Just because it's warming up doesn't mean your fireplace should be concealed. Here's how to showcase it in the off season.
Every day that the weather gets warmer we're lightening things up in every way we can. So we don't blame you if just
looking at your fireplace makes you sweat. But don't fear -- the stunning rooms at the
2011 Kips Bay Showhouse showed off some pretty perfect-looking fireplaces that added a tremendous amount of glitz to each room without ever lighting up.
So look to them for inspiration and take advantage of the architectural element -- even during its off season.
Fireplace Idea #1: Paint
We're not just talking a solid coat or two. Have fun. Take that brush and go wild. (As long as the mantle is properly covered, that is.) Take a tip from this oh-so-pink fireplace by
Amanda Nisbet Design and get creative with haphazard brush strokes. It creates a lively patterned effect that really wakes up this paneled backdrop.
Fireplace Idea #2: Mirror the Mantle
Adding small, square mirrors to the face of the fireplace surround easily brightens and livens up the space. Just look at the effect of
Kemble Interiors' fireplace. And it's so easy to do! Pick up some mirrors at a craft store and get to work.
Robert Stilin at Kips Bay Showroom. Photo: Courtesy of Nikki Pepper
Fireplace Idea #3: Build Out
A thin mantle -- or maybe just an
ugly, outdated fireplace -- cramping your room's style? Take on the project and make it worthy of display. Use MDF to copy this look for
a fireplace surround makeover. The
Robert Stilin photo above has a sleek, modern look that can easily transform an old, neglected design.
Fireplace Idea #4: Decorate Above
If you truly don't want to highlight your fireplace, follow the lead of Jeff Lincoln Interiors and
Matthew Patrick Smyth and go above and beyond while decorating around the hearth.
Decorating the mantle takes the focus off of the fireplace. A promising piece: A super decorative mirror. It will draw the eye up and across. Finish off the look by pulling out your best decorative items and displaying them on the mantle.
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