Fireplace Surround Design |
Fireplace surround design entails the overall design of the fireplace itself. Sometimes when people hear the term fireplace they are not sure what it consists of. It means all of the area around the entire fireplace, which includes the top, sides and most often the mantle and hearth. It is the surround design that gives your fireplace its style.
So many mediums make up the fireplace. For example, marble, stone, brick, concrete, granite or word and that is just a few of the various types of materials.
There are two things to consider when contemplating the materials for the fireplace.
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The era the material belongs to...
Recognizing what era a material belongs to almost seems automatic. Wood and stone relates back to the pioneer days. Marble and cast iron fits in with the Victorian era. Glass and various types of aluminum blend well with the modern day age.
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The style the material depicts...
When one thinks of style, we often think of shape. The wood and stone materials lend themselves well to large designs that fit into a rustic atmosphere. The marble and cast irons depict a clean and stately formal type of response. The glass and modern day age materials display sleek lines and cool tones with an open airy feel about them.
Color in the material you chose also plays a factor. The rusts and sand tones found in wood, brick and stone depict a warm feel, while the silvers in the aluminums creates a cool ambience. Each of them is intriguing in their own way when combined with the colors found in the flames of the fire of the fireplace itself.
Your fireplace surround design must be designed in such a way that it will not only fit in with the décor of the room at present, but be versatile enough that you can change your color and style of furniture in the future. If you are an individual, who enjoys change then you should design your fireplace surround in such a way it will be able to accommodate this. In these cases, you will be wise to keep the actual surround simple and use your accessories to make the fashion statement as it pertains to the room.
If you really enjoy being unique and independent in your décor then you can design your surround in any way you like. The only rules are the ones that you set. Remember though if it is a heat-bearing fireplace you will be somewhat more restricted on your materials. In addition, you really need to think about what is going to be the main focal point of the room. If it is going to be the fireplace then create the attention with the surround, otherwise keep it more on a plain style that blends in with the room.
Another thing to bear in mind with your fireplace surround design is what other people will think. As long as you are living in the house, ultimately it should only matter to you. You must keep in mind though for resale value that a potential house buyer may not like your creativity.
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