Fireplace Directory

Archive for April, 2010

Decorating with red…..

Red brings certain energy to a room.

Research has shown that red stimulates conversation and appetite which is what makes it a fabulous choice for the dining room. I love to see a dramatic red dining room…it makes me feel like settling in and lingering over a tasty meal and spicy conversation! Red walls seem to energize the conversation of those lingering around the table.

Red rooms convey a feeling of intimacy, which makes red a wonderful choice not just for dining rooms, but for bedrooms as well.

Red in a bedroom invites romance and passion! An all red bedroom may be too much for some, however, adding just a few touches of red with accessories such as artwork, picture frames, vases or pillows can go a long way in spicing things up a bit. If red walls are a bit too risky for you to consider then why not consider red and white bedding. You’ll feel the energy and romance of red, but when it is mixed with white the feeling will be light and fresh. Add a few red candles, some red roses and you’ve got yourself the beginnings of a romantic retreat.

Red is a bold color…it says “look at me”…it draws attention to itself…which makes it the perfect choice for focal point areas you want to draw attention to. Imagine beautiful red silk drapery panels framing a window featuring a beautiful view, a collection of red vases or candlesticks on the mantel of a Fireplace, or a striking red chest in the entryway, all are perfect examples of adding the boldness of red without it feeling out of balance.

Red is also a perfect choice for bringing a rather quiet monochromatic room to life. Richly textured red velvet, chenille or silk pillows on a cream colored sofa really pop and a red lamp on the table in the corner suddenly connects that corner with the rest of the room.

Spice up your table with touches of red dinnerware and glassware. Add a collection of red canisters to your countertop. If red is not a color you want to use everyday then look for inexpensive elements you can use occasionally. Items such as cloth napkins, tasteful paper goods, coasters, napkin rings, or even a table runner. These items can be mixed with many other colors to add an energetic feel to your next get together. And if it’s a romantic dinner for two that you’re cooking up scatter some red rose petals around the table and pour some robust red wine!

Where can you see red?

Copyright 2009 Kathleen Ellis

For more romantic and elegant lifestyle ideas I’d like to invite you to sign up for my free bi-weekly newsletter at www.kathleenellis.blogspot.com. Twice a month you’ll receive easy, elegant and romantic ideas for decorating, entertaining and living the romantic life.

Kathleen Ellis
http://www.articlesbase.com/interior-design-articles/bold-and-beautiful-redromantic-spicy-and-energetic-740596.html

While the idea of a steam room is something that many of us in the modern world enjoy the idea of the steam room itself is not something new. In the olden days the steam room was known as a sweat lodge. These sweat lodges were designed primarily to allow various people to purify themselves before religious ceremonies.

The sweat lodge was constructed of material like wood or animal hide that would hold the steam that was released from the hot rocks inside of the lodge as steam. This steam would build up sufficiently to cause the inhabitants of the sweat lodge to sweat. This was the primary reason of the sweat lodge.

When the people had built up a good amount of sweat they would find that their limbs were completely relaxed. The sweat helped to purify the body and ready the body for a state of meditation. To enable this to occur the sweat lodge would be placed in a location where there was ample room to build a large sized lodge.

Today the sweat lodge idea is still used but it is made from modern materials. In many sweat lodges the primary covering is treated wood. This wood is pre-cut according to various sizes that may be needed to construct a sweat lodge.

The sweat lodge is generally constructed in the basement or just outside of the house and it is large enough for about five or six people to enjoy the benefits of the sweat lodge. In the center of the sweat lodge floor a small stove or gas, electric burner is placed on the floor.

On this stove you will place good quality Finnish sweat lodge rocks. These rocks will be medium sized and resistant to the constant heating and cooling effects of the sweat lodge. The stove heats the rocks up so they are hot right throughout the time that the sweat lodge is being used.

The rocks are used to heat the sweat lodge up to a certain temperature. This heat helps the body to start sweating. To aid this process even more but also to make sure that the rocks and the sweat lodge are not overly heated water is ladled over the heat rocks in small amounts.

When the water hits the highly heated rocks there will be a super heated steam mist that will begin to circulate through the sweat lodge. The combined heat and water vapor all contributes towards the sweat lodge giving the inhabitants of this lodge a relaxing feeling.

Additionally there are certain other benefits that staying in a sweat lodge can give. These include your skin clearing up of various skin complaints, losing weight and feeling more energized than before you started using a sweat lodge.

