IDEA OF THE MONTH...

Image Above From Meyer & Meyer Architects

How To Create
A Cozy Fireside Inglenook!

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This month's Fireplace Design Idea Of The Month features the cozy fireside inglenook . . . and how to create one for YOUR home.  But first,
a little history lesson.

Beginning around the 12th century, the open fireplace that was typically located in the center of medieval halls was moved to a perimeter wall and eventually enclosed by side walls and covered with a smoke hood. As the soaring halls became more expansive, a larger hearth was necessary, re-
quiring a corresponding increase in the size of smoke hoods and their sup-
porting side walls to protect the inhabitants from drafts. The result was, quite literally, the building of little rooms within big ones.

Those who tended the fire and did the cooking stood within the enclosed hearth.  Soon, benches were placed on either side of the hearth so that additional family members could share the cozy space.   The inglenook or "chimney corner," had evolved, and saw its heyday throughout the Middle Ages.

Wightwick Manor (below), in Wolverhampton, England, is a stunning late Victorian manor house built in the 'Old English' style.  It features a large, but cozy fireside inglenook (See below left).

Though no longer necessary to keep out drafts and stay warm in today's homes, a fireside inglenook is loaded with nostalgic charm! It can also be practical and functional, as in the case of the following design by Simply Elegant Home Designs, based in Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota.

  Prior to remodeling the living room pic-
  tured at left  and  below,  the  home-
  owners felt the room was "uncomfort-
  ably long" and presented a challenge in   creating an intimate furniture arrange-
  ment.    The solution?    Break up the   space by adding a fireside inglenook.

  A wall with a large formal opening was   built just a few feet in front of the ex-
  isting fireplace, effectively "shortening"   the length of the room. Included in the   opening  are  two  pairs  of pillars that   "frame" the elegant fireplace mantel.

Flanking the fireplace mantel are built-in benches with recessed shelves above, providing additional space for displaying family photos and art ob-
jects, as well as books. Though relatively simple -- albeit elegant -- the overall composition is beautifully crafted . . . and functional!

SEE MORE FIRESIDE INGLENOOK DESIGNS
BY CLICKING ON THE FOLLOWING LINKS!

More Inglenook Fireplace Designs -
Cozy Nooks & Crannies!

Craftsman Inglenook Fireplace Designs -
Crafted To Perfection!



COMING NEXT MONTH:

How To Create A
Heartwarming Holiday Hearth!

See A Sampling Of Fireplace Design Ideas In
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