I spent the afternoon at a slab yard with a client who is redoing her fireplace. We had found some beautiful tiles that she was considering, but when it came down to it, she realized that what she really wanted was one, seamless slab of natural stone. No lines. Sometimes you have to go through the process of looking at all options before your preferences really becomes clear to you. And it's been very eye-opening for her. It's also gotten me laser-focused on fireplaces, so I thought I'd pull some photos of ones that catch my eye.
-Casa can Mares / Jordi Canosa Photography - I just really dig the shape of this one and how it looks in the room. Not super modern nor ultra-traditional.
I'd say these next few qualify as "traditional"....
-via Cottages and Gardens Magazine / notice the inset stone and the shape of the opening. The rounded top adds a traditional touch.
-via housebeautiful.com / I really like the vibe of this room, but the fireplace is not the reason (don't love the woodwork or the wide, gray tiles).
-via Grace & Ivy / This is nice and clean - I dig the masculine shape of the mantel. Take note of the seams between the tiles.
via sfgirlbybay / This appears to be original to the house. I love how they painted it out white and painted the surrounding wall black. Great combination of traditional and contemporary.
-via babble.com / Love the two windows and window seats, the wood cubbies, the charcoal gray paint and the ceiling. On the stone face, you can see that there is one seam across. It is three separate pieces. Not a deal-breaker at all - just something I'm currently aware of.
-home of architect Stephane Chamard, via Daily Dream Decor / The black is a nice change. I really dig the full bookshelves and the Arne Jacobsen Egg Chairs. Looks like a dreamy place to curl up and read a book.
Check out the room's younger sister, Loretta:
-via nuit-artdecor.blogspot.com / I mean, weird, right?? More modern fireplace, but such a similar vibe...
Here's a really unusual fireplace surround:
-via New England Home / The dark panel surround is really interesting - love the wood cubby on the left. The stone is nice, too. I'll stop pointing out seams now (!), but isn't it fascinating how obvious they are once you're looking for them? The rustic mantel is a great touch.
-via Daily Dream Decor / Omigosh, that tile wall is so cool! What an eye-catching design choice. I don't think this homeowner is an accountant. :)
I'd be remiss to do a fireplace post without throwing in a big stone one:
via globalknockoffs.com / Although I am pretty sure this isn't real stone. Pretty good fake, though, right? Love the double couches and leather club chair. I'm guessing there's a big pile of skis just outside.
-via The Couture Life, Jennifer B. Rouwer Design / Fancy-time
via bhg.com / I love this room. The white fireplace kind of disappears amongst all the pops of color, but it definitely adds a cozy element. The rock hearth is super weird, but everything else is awesome.
Many homes have original brick fireplaces. I think the choice to paint them white adds a nice, mid-century element:
-via remodelista.com / The simple, wood mantel is the perfect touch for this style.
-via Restless Oasis / Also going for a mid-century vibe.
via remodelista.com / The solid wall and off-center low bench are clean and minimalist . The wide-plank floors warm it up a lot.
We've clearly moved into the modern zone...
-Terrat Elms Interior Design / I personally love this slab. The layers in the stone are so beautiful. The room is styled very nicely, and the ceiling is amazing.
-via flickr / Incredible storage. Holy smokes (no pun intended).
-via countryliving.com / Speaking of storage, this one's chimney is faced with reclaimed white pine, which hides a flat-screen TV! That way, no one has to know that you watch The Daily Show in bed every night.
-via imgur.com / I think this whole situation rocks. Love the gray paneling, the blue couch and ottoman, the club chair and the modern fireplace with it's matching flat-screen perched above. (Don't love the rug, but that's okay...I'll take it!)
-via fearonhay.com / Cool material. I like how it's in the center of the sunken living room. Walls of glass never hurt anybody...or have they?
If there's no fireplace in your house, do not fear. There are a bunch of really cool options to add a little heat to your space:
-via My Home Ideas, photo by Thomas J. Story / This is just beyond cool. Love the color. Love the tile.
-via archdaily.com / Who wouldn't want to sleep in there?! Pure, simple bliss...
-via Eventus / Holy funky town! I kind of love how it just floats there. Not sure I want to perch on that furniture very long, however. The artwork is startling, but kind of amazing.
What's your fave? Does a fireplace need to be a traditional mantel with a stone face? Or are you digging the modern incarnations? I'm a little off-season with this post, but just wanted to share what is on my mind at the moment. Have a great one!