Krishan Bakhru
http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/sweat-lodge-119743.html

When considering which of the top-notch ski resorts you will head to this winter for a relaxing ski and snowboarding adventure, look into all that Breckenridge, Colorado has to offer. The Breckenridge Ski Resort has a diverse selection of runs to accommodate every skill level and the soft powder is ripe for a smooth and exciting ride down the side of a mountain. With numerous other activities available to vacationer’s in this area, including snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, and sleigh rides, you simply cannot go wrong with a Breckenridge vacation in the Rocky Mountains.

The Breckenridge Ski Resort is the perfect place to take your family for some real mountain skiing since it offers runs for skill levels ranging from easiest to expert. The easy trails provide an excellent learning environment and constitute 14 percent of all runs while the expert trails sit at steep pitches and provide a variety of choices, including some with trees, rocks to jump, hidden kickers, and big fat bumps. For the majority of us who lie between these two extremes, half of the runs are tailored to our needs and offer great places to polish new skills and master our form on challenging and thrilling terrain.

For those who want to show off their diverse skill set beyond the slopes, there are 25 acres of terrain parks where you can let loose and enjoy a real winter mountain ski or snowboard adventure. There are five parks, freeway, country boy, gold king, trygves, and eldorado, waiting with a diverse collection of hits and rails and four of them offer a halfpipe where you can show some real air while avoiding a dreaded fall. There is something for every skier and rider so check out the terrain park and see how your abilities really stack up.

If you need to refuel during your day on the slopes, don’t worry since there is a wide selection of dining options on two of the peaks and in town. You can grab a quick bite to eat in one food courts on Peak 8 or enjoy juicy burgers, fresh salads, and warm brews on Peak 9. In town, the options are much more expansive and since it is so close, you can take a longer break if your stomach requires a much more hearty meal. There are a variety of restaurant options but one to check out at the end of the day is the Breckenridge Brewery and Pub on Main Street with its handcrafted ales and daily pub specials.

For a complete night of entertainment, reserve your place on a sleigh ride tour, complete with jingle bells, with one of the numerous companies in the area. Explore the picturesque Breckenridge countryside behind draft horses as you sit back and enjoy the starlit Colorado sky and the stunning outline of the towering mountains. And afterwards, you can enjoy a hearty meal and take in one of the dinner shows that highlight the history of Breckenridge with a mix of comedy and information.

If you want a little more variety throughout your vacation, then head to the Gold Run Nordic Center for some cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. With over 20 kilometers of classic and skating trails in addition to backcountry and snowshoeing trails, this place is truly a paradise for the outdoor adventurer. Enjoy rolling hills, impeccable trails, and magnificent mountain views as you make your way over this stunning terrain with the finest equipment and a few tips from the experienced instructors.

Breckenridge is a winter wonderland of outdoor activities that will certainly keep you on your toes for the duration of your trip. If you think it is the perfect place for your next ski getaway, consider Breckenridge condo rentals for your accommodations needs. You can enjoy all the comforts of home while giving yourself a luxurious mountain retreat that you look forward to escaping to at the end of the day. Don’t just settle for the typical, plain room, take advantage of plenty of space, a cozy Fireplace, and a plush sofa that is inviting you to relax after a long day on the slopes with a Breckenridge vacation rental.

Jen W.
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/breckenridge-ski-vacation-65240.html

Building a fireplace mantel can be a fun and interesting experience. That is because the possibilities are endless! You can building your fireplace mantel using different types of materials such as wood or stone. And the type of material that you choose will give a rather unique look to the fireplace mantel. Of course, it is always better to have some sort of focus. So you have to ask yourself the type of designs that you prefer for fireplace mantels. Here are some suggestions.

Functional designs.

For these designs, you are not too concerned with the aesthetics of the fireplace mantel. You just want something simple that sits nicely in the home. The greatest benefit of functional designs is that because of the simplicity, such fireplace mantels can fit into almost any home.

Traditional designs.

Traditional designs are more sturdy looking, and they tend to be made from strong materials like oak. Such materials give the Fireplace mantels an authentic feel. The designs are kept simple and reserved deliberately.

Classic designs.

The purpose of having classic designs is to ensure that your fireplace mantel never go out of date. Therefore, you are free to use more permanent materials such as stone when building your fireplace mantel. Once built, you would expect the fireplace mantel to be unchanged for ages. Furthermore, similar to functional designs, classic designs can be matched with almost any type of home design. For this reason, classic designs are very popular among homeowners.

