THE EXPERT VIEW
Paul Chesney The Chesney’s MD answers your questions about getting the aesthetics right What should be your key design considerations when choosing a stove or fireplace?
It’s best to look at the architecture of the property and the width of the chimney breast to help decide which style will suit your home. We offer bespoke options in special materials and sizes to fit your needs. More practical factors, such as the size of the chamber, desired fuel type and working capacity of the chimney, will also play a part in finding the best product for you.
While it is not necessary to have a Victorian fireplace in a Victorian house, the style should at least match the interior of the room in which it sits. If the architecture is very pronounced, the fireplace should be of a similar standard – but bear in mind that sometimes a very simple, classical shape can make a stronger, subtler statement than something more elaborate or decorative.
Are there any styles you feel should be avoided? If you live in an old house, it’s best to choose a more traditional looking stove or fireplace over something more modern, but I honestly don’t think anything should be discounted completely – it is all a matter of taste. Antique surrounds can often work very well in both period and contemporary settings and there is still a lot of demand for traditional designs. At Chesney’s, we have a huge archive of antiques, which are very popular.
What do you think the key trends for stove and fireplace design will be in 2019?
At the moment, we are finding that a lot of people are requesting rare and unusual marbles. Currently, we have some stunning options with unusual colours and veining such as Convent Sienna, Belgian Black or Nero Bilbao. These stones are not easily found, and each surround will be unique, as they are very hard to recreate.
Do certain kinds of designs look best in a particular style of house?
It depends. Right now, there is a big move towards the minimalistic look in modern, light and airy homes. Something plain in limestone can work very well. For a traditional room, some people may go for a very eye-catching marble surround with stunning intricate details, but overall, it is very much a question of taste.
A fireplace will be the focal point of the area and can be the element that guests gather round and talk about. Choose carefully, as the right design can help to make an ordinary space exceptional.