Fireplaces form functional focal points for living spaces
Q. We have been debating fireplace types for our home renovation. We have always had a woodburning fireplace but think maybe it’s time to switch to a lowermaintenance gas one. Will we regret this decision?
Our style is traditional, with some Victorian furniture pieces. Thank you for your advice.
A. Generally, what we love about a woodburning fireplace is the smoky smell of the burning wood and the crackleand-pop sounds of the fire.
Wood-burners do present challenges in terms of maintenance, such as buying or cutting the logs, stacking and building the fire, tending to the flames and ensuring protection from random flying sparks.
Switching to gas means that you simply flip a switch, and presto — you’ve got flames. That welcoming warmth comes with both wood and gas fireplaces, and most provide options for heat control and output. It’s up to you to decide which source of heat best suits your present living conditions.
Designers of gas fireplaces are continually striving to build products that are both energy-efficient and stylish.
High-quality companies such as Valor Fireplaces offer it all. There are the slimline models that fit seamlessly into a contemporary setting. Some are multisided and see-through to provide views from two rooms. Standard- and large-format models are available with a choice of components.
The Windsor Arch from Valor’s Portrait Series shown here is a classic example of old-fashioned charm that would enhance your room’s traditional style.
The company’s website, valorfireplaces. com, has a design center where you can build your own fireplace look using their components. Fireplace fronts vary from clean lines to traditional. The fire bed can be coals, driftwood, logs or rocks, and the liners come in fluted black, red brick and reflective glass.
Q. I am always on the lookout for ways to freshen up my family-room fireplace. It’s a central feature, and we stare at it when the fire is glowing. I’d like some ideas on how to treat the mantel.
A. Even when a fire is not lit, the fireplace usually takes center stage in any room.
Mantels come in different materials and sizes, but each one is a shelf that begs to be decorated. It comes down to personal choice whether you take a minimal approach or prefer to create a display.
Pick a theme — it can be seasonally related — and choose materials and colors that produce the mood.
Winter whites, blues and grays combine for a quiet feel. Use an edited list of vases, candlesticks, books, a lantern, snowball flowers and winter greens to fill the space. Add some silvery metal for sparkle, but don’t overcrowd the shelf.
Another wintry option is to play with mirrors and glass; then introduce one or two hand-hewn wooden accessories that will warm up the arrangement. Or why not feature seasonal photos that show family and friends enjoying a game of hockey, a favorite ski hill or a walk in the snowy woods? Frame the pics in black and white, always a stunning combination. Wroughtiron candlesticks and a black-framed mirror would complete the look.
When it’s time for spring, you can simply create another seasonal vignette.
Change up the colors, and add a small bouquet of fresh flowers. Play with contrasting materials — perhaps metal with wood, or ceramics with glass. Vary the height of your display items to achieve an easy balance, but don’t get top-heavy. A tall vase of branches at one end of the mantel can be balanced by a large mirror on the wall above the mantel beside the arrangement.
Your eye will tell you when you’ve got it right. Enjoy your fireplace. Debbie Travis’ House to Home column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Email questions to house2home@debbietravis.com. Follow
Debbie on Twitter at www.twitter.com/debbie_travis, or visit her website, www.debbietravis.com.