Chestnuts roasting on an open fire….
Jack Frost nipping at your nose…
The Fireplace Designs
And so the lyrics go, but how many of us really thought about the significance of our fireplaces this holiday season, aside from hanging our Christmas stockings on the mantle?
The fireplace is a commonly forgotten feature in the grand scheme of remodeling, but the best time to upgrade a fireplace is when you are already doing other work in your home. The warmth of the fireplace draws us close, creates comfort for our guests, and sets the tone for an evening full of promising memories during the holidays.
Here are some of Gilmans Kitchens and Baths projects that capitalized on their remodeling experience by upgrading their fireplaces at the same time as their kitchens!
A charming vignette was created by using a mix of materials to create the fireplace, and a wooden mantle added additional function and texture. Recessed wall speakers kept the space from looking cluttered and heavy.
The kitchen, fireplace and living area are featured in an open floor plan and the wood mantle, wood top from the smaller second island, and the wooden stools bring a touch of warmth and comfort to the open space.
This project emphasized clean lines and simplicity throughout the kitchen, master bath and living space. The compact fireplace delivers a strong visual presence with the reinforcement of lines from the surround, to the frame and finally the insert. Modern simplicity at its best!
The kitchen, formal dining, and family room used the same cabinetry for fluidity throughout the home. Mixed use of materials for the fireplace in the family room created a focal point, and custom cabinets were used to create shelves and storage for the family’s books and games.
The formal dining room fireplace incorporated the custom bookcases and fireplace by using the same wood as the cabinetry for the mantle, creating a unified look.
In this project, the fireplace is parallel to the kitchen. The natural stone behind the cooktop and on the fireplace provided some drama without overwhelming both spaces in an open layout. Instead of creating a mantle, recessed niches were added above the fireplace to feature artwork that was meaningful to the clients. Custom benches were placed on either side of the fireplace for extra seating and storage.
The clients wanted a distinct look so the use of wood, metal, the color gray and tile that took on a cement-like appearance created an urban edge to their space. The warmth of the wooden mantle that coordinates with the wood top on the island unify the living space to the kitchen, while providing warmth to the overall space.