Designing your own fireplace is the dream of any homeowner. After all, it is the centerpiece of your home. It is where the family cozies up on a chilly autumn night. It is where you will spend many a Holidays with those you love, so why not make your fireplace the design of your dreams. If you are remodeling or building, take the time to make sure the fireplace design is everything you desire.
The first design decision that goes into your fireplace is both an aesthetic and practical one. How do you design the hearth? You can design the hearth to be raised, so that the fire stands up in the room, or you may decide for the more traditional fireplace at floor level. Whether you have kids or pets can certainly factor into the design decision, as well.
How big should the firebox be is a good second question to ask when designing your fireplace. A small firebox gives you a more quaint and cozy feeling, perfect for curling up in front of with a good book. Or, you may opt for a larger firebox, that will give you the space to build large fires and let your fire breathe. It also gives you room to work on your fire. The size should complement the room.
The most prominent design feature of your fireplace is going to be the materials used to make the fireplace. The traditional choice here is a red brick with a white mantel on top. However, nowadays there are so many more options, you would be cheating your self not to consider some others. Keep the materials consistent with the other design elements in the house and you will have a fireplace that welcomes you everytime you enter the room.
The last design ideas to consider for your fireplace are the mantel and surrounding elements. For many people the fireplace is the center of family life, whether it is a mantel full of trophies or photos of all the loved ones. You can really lend your creative side to this part of the process to make your fireplace something unique, so enjoy it and you will have something to cherish for years to come.