Modern designs.

Modern designs are forever changing. They are cutting edge, and they are more daring. But the downside of modern designs is that there is a risk of the design going out of date. When that happens, you may be faced with the problem of having to change the fireplace mantel to another modern design. If you are like keeping up with the times, this type of design is most ideal. You can always create a fireplace mantel out of wood, which can easily be replaced later on.

Antique designs.

If you are looking to build a fireplace mantel in the study room, and the room is full of antique furniture, then perhaps it’s a great idea to match the style of the room by building a fireplace mantel that looks antique. Antique designs are rarer, and harder to come by. Therefore, be prepared to have a fireplace mantel that is custom built.

The design that you choose for the fireplace mantel depends not only on functional issues, but also on your own personal tastes. Do you prefer a Victorian style fireplace mantel? Are you the reserved type who would prefer a traditional design? Asking yourself the right questions will help in the decision making. When the right design has been chosen, the fireplace mantel can provide heat and beauty for the entire family.

Gen Wright
http://www.articlesbase.com/diy-articles/different-styles-of-fireplace-mantel-designs-690616.html

A home inspection is probably some of the best money you will ever spend when you are purchasing a home or a condominium.

A licensed, experienced and competent home inspector is worth their weight in gold.

The home inspector takes about 2 hours or so to inspect your prospective purchase. They are looking for major structural repairs, such as roofing, plumbing, foundation, electrical, framing, deck problems, code violations, and also checks things such as your air conditioning systems, all your toilets, sinks, tubs, garage door openers, etc. Plus they’ll inspect all of your electrical outlets inside and outside of the home. The home inspector will also look at the Fireplace if you have one, inspect the outside Chimney, check out all of the interior doors and windows to look for any “seal failures”. They will also check your heating and hot water system, water conditioning system if there is one. It’s the home inspector’s job to give your home a thorough “check-up”.

When the home inspector is finished, he will write up a report, note the repairs he feels need immediate attention by the seller, give an estimate of what the repairs should cost, and then we look over the report together, and if necessary, negotiate any repairs with the seller.

Usually at the time of the home inspection, a pest inspection is also performed. A licensed pest inspector arrives at the same time of the home inspector and goes through the home to look for any wood boring or wood infestation insects, such as termites, carpenter ants, powder post beetles, or carpenter bees. If there is any infestation noted, a report will be issued and signed by the inspector, and that will also be discussed and negotiated by your real estate agent to have the seller pay for any treatment and if there are any damages caused, the seller usually should pay for damages also.

The average cost for a home inspection currently is about $275-$300 depending on the size of the house, and obviously the part of the country you live in. A condominium usually runs a bit less. For more details on this you can visit the Suffield CT Real Estate website.

The average cost for a pest inspection is $75.00.

A Pest Inspection is a requirement by most lenders today and a home inspection is just a must do!

Betty Sanville
http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/why-a-home-inspector-can-be-your-best-friend-when-it-comes-to-your-real-estate-investment-85768.html

Everyone loves a good party. Add in the company of friends and family with some good barbeque and the party becomes an instant hit. Barbeques are an informal setting where people can forget about the stresses and hassles of everyday life and relax for a change. Take the planning one step further by incorporating bbq islands into a backyard design.

Entertainment Value

Every outdoor kitchen should contain essential elements that are needed to enhance the entertainment value of any backyard social gathering. There are the obvious pieces of equipment that must be included such as a built in grill and a sink for easy food preparation and after dinner cleanup. Another must have piece of equipment for entertainment purposes is an outdoor kitchen pizza oven.

There is a flat surface pizza oven that functions similar to that of a brick pizza oven seen in many restaurants. Another option is a stainless steel pizza oven that resembles a microwave oven. Finally there is a combination option that stacks an oven and a microwave oven on top of one another. This is the perfect option for making pizza for the kids and hamburgers for adults.

No party would be complete without tasty beverages. Add in a stainless steel blender that is perfect for mixed drinks, salsa or other sauces for party foods. Take the beer straight from the refrigerator to the tap in one step with a beer tap refrigerator. Make cocktails easier with a cocktail center complete with divided sections for ice and garnishes for drinks. Keep everything ice cold with the help of a drop in ice chest. This is the perfect place to store drinks for the adults and popsicles for the kids.

