5 Ways to Warm Up Your Hearth for the Holidays

Now that Fall is fully upon us and the bitter winds of Winter are not far from sight, it’s time to start thinking about how we can keep cozy through the dark and cold months to come.

What better way to keep warm than to curl up next to a fire with loved ones?  Nothing else quite compares to the sight, smell, and heat of a roaring fire beckoning you to enjoy these crisp Portland days.  Luckily we have some inspiration for you to spruce up your mantel and get ready for the holiday season to come.

Contemporize the Function and Feel 

The paneling surrounding the fireplace below made the space feel too dark and dated.

BEFORE

To bring this fireplace into the modern day, designer Anne De Wolf worked with the client to make the space lighter and better fit their needs.

 AFTER

ClaypoolCraven_1962_LivingRm_A_4_P_Pro Design by Anne De Wolf

Open shelving displays colorful pottery and glass vases along with books to add interest to the