With winter just around the corner, the focus is shifting towards injecting a sense of cosiness into luxury homes, and creating a setting that feels warm and welcoming without compromising on sophistication.
One of the most obvious ways to quite literally warm up your home is with a fireplace, which as well as keeping your living room toasty, makes a beautiful centrepiece for the space and has the power to transform the entire ambiance of your home.
If you’re considering having a fireplace installed this winter, then there are some key things to consider before going shopping. Here, we run you through the checklist points to tick off before you splurge.
Assess your interior style
If you’re considering having a fireplace installed, then it’s important to assess your current design aesthetic so that you can choose one that compliments it and adds to the overall look and atmosphere of your living room. Is it traditional, modern or contemporary? Whether your home leans towards the timeless elegance of traditional decor, the sleek lines of modern aesthetics, or the bold innovations of contemporary design, there’s a fireplace to match, so be sure to choose the style wisely.
Find harmony
Harmony in design comes down to several factors, with your choice of materials being one of the most important and will help you to create a cohesive look. Whether it’s the rustic appeal of exposed brick, the sophistication of marble, or the warmth of wood, the right materials can tie your fireplace seamlessly into the overall design.
Consider colour
Colours, too, play a pivotal role in design cohesion. Selecting fireplace finishes that harmonise with the colour scheme of the room will ensure that your fireplace becomes an integral part of the visual palette, allowing to make a statement without clashing with other elements of the room.
Focal points and balance
Creating a focal point of your fireplace involves more than simply having it installed. Positioning is key for maximising impact and enhancing the overall balance of the room, with the right placement drawing attention to the fireplace as a centrepiece and creating a harmonious flow within your living space.
Practicality and style
Different types of fireplaces offer varying levels of practicality and style – so consider your home and your lifestyle, and decide whether gas, electric or a wood-fuelled fireplace is your perfect match. Gas fires from reputable manufacturers provide a perfect blend of efficiency and elegance, offering a clean and convenient option for various interior designs, with electric offerings similarly functional and available in a wealth of different styles designs to suit a modern aesthetic – but some might say they do lack a certain charm when compared the alternatives. If you have a chimney, a wood fire can help to create a more traditional sense of warmth and cosiness. Evaluate your preferences, considering the ease of use, maintenance, and visual appeal to make an informed choice.
From traditional hearth to contemporary inserts
You won’t just need to decide on the perfect type of fireplace to go for, but also the style you like best – which might range from the classic charm of a traditional hearth to the sleek lines of contemporary inserts. Understand how each style can contribute to the overall ambiance of your home, and be sure to visit some showrooms so that you can see them in situ and see which one best aligns with your vision.
Sizing up
Size matters when it comes to selecting a fireplace, and choosing one that complements the scale and proportions of the room will ensure that your fireplace becomes an integral part of the design that is neither overpowering nor getting lost in the space. Sometimes, less is more – even when you’re looking for a fireplace that makes a statement, so be sure to measure up and remain conservative to avoid overkill.
