10 Misconceptions Your Boss Has Concerning Wall Fireplace
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How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace can provide your living space with an attractive focal area. There are a variety of designs available, however, so it is essential to choose one that meets your needs.
The output of heat, the controls, and the appearance are some of the most important features. If you're not aware of these elements, it's best to seek out an expert to help you choose the right model.
Molded Squares
The living room in this house needed an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its stale stone surround and boring walls. The new style is vibrant, attractive and makes this hearth the focal point of the room. A whitewashed fireplace and contemporary artwork above modernize the fireplace facade while contrasting with the shelves in gray below. The fireplace facade is enhanced by a few changes in color.
Base cap molding and thin trim pieces combine to form a simple, yet effective, way to frame the fireplace surround. To bring the design together, choose a trim style to match or contrast with the other trim elements, like thick casing around windows and doors. If you want a more elegant, high-end look, use fluted trim to give the illusion of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse-style.
Accent walls with wainscoting are an extremely popular way to add the look of a room. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Consider a paneled material like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead of plank boards to create a dramatic look.
Brick is another non-combustible option for the fireplace surround. It comes in different styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace in red is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-look brick can also be used to add a rustic touch to a traditional decor.
When you incorporate brick in a fireplace design, you'll need to be sure your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the opening for the fireplace and that the surround extends 8-12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you choose is safe and meets all codes of the local and national level.
Open shelving is a great option to store books and other items however, too many shelves can take over the appearance of the fireplace. The owners of this family room designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding in order to elevate the design without overwhelming open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic appearance make a great fireplace wall. They add a timeless look to any home. Reclaimed wood beams originate from old barns, stables and other demolished buildings. Each beam has its own distinct story. Reclaimed wood can be used as a decorative element in modern kitchens, or with wide planks of paneling to create an authentic look. They are characterized by the typical markings of barn wood, such as mortise and nail holes, plus natural patina that increases their durability.
Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage as well as flea markets for reclaimed wooden elements to repurpose as a mantel or accent wall. For example, the earthy shade of pine that highlights this traditional living room mantel and surround creates an idyllic rural setting. The knotty imperfections of the wood give it a rustic look, and they complement the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting on the fireplace wall. A pair of nature-inspired sconces and a painting of a landscape above the mantel add to the rustic ambiance of the space.
Repurposed wooden beams will give a unique appearance to any room. They can be stained to match your current decor or carved to give an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more modern look, or covered with faux finishes such as rust or marbling paint.
The wooden beams can serve as the central point of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel, even without any fire burning. They can be used to accent a mantel without a fire burning.
Regardless of which method of installation you decide to use, make sure that your wood or steel beams are protected from the potential consequences of fire. Both materials can be brittle and weaken when exposed to extreme heat, however both can be strengthened by a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant that is sprayed on steel I-beams. These products are available in most home improvement stores.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tile can make a dramatic statement when used as a fireplace surround. Its design instantly brightens the room and complements any decor, whether contemporary or traditional. The matte finish is perfect for a polished and clean look while adding contrast to make the fireplace stand out.
Hex tiles also work well with various textures to create a more individual look. Stone-look tile is a popular choice that gives the space an authentic, rustic look and is a great match with natural materials like wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tile, which adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. These tiles feature a smooth and glossy finish that is a beautiful reflection of light and enhances the space.
The proper tile pattern can enhance the look of a fireplace. For example, the ribbed tile on this fireplace by @lorenapulichinodesign creates an interesting visual element that pairs beautifully with the smooth, thick mantel. The pattern of the tile gives the whole space the look of a hand-crafted piece that balances the organic modern style of the fireplace, and the overall modern design of the room.
If you're not sure about taking a risk with patterns in your home, a fireplace can be the perfect place to test out a bold pattern which could be intimidating in other areas of the house. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines gives this room a sophisticated and fun energy. The hexagonal shapes fit together like cubes to create a here fascinating layout, while the dark brown color provides an inviting and warm aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial decor in this room.
Another way to make an impact with your fireplace is to use tiles that look like the appearance of brick or another familiar material. This textured tile, made by LA Designer Affair, has the same look as brick, but has the added benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.
Consider using a peel-and stick tile to update your fireplace surround without costing you a dime. These tiles are heat-resistant which makes them suitable for fireplaces as well as able to stick to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a fantastic option for adding the look of a room. It also looks great with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
A fresh coat of paint is the most effective method to hide the brick surround of the wall of a fireplace. Painting the mantel a different hue also adds warmth and personality to the space. A new color of paint could make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the scheme of color in the room or choose something bold.
If the mantel is made of wood take a look at it to find cracks, gouges, and scratches. If the dents aren't enough to handle, fill them with wood putty, and let it set for the appropriate amount of time. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it up prior to painting. Wipe the surface that has been sanded using a damp cloth to take off any remaining dirt or debris.
While white is a popular choice for walls and fireplaces, the right shade can really help your mantel stand out. For ideas, take a take a look at the wood trims on your bookcases, moldings and walls. Does your mantel have the same color as theirs or is it lighter or darker? If you decide to go with the latter, choose one that blends well with the other colors in the room to keep it looking balanced.
Make sure you cover the area around you with a dropcloth or sheets before you begin painting. Remove any ornaments or display pieces that may have been hung over the mantel. Take away any ornaments or pictures that are around or on the fireplace made of brick. Once the mantel has been cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it clean to get rid of any dust or soot.
Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with the use of a roller or brush. The semi-gloss finish is long-lasting and stain-resistant, ensuring that your mantel will stand up well to the heat from the fireplace, as well as other objects placed on it. Let the primer dry, according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.
The brick may be heavy in color and weight. The mantel painted with in a neutral or light shade can make it appear brighter and more inviting for guests. If you decide to choose a light color for your mantel, match it with a piece art in earthy tones or a large mirror to balance out the overall look.