Summer will inevitably turn to fall and the cooler weather is not too far behind. There is no reason the arrival of cooler weather should bring an end to backyard barbeques. Simply add in an Outdoor Fireplace or fire pit to any BBQ islands setup for great cold weather parties. Outdoor Fireplaces are available in gas, electric and wood burning formats. For a cozier feel, select an outdoor fire pit. These decorative pieces can easily be placed in the center of a gathering to bring warmth to a party once the sun has set for the evening.

Nothing creates a great party atmosphere more than a warm fire paired with music or television. Relive those old high school memories by blasting the favorite tunes of that year on a surround sound stereo system built right into the outdoor kitchen unit. Many of the outdoor stereos come complete with AM/FM stereo, CD and MP3 capabilities. There is even the opportunity to add in iPod and satellite radio capabilities.

Invite the guys over for the big game and relax in a comfortable backyard BBQ island setup complete with television. Select two or more televisions to be installed into the island layout to enhance the game even more. There will be plenty of room for storing ice, grilling up stellar burgers and popping a nice cold beer whenever the mood arises. It is a functional setting for family gatherings as well. Kids’ birthdays would not be complete until the latest kids show craze appeared on the outdoor kitchen television while hot dogs and fries were being cooked on the grill.

Design Factor

There are a variety of Outdoor Kitchens to select from in terms of layout design. A common selection is the standard straight line layout with at least two kitchen components. Rounded and L-shape layout designs provide additional countertop space and customized feature options. There is the opportunity to add bar stool seating around the counter. This provides BBQ guests with a front row seat to all the grilling action.

From a cost perspective, there are BBQ islands that fit within any budget. The overall price of an island depends greatly on what options an owner wishes to include. Economy cost islands consist of the straight line design with at least two kitchen components. From there the sizes and prices expand. A grand scale grill island layout can consume the better portion of outdoor patio areas and mirror that of a standard indoor kitchen.

Conclusion

There is nothing better in life than inviting friends and family over for a backyard barbeque. Outdoor kitchens complete with the essential entertainment features will make hosting a barbeque less work on the chef and ensure a good time will be had by all.

Angie Manson
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/let-bbq-islands-bring-home-entertainment-roaring-to-life-733922.html

Front Entrance: Add grills to your sidelights and transoms. Either paint your front door the same color or get a wood or wood-look door and stain a warm cedar color. Ditch the old screen door and replace it with a Victorian screen door. Re-use centers or salvage yards are great places to find bargains on wood character doors

Floors: If your carpet has seen its day, consider replacing it with hardwood floors. They provide a warm, cozy atmosphere in a home, have a timeless style and are easy to maintain. There are so many varieties and colors beyond the traditional oak floors that you’re certain to find something to fit your decorating scheme. For eco-friendly versions, look to bamboo or the non-toxic, oil stained finishes.

Fireplace: If you have a painted mantle, consider having it stripped and re-finished in a warm stain. Add a tile or stone border to make your living room feel like a mountain getaway.

Trim: Changing your style of baseboard or adding cornice can totally transform a room. Purchase wide, salvaged baseboard and cornice trim and simply repaint. A faux version can be achieved by using 1 x 8 baseboard on the walls and 1 x 4 strips on the ceiling. Add 5/8 inch thick brackets to the ceiling trim.

Interior Doors: If you have french doors, consider staining and adding grills and porcelain or brass hardware.

Paint: Warm up your walls by venturing away from the neutral beiges and whites. Popular colors for 2009 are bright yellows, navy, slate blue, and chestnut mixed with rose. If you aren’t ready to add color to all your walls, consider punching up one accent wall and add decorative accessories in similar shades.

Wainscotting: Add a chair rail to convey a traditional look. For a board and batton style that gives the impression of a recessed panel on your walls, run 3 1/4 by 36 inch battens down the wall from the chair rail, meeting at the bottom with 1 x 8 baseboard. Beef up the chair rail by adding brackets and a small shelf.

Cupboards: Instead of replacing outdated cupboards, repaint them using an rich shade of ebony and add some cornice trim at the top. For a country feel, place painted brackets under the trim and chamfered feet under the cabinets.

Bathroom: Combine old with new by placing a granite counter on a wooden vanity. These combos are easy to find at local centers. Go to salvage yards to find old medicine cabinets, or add a painted wood frame around a new one.

