When the winter weather starts to bite, the trains have been a nightmare, and the daily news cycle is just too much to fathom, there are few better places to recharge in the evening than beside the fire.
The familiar embrace of an armchair, a longed for drink in hand and well thumbed book nearby, whilst you’re gently reassured by the sedate warmth of a crackling fire which softly illuminates the room in flickering splendour. It all sounds rather idyllic, doesn’t it?
It’s the perfect vignette of the season – equally as symbolic of tradition as it is of sophistication. At the most basic level, us humans are drawn to fire by an almost primeval calling deep within us; as a place of comfort, safety, warmth and companionship. And let’s be clear: fires
may be sources of heat, but they also happen to look really cool.
Fire surrounds allow you to draw the focal point of any room away from televisions and into conversation and togetherness.
Spark some joy
Not every home has a fireplace – in an eco-conscious world, being mindful of how we heat our homes and what we burn is as important as ever. Modern homes often rely on underfloor heating, heat pumps and gas boilers. So, why have some kind of fire or a surround in the first place?
Having a fire as a centrepiece can bring a sense of calm, beauty and a connection to nature. It adds visual texture, a touch of charm, even drama to a room, creating an atmosphere that technology simply can't replicate. When it comes to choosing the right fire feature for your home, the options are vast and varied, each offering its own unique appeal that can elevate the look of your space.
A fire surround, mantle or burner certainly allows you to draw the focal point of any room away from televisions and gadgetry if you choose, which is no bad thing if you’re looking beyond practical benefits and embracing conversation and a more balanced interior.
Irish designer Bryan O'Sullivan dresses a striking marble surround with eclectic objets d'art, bringing this living room up to date
Burning bright
If you’re dreaming of the distinctive crackle and dancing flames of burning timber, then the traditional wood-burner is a hard choice to beat. It's the embodiment of rustic charm on one hand, but on the other can also represent a sleek Nordic aesthetic in the right space.
Modern burners also have the advantage of being more efficient than ever, with a cleaner burn and the ability to heat a room more effectively.
Architect Gregory Phillips of Gregory Phillips Architecture agrees: “A wood burner will provide the benefits of heat and a cosy atmosphere to the room whilst being considerably more energy efficient than a traditional fireplace with a large chimney. We also now use ethanol fireplaces which are easier to integrate
into a modern house and do not require
a chimney or flue.”
That said, they do require more maintenance, can be messy and it isn’t ideal with small children. If you're someone who enjoys the ritual of setting up the fire and the occasional smoky scent in the air, a wood-burner might just be the thing for your home.
A simple alcove dressed with logs is the perfect addition to a minimalist room.
Elegant surroundings
Perhaps the goal is to reintroduce some character to a space with something a little more sophisticated. If so, a traditional fireplace might be your ideal choice.
There are so many options – like simple stone, bold marble or traditional cast iron – to add notes of understated luxury and timeless elegance. Existing surrounds can be updated, refurbished or integrated into the space through clever use of materials echoed elsewhere in the room.
For those who prefer convenience but still want the visual appeal of real fire, gas fireplaces can deliver the aesthetic charm of an open flame without the mess or hassle. Gas fires are clean, fairly efficient and most importantly come in a variety of styles and orientations so you’re not stuck with something laughably dangerous that your nan had in the 1970s.
With a click of a button, tangible warmth and ambiance are ready to go. But a key point here is size: scale really does matter as Verity Woolf, founder of Woolf Interior Design & Architecture points out: “The key is achieving the right proportions; a fireplace that suits the room’s scale will always look stunning, no matter its period or style”.
British designer Verity Woolf gives a masterclass in proportion and furniture layout in this space.
Accessories and decor have equal importance, she adds: “A traditional fireplace can be updated by accessorising with minimalistic decor such as a large mirror or abstract artwork above the mantle. Additionally, many homeowners are opting for historic statement fireplaces that serve as focal points, blending functionality with art.” Keeping your choice of accessories simple and relatively uncluttered adds to the splendour.
Alternatively, if you love the idea of a fireside without the need for a full-on inferno, then a basic mantle or just a simple recess dressed with timber and even some candles can evoke the same feeling of warmth and relaxation.
It doesn’t have to look trite; this minimalist approach is great for smaller spaces, ultra-contemporary interiors or for those of us who simply don’t want the fuss of an actual fire. Instead, adding in ultra large rugs and statement furniture that frames the vistas and re-orientates the focal point of the room, can still create the majestic allusion of a fireside, without the hassle and expense it might entail.
Ultimately, the fireside of your dreams should be one that brings you comfort, warmth, and a sense of peace. It should be a place you love to be.
Because after all, no matter how cold the world outside might be right now, there’s nothing quite like curling up by a fire to find a little bit of solace.
See more at: woolfinterior.com; gregoryphillips.com; bryanosullivan.com
