One of the many considerations you’ll encounter when redesigning your home is the luxury elements. These are the pieces that add that extra atmospheric seasoning to your living room, bedroom, entryway, kitchen, or even powder room that just make it pop. These unique room features might be small or large, but they help create the experience that is that space for you and your family. Already a part of older homes, and even some new builds, homeowners have a love-hate relationship with fireplaces. That’s why I’d love to talk a little more about how you can integrate fire elements into your home—with or without a functioning fireplace.
Why Fire Elements?
The most obvious benefit of the fire element in any room is the warmth and comfort that is automatically created. The rustic origins and association with colder seasons immediately inspire anyone entering a room with a fireplace or fire element want to curl up and snuggle in.
The soft light and mesmerizing flickering of a fire element also inspires romantic and intimate vibes, encourages relaxation, adds visual interest, and creates a touch of mystery with the dancing shadows. If your goal is atmosphere and ambiance, a fire is a must!
Fireplaces
Fireplaces can be wonderful! But they can also cause a lot of problems if they are old and not well kept. They can also become a hassle as you get older. However, if it’s an original feature of the home, fireplaces hold a ton of character and charm and can be the perfect, obvious solution.
A few things to keep in mind with fireplaces, though. They need regular maintenance both for the health of the chimney and for your own health and safety. Second, you’ll need wood. Depending on where you live, this might be harder or easier to come by.
Otherwise, if you have a plan and love your fireplace, it is the real deal and naturally creates warmth (so it’s practical in colder climates, too) and cozy vibes. Plus, you get that signature crackle that breeds cheerfulness, contentedness, and togetherness.
Gas Fireplace
One solution for the architectural fireplace that you love but don’t want to use as a wood-burning hearth is the gas fireplace. These are installed right inside the fireplace and produce real flames that utilize your chimney without the mess.
They range in price, but are not incredibly expensive, and are even an investment in your property for the next family that wants that fireplace feel without the hassle. There are a range of options for the type of wood arrangements you can get, add ons for the signature snap, crackle, and pop fire sounds, and more customizable aspects.
Fireplace Credenza
If you don’t have a fireplace at all, you can easily bring one in as part of a credenza! Now, this will not be a traditional wood-burning fireplace. Instead, it will be electric. However, you’ll achieve the same warm glow and, in some cases, some heat as well.
The added bonus of the fireplace credenza is that it doubles as, you guessed it, a credenza! That means this is a multi-functional piece of furniture that can easily slip into your bedroom, living room, or even office design.
Make the most of your storage by selecting a fireplace credenza that suits all your needs while also playing the part of the fireplace!
Tabletop Fireplace
The tabletop fireplace is one of my favorite inventions! Portable fire that you can safely take with you inside and outside to create that ideal cozy atmosphere. There are multiple brands making tabletop fireplaces these days, and they come in all shapes, sizes, and design aesthetics.
The portable fireplace is ideal for anyone with a smaller space, as well as those with larger entertaining areas that could use the warmth of an easy fire when desired. You can place this in your living room on the coffee table, in the middle of the dining room table, or on the back patio. It’s a fantastic, versatile way to get the desired effect anywhere you want it!
Candles
Fire is fire, right? Candles are a wonderful alternative to the traditional fireplace. Not only do candles come in almost any scent you could possibly want, but you can get candles in fun shapes, a variety of sizes, and different wax types. Additionally, candles can be styled. Unlike the other options listed, you can style candle arrangements on side tables, credenzas, dining tables, and countertops with different candleholders.
Firepit
If you’re the type who doesn’t necessarily want a fire all the time—or want it in your house—a firepit would perfectly satisfy the need for the crackling flames. If you live in an area with plenty of space for outdoor living and entertaining, then a well-placed fireplace is an absolute treat! Roast marshmallows and hotdogs, or simply gather around with a good glass of wine and lovely friends a night under the stars.
Netflix Fire
This is going to feel like a cheat, but did you know Netflix has a “fireplace for your home”? This is a fun way to go completely flame-less but still get the glowing embers, flickering flames, and, of course, the cracks and pops. All the atmosphere without ever having to strike a match or switch on the gas.
Some of the programs even include music, and are designed to cater to a certain season (so you can get the “Christmas fire” or the “Beach fire”). Needless to say, Netflix was very clever and, understanding humankind’s love for fire and the ambiance it creates, dreamed up a very practical—yet enjoyable—solution.
Whether you have an original fireplace or just want to add some depth with a fire element, there’s a solution for you. At Your Design Partner, I always make sure my clients know their options for integrating fire elements because there are just so many creative ways to go about it.
If you’re ready to bring fire into your design – schedule your discovery call!
