek black interiors, but be sure to check out all of your options to complete the look.