Fireplace Mantel Designs... Country Rock to Heavy Metal!
Fireplace mantel designs and surrounds are available in such a broad range of architectural styles and materials
that it can seem downright over- whelming at first. However, despite a virtually limitless number of options, if you take
your time and follow the simple steps outlined below, you'll be well on your way to finding a mantel or surround that's
"just right" for you!
Whether your style is laid-back and casual, such as the striking but cozy
river rock
hearth pictured above from Custom Mountain Architects . . . . .
. . . or high spirited and adventurous, such as the dramatic "heavy metal" fireplace (below) from French designer and
manufacturer, Bloch Design . . . and/or anything in between . . . the helpful guidelines and numerous exam- ples of
fireplace mantel designs that follow will help you narrow your choices and begin to develop a plan that both enhances
and complements your room. And, more importantly, a plan that complements your person- ality and showcases your unique
individuality!
To help you choose the perfect fireplace mantel design, let's take it one step at a time . . . . .
Step #1:
Begin by looking at the architectural style of your room. If you're
unfamil- iar with the various architectural styles, then take note of the overall
look and feel of your room. Either approach will work just fine.
Assuming you are comfortable with the current style or "look" of your
room, use that as your starting point in selecting a fireplace style. In
other words look closely at the existing door and window trim, as well as
other mould- ings or trim in the room. Take inventory of wall and ceiling
surfaces and finishes including any paneling, wainscoting, and built-ins,
along with cor- nice moldings and ceiling beams, if applicable. Also note
the floor surface or surfaces, and furnishings in the room, including draperies and rugs.
Step #2:
After going through the exercise in Step #1, you may discover (as many
of us do) that the architectural style or "look and feel" of your room is
some- what eclectic, i.e., a mixture or blend of different styles. However,
at this point you should have enough information to determine in which of
two broad categories it will best fit . . . traditional or contemporary.
In other words, which style or look is more prominent? Does your room have
more of a contemporary look and feel, or is it more traditional?
Step #3:
Now that you've determined which of the two categories best describes your
room, you can begin to break it down further, as each category en- compasses a
wide variety of different looks. Fortunately, this gives you a great deal of latitude
in selecting a fireplace mantel design that not on- ly complements the style of your room,
but one that reflects your person- al style, as well!
For example, a room with a predominately traditional look can vary from casual and laid-back -- even rustic -- to very formal and clas- sical in detailing and arrangement.
If your room is rather casual and laid-back, a cozy
cottage
look with a painted wood mantel and dry-stacked granite surround and hearth may be a good choice (below left) . . . as will the see-through two-sided fireplace with a rustic
stone surround pictured below, right.
If your room calls for a less rustic but still casual and comfortable look, the warmth of the striking
Arts and Crafts,
or Craftsman Style, fireplace sur- rounds that follow may be a better fit. Currently enjoying an unprecedent- ed resurgence
in popularity, this late 19th to early 20th century style re- flects a renewed appreciation for handcrafted quality and
detailing.
The fireplace pictured below, left, is part of a restoration of a Craftsman home in Pasadena, California.
Complementing the finely finished wood man- tel and chimney breast is a series of beautiful copper tiles around the
fire- box opening.
The fireplace mantel design pictured below, right, features a stunning cop- per hood crafted by Archive Designs in
Eugene, Oregon. It also features a beautiful tile surround within a wooden framework of authentically detailed Arts
and Crafts styling.
Other popular options for somewhat casual and laid-back fireplace designs are pictured in the two images that follow.
Below, left, is a
Spanish-in- spired design
with a brightly colored -- and beautifully contrasting -- tiled surround. Above the wood mantel shelf is a built-in
niche with a gently curved arch.
The
Kiva fireplace
pictured below, right, is very popular in the American Southwest Desert region. Initially inspired by Pueblo Indian
architecture, the Kiva shown here is very traditional in style. However, numerous ex- citing variations have been
created in recent years to give them a more personal and individualistic flair!
If a more formal,
classically-inspired
fireplace mantel design better suits your style, the two that follow are hard to beat. Pictured below, left, is an
exquisitely carved marble mantel from
DMS Studios
in New York. No less exquisite is the
claro walnut mantel
pictured below, right. Meticulously handcarved by Aaron Radelow of San Diego, California, the motifs were in- spired by
15th and 16th century Italian carvings.
If your room (AND your personal style) calls for an even more elaborate and grand chimneypiece -- complete with
a soaring overmantel -- one of the two fireplace designs that follow may be your cup of tea. The
natural stone
chimneypiece pictured below, left, is located in England's Woburn Abbey and can be reproduced to your exacting
specifications by
After The Antique,
based in Norfolk, England.
The hooded fireplace mantel design pictured below, right, is a reproduction of a 17th century Gothic mantel. Crafted
by European artisans for Atlanta, Georgia-based
Francois and Co.,
it is available in French limestone or a form of
cast stone
called Scagliola -- a mixture of crushed marble, lime- stone and travertine.
A note about period rooms: If you have a home or room from an earlier period or of a specific period style, you may want to install an antique fireplace mantel for greater authenticity. Fortunately, with a little effort, you can still find some incredible period pieces in the marketplace today, such as the striking antique fireplace mantel designs pictured below from
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