A sweet reader wrote in recently, and asked this:
“You guys have created some pretty great fireplaces in the work you do. I was wondering if you have any design tips for building one? I love the one in your new addition. Any design advice to someone who wants to capture the same vibe?”
If you guys saw our pool room reveal, then you know that this fireplace is definitely the centerpiece of the room. The weather has already gotten colder, and we love gathering around it with friends and family. It’s the best. Even the pups agree. So without further ado, here are a few of our best design tips for a fireplace.
Pay attention to proportion.
This wasn’t like one of our usual makeovers because we loved making the final call and building something from scratch. We drew it out on paper, tried out the measurements, and made a plan. But even then, the key was really mapping it out on the actual wall. We think that it fit in so well with the space, because we brought in painter’s tape {Frogtape® is a great tool} and took a look to see how it worked in real life, proportionally. I don’t care how experienced you are, measuring it out with tape and paper is always a great way to go foolproof on your designs. So start with a solid plan, and try it out on your wall to make sure it fits nicely within the space.
It’s all in the materials.
When we first spied this incredible Jeffrey Court tile in person, it felt like butter. It sparkled. I was smitten and knew I wanted to work the beautiful element into the design. So we did. I think it works so well because of the integration of other materials, as well. The tile has this delicate, timeless feel, and we brought in a darker wood along with a skinnylap to highlight it all. This is so it works seamlessly together, with interest.
This tile is a gorgeous mix of marble and tiny pieces of blue glass which makes it oh so interesting. Per their site: The jewel-like polished finish of the mosaic chips sparkle against the honed-white background and provide a bit of sophisticated “glam.”
–Pretty much. Be sure to check out their beautiful tile at your local Jeffrey Court showroom.
Make it useful.
Why did so much planning go into this fireplace? Because just like the one in our great room, we knew we wanted it to be multifunctional. Yes, a fireplace on it’s own is delightful. I am also an art nerd and love creating art and paintings for our family.
We knew we wanted a TV in the space as well, so we planned to hide the tv in an alcove. People keep asking us if we’ve seen the TVs that project art, and yes. Yes we have. But we wanted old school art over our TV that felt like REAL art. And so we came up with this solution. It’s fun to think through the design process and come up with a great way to have the best of both worlds. I am known for having my cake and eating it, too. It is possible. ;}
Bring in the Contrast.
Contrast is one of the basic elements of design that you can always lean on when it comes to creating something beautiful for a space. Mixing the gorgeous tile with skinny lap and the darker element of a beautiful wood mantel really helped bring interest to the design. Start with the basics. Think of ways that you can bring in dark with light, organic with geometric. It always helps to integrate contrasting elements for amazing results.
The little things matter.
We waited a while to add this addition, and we had plenty of time to think through the elements and what really contributed to the room. We added a few little things that make the space feel luxurious like the beautiful tile, remote control logs, and more attention to detail in color, contrast and textures.
The tile was a beautiful design choice and we have no regrets on how gorgeous it all turned out in the end.
We hope that our tips helped you think through building a fireplace of your own. We love the different look, and hope that you love creating something beautiful! It’s always fun to go with a little bit of the unexpected.
Have an inspired day!
And just in case you’re curious…
We don’t believe in the dream home, we believe in your home.
And we can’t wait to help you discover it all over again.
The Handmade Home is thrilled to bring both full on rehab and design services to our clients.
We offer in-person, full service design options, from a complete kitchen overhaul to a simple consult in your home on how to spruce it all up. Both nationally and locally in the Nashville area, we even offer a wealth of resources for our clients, right at their fingertips.
If you’d like to hear more about what we have to offer for you {because the possibilities really are endless} please be sure to check out our design services page, here! While you’re at it, be sure to check out our completed projects here. We look forward to hearing from you, and we welcome the opportunity to work with you!
To read more about us, be sure to check out this page here, as well.
Nippon says
Helpful one! Thank You so much.
Jenna says
This is absolutely gorgeous. I love all of your ideas. They are always the greatest thank you so much for sharing with me today
Jenny B. says
Lovely! What about the actual fire? Yours looks much more realistic than mine, especially the glowy part at the bottom. 🙂 Can you share details on the gas log insert?
Tommy says
I love doing DIY projects, this was very informative and helpful. There was so many ideas and plans to work with and creative products that really do work. I have found that this guys plans work and are as equally helpful too. http://plans.watch/Wood2work I love wood working.