With a little creativity you can create your own vintage wall mount sink. Check the granite outlets for a scrap 22 x 28 slab. You’ll probably pick it up for the cost of polishing. Add a recessed sink and backsplash. Add a couple cast-iron shelf brackets under the sink, keeping the pipe exposed. Hang a mirror with some filigree trim and a decorative lighting fixture.

Carolyn Capalbo
http://www.articlesbase.com/remodeling-articles/add-warmth-and-character-to-your-home-756707.html

Using a sauna has many health benefits associated with it. There is no need to get hurt while you try to get healthy. A sauna is unique environment. The heat, moisture and small space dictate that certain construction methods and behaviors be observed.

Safe construction
1-Any electrical connections need to be installed properly. Moisture and electricity are a bad combination. All connectors and fixtures need to be designed for moist areas and never exposed to the elements of a sauna. If you have ANY questions about installation hire, or at least consult, a professional.
2-Always use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) with all circuits.
3-Ventilate your sauna. The small enclosed space along with the use of wood or gas heaters can create an exhaust problem. Even with an electric or infrared heater, ventilation will improve the efficiency of your home sauna. Venting circulates the air, which in turn circulates the heat, giving you a more uniform heat distribution. Having a slight gap at the bottom of the door and an adjustable exhaust vent above the bench on an opposite wall makes for a convenient and natural ventilation system.
4-Make sure the floor is not made of a slick material. A tile floor may be easy to clean but it becomes dangerously slippery when wet, not to mention hot. A Duckboard (a removable secondary flooring made of wood slats) works extremely well in this situation.
5-The door should swing out and never have a lock or latch on it. In case of fire or CO2 buildup you should not have to think about any more than pushing open the door to escape.
6- Make sure there is some sort of guardrail around the heater. Saunas are intentionally small and the risk of bumping into the heater in the often cramped quarters is real.

Safe behavior

7-A sauna should be a relaxing and laid back retreat. This is no place for roughhousing especially with a hot stove so close.
8-Alcohol and saunas may seem like a natural complement but it can become a dangerous combination. Both will relax you and together they may put you to sleep. Sleeping in the sauna should never happen. Overexposure to the heat is not good for you.
9-There is a lot of debate about taking a sauna during pregnancy. If you are pregnant be sure to talk to your physician about the risks involved.
10-There is some new evidence that suggests that men exposed to excessive heat may father children that have an increased risk of developing brain tumors. It has been known for a long time that heat damages sperm and decreases fertility. There now seems to be a possible link between hot tubs, saunas and electric blankets use by men and brain cancer risk in their offspring. Luckily the effects of the heat are temporary and probably last less than a few months.
11-Always end your sauna session if you feel dizzy, nauseous sleepy or uncomfortable (OK #11 is a bonus).

There is no reason you cannot enjoy your home sauna as a safe and relaxing retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A few simple precautions will insure a lifetime of safe and healthy use.

Mike Hirn
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/why-get-hurt-while-getting-healthy-top-10-tips-for-maintaining-a-safe-home-sauna-64218.html

A ski vacation is always a one-of-a-kind experience. Chill out with amazing packages for the whole family. Enjoy big discounts for every night of stay.

If you’re planning an outdoor and chilling activity with your family, try the winter wonderland ski vacation package of the Beaver Run Resort in Colorado. It is the home of America’s much loved alpine destinations, the Breckenridge Ski Resort.

Beaver Run Resort, famous for it deep fine snow and ski runways, is a perfect place for skiing and snowboarding activities. These adventures are fit to all ages and travelers. This huge mountain resort in Breckenridge Colorado has easy access to the historic places of Main Street, adjacent to Peak Nine and Peak Eight.

Vacationers and travelers will surely find the mountain top views breathtaking, with mountains nearly touching the skies. The vacation is perfect with a ski-in and ski-out entrée to the Quicksilver Six snow tracks. Beaver Run Super Chair lift can carry four persons with a detailed tutorial book on snowboarding and skiing.

The Beaver Run Resort features five bars and restaurants including the Base 9 Bar and the Coppertop Café in the lobby. They offer and serve breakfast and lunch.

The hotel has an indoor and outdoor pool, indoor miniature and nine-hole golf course. There’s a spa with spa tubs for relaxation. For the athletic persons, there’s a tennis court, a fitness center with modern facilities and an indoor sauna.

The resort also features a conference center and banquet facilities with uninterrupted high-speed Internet connection. These rooms are well-decorated with modern furnishing. Floorings and ceilings are accentuated with affectionate wood tones. All guest rooms are fully air-conditioned and have complementary coffeemakers, cabled television, videogames, VCD’s and wood Fireplace.

Beaver Run Resort has 4 buildings with high-speed lifts. All guest rooms have jetted jacuzzi tubs. Four-bed guestrooms are available, only by advanced reservations. Most rooms in buildings 2 and 3 have two queen-sized beds per room. Beaver Run Resort also offers a private shuttle to take their guests to the nearby attractions and can relax after a day on the slopes.

Other Beaver Run Resort vacation packages are:
BeavPackage Deals
This deal is best for five-night accommodation at the slope side in Beaver Run Resort and Spa. Package is for two persons in one hotel room, a 3-day Breckenridge keystone lifts, free transportation from Denver international airport with air discounts available in all major cities. Fifth night is free of charge!

Spa-tacular! 2 Days and 1 Night
Spoil yourself with the mixture of fine lodging and comfortable spa services. Take pleasure with its expanded massage treatments offered such as the seaweed and mud wraps, bindi herbal body and facial treatments with dermatological products, watsu and hot stone massages while staying in one of their studios or suites available with private spa tub, kitchen and living room facilities. This special package can save you up to 10% discount in your treatment and accommodation. All these and other special vacation packages are subject to change and availability.

Other resort amenities and services include:
• Ski-in/Ski-out access
• Spencer’s Restaurant
• Base Nine Bar
• The Spa at Beaver Run
• Concierge
• Business Center
• One heated indoor/outdoor pool
• One heated outdoor pool
• Eight Hot Tubs
• Exercise Room
• Sauna and Steam Room
• Tennis Court
• In-Room Movies & Games
• Arcade Games
• Complimentary Ski Storage
• Ski & Snowboard Shops
• Laundry and Dry Cleaning Services
• Jeep Rental
• Complimentary in-town Shuttle

David H. Urmann
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/ski-vacation-packages-in-colorado-670800.html

The fireplace is a structure that serves both function and aesthetic purposes. Usually, fireplaces are very durable and they last for years. So it is important to choose a design that you really like, so that you don’t have to spend resources replacing or modifying it in the future. Here are some creative fireplace design ideas that will help you get started.

Starting from the materials.

When you choose a building material for your fireplace, you have to be aware of the limitations of the materials. Some materials will look nice than others for certain designs. For example, you can choose aluminum as the primary building material for your fireplace. However, you must be aware that although aluminum is fire resistant, it is rather difficult to add complicated patterns to the metal. You may have to settle for classic or more conventional looks. Of course, you can expect the cost to be cheaper.

Stones are more popular choices among homeowners. Although they cost more, you can add more intricate designs to fireplaces that are built from stones. Furthermore, there are many different types of stones to choose from. You can choose a cheaper type of stone like granite or limestone, or you can choose a more expensive type like marble. Different types of stones will have different outer appearances. This will affect the design of your Fireplace.

Drawing inspiration from the surroundings.

Sometimes, homeowners find it difficult to choose a design that fits with the design of the home. So instead of choosing from existing designs, work backwards and draw inspiration from the surroundings. For instance, are there wavy lines around the fireplace? Is the style one that is Victorian or classic? From there, you can start thinking about how the fireplace can fit into the surroundings. This approach is way better than choosing from several hundreds of existing designs. It will give you a much clearer idea on the right design for your home. You may then narrow down your choices and pick one from a readily available design, or you can create a custom design.

Placing emphasis on the fireplace mantel.

The fireplace mantel can serve dual purposes. It can be a decorative element by itself, or it can serve as a shelf. The entire fireplace can be simplistic, with emphasis being placed on the fireplace mantel. All the details should be focused on the mantel. This way, attention is drawn to the mantel automatically. You may then place other items such as books or ornaments on the mantel to enhance the look and feel of the fireplace.

Furthermore, a fireplace mantel can be made from wood like oak. That means intricate designs can be carved on the mantel. Wood mantels can also be easily removed and replaced with new designs. This approach is more flexible, and more cost effective. You don’t have to remove the entire fireplace just because you grow tired of the existing look!

Gen Wright
http://www.articlesbase.com/diy-articles/creative-fireplace-design-ideas-692271.html