Once an essential feature to provide warmth in the winter, today's fireplaces serve a variety of functional and aesthetic purposes throughout the seasons. This article from Better Homes & Gardens offers an inspirational look at 35 different ways fireplaces can enhance the home all year long. Here are four of our favorite mentions, incorporating natural stone (of course!)
Spruce Mountain Ashlar Fireplace at the Lockwood Hotel with stone supplied by Gagne & Son
Fireplace Log Storage (#10)
This Spruce Mountain Ashlar fireplace features mostly grey with occasional tan, rust, and a hint of sparkle, with a side of built-in organization! Building storage space into the fireplace design is an additional opportunity to showcase the beautiful color range of the stone--and the stacked look of the Ashlar pattern (making it an asset even if the storage section is empty!) The team at Bellefleur Masonry combined with the design talents of Baskervill Design to create a dimensional feature that makes blending visual appeal and functionality seamless! You can also take the approach in the article, which includes storage space for other decorative items, as well.
Connecticut Blend Mosaic fireplace, with stone supplied by NH Thinstone
TV and Fireplace Ideas (#21)
Multipurpose features, like this Connecticut Blend Mosaic fireplace and TV backdrop, create a focal point for entertainment in the room. The two-in-one design by Northeast Walls and Patios supports a cleaner, sleeker look, drawing attention to the decor, and the full color range including blues, greys, tans, browns, and cream, rather than furniture and wires. The design also enhances the comfortable atmosphere for relaxation and recreation. And, as the article points out, the similar shape and dimensions of the TV and fireplace create a sense of balance, which makes a space feel more attractive and its components flow together better.
Old New England Rounds fireplace, with materials supplied by Landcare Stratham Hill/Outdoor Living Supply
Rustic Stone Fireplace (#30)
Building a fireplace is so much more than a feature: it's a mood, and the key to the rustic appeal is the simplicity. This natural stone fireplace features Old New England Rounds and natural wood enhancements on the floor and walls, as well as the mantel. The weathered fieldstone, earthy tones, and smooth edges add a classic New England touch to this design, while the craftsmanship by Brian Irwin Masonry helps evoke warm, cozy lodge vibes right at home in the living room. The combination of natural materials creates a simple, beautiful look and a perfect palette for seasonal decor.
Fieldstone Dark Roughly Squares & Rectangles fireplace
Large Fireplace Design (#34)
Floor-to-ceiling natural stone fireplaces make a stunning impression, and the one pictured above maintains a naturally elegant look. Taking advantage of natural light and peaceful views, paired with simple wood accents creates visual appeal in this warm, welcoming space. With the talents of Rocco Landscape, the Inhabitable Work of Art features Fieldstone Dark Roughly Squares and Rectangles to add contrast to the fireplace, completing the open gathering space. You can see more floor-to-ceiling fireplaces (featuring the Ashlar pattern) in a previous blog post here.
However you decide to incorporate a fireplace into your space, you can find plenty of creative options to consider in the Better Homes and Gardens article. You can also learn more about how to enhance them with different natural stone collections to by downloading our catalog here!
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