From an interior design perspective, a fireplace is a whole lot more than a heat source and should be thought of as the main feature of the living room. You are only limited by one factor and that is space. If you are lucky to have a sizeable lounge, using one external wall, it is possible to create a unique feature that will stand out as the central feature of the room.
Blank Canvas
As an artist would consider his canvas, so the fireplace designer sees the target wall as their working space, which might be a design that incorporates the entire wall, and ideally, the fire would be centrally located, allowing you to create a balanced fireplace that can be adorned with ornaments, books, or other items. Fortunately, there are suppliers of fireplaces that focus on the design stage, and if you happen to live in the north of England, there is one company that designs and installs gas fireplaces in Yorkshire, and their bespoke creations are a work of art.
Stone and Timber
This is the ideal combination, and with perhaps a pale Yorkshire stone with mahogany mantel and shelving, you can create a warm and inviting fireplace that is also very functional. The standard red house brick can be effectively used in a contemporary setting, with a dark coloured mortar and an oak mantel, you have the perfect central living room feature.
Flush Wall Fireplaces
The modern home might be best suited to a flush wall unit, and with a choice of metallic finishes and a special glass door, you have a compact heating source that doesn’t take up much space, making it ideal for a small living room.
Gas Fires
For UK homeowners, natural gas is the obvious choice, and with a vast range of styles, you can select a unit that blends well with the hearth. There are fire bed choices, with artificial logs, coals or stones, to create that warm and inviting ambience that only comes with a real fire. Gas is preferred over electricity for a few reasons, which include cheaper running costs and the natural beauty of a real flickering flame.
Professional Advice and Installation
The design stage is important, obviously, and by seeking out an established fire supplier, you will have the benefit of an experienced fireplace designer, who can help you to create something truly unique that will be the envy of all your neighbours. They would be able to handle any building work, and with the right choice of materials, and a tasteful design, your new living room feature will be most welcome. There are online suppliers of quality fireplaces, and a simple Google search will locate an established contractor who services your area, and by discussing the many design options with an expert, you might be surprised at what can be achieved.
Style and elegance combined with functionality are the goals, and of course, a lot depends on the existing look of the room, although, most people take the opportunity for a complete lounge revamp, and this allows you to design the room around the fireplace.
