LIFESTYLE NEWS - There are a few elements that make a home stand out - a beautiful kitchen or bathroom, a lovely garden and an impressive fireplace.
Whatever the weather, a fireplace is a natural focal point in any room. People naturally gravitate to rooms with fireplaces and use them to stay warm in winter. Given their role in the home, it is really important to get this feature right and give it the opportunity to not only play a functional role but the role of a showpiece too.
Although there is a myriad of modern fireplaces available on the market, there is nothing quite like a traditional wood-burning fireplace.
Many aspire to pulling up an armchair on a cold winter’s night and indulging their senses with a crackling fire. The sight of flickering flames and sound of crackling logs is hard to resist and people want to make the most of this experience by showcasing it accordingly.
Generally speaking, traditional fireplaces are either clad with brick, framed with wood or painted. Branch out from these traditional materials and trying something completely different, such as tile. Available in an almost endless variety of colours and styles, tiling can bring a distinctive look to an otherwise dull fireplace.
Just be sure to check with a tile consultant or masonry professional to determine what materials and application are best suited for your specific fireplace.
If straightforward tiles don’t appeal to you, perhaps pebble-style tiles will.
Depending on your preferences and the look you are trying to create in the room, you can choose either a stacked pebble or flat pebble style tile. For instance, if you are looking to create a more natural look, the stacked pebble tile will work better. If a more sophisticated, clean space is what you’re after, a flat, neutral coloured pebble tile offset with grey grout will probably appeal more to you.
If you really want to make a statement and your budget allows, go big and clad your fireplace with marble.
Marble tiles are ideal for those who want to create a really grand impression. Generally speaking, marble tiles work well in rooms where they can be extended in a large-scale pattern all the way to the ceiling. What’s more is that marble tiles come in a variety of colours which means they can be easily incorporated into most settings.
No matter the advances within the fireplace space, rustic style fireplaces will always have their place.
Sandstone tiles are particularly well suited to rustic settings. The texture and golden hues associated with sandstone immediately impart a rustic quality which is hard to beat and can be easily paired with wooden furniture and simple, natural tones.
To get this stunning look, try Riven cladding, which is hand chiseled from natural materials including slate, travertine, marble and quartz.
Once you have clad your fireplace in the material of your choice, be sure to finish it off with the right touches.
A few accessories and appropriate furniture can help create a cohesive look and bring out the best in your fireplace.
Source: www.all4women.co.za
'We bring you the latest Garden Route, Klein-Karoo, Hessequa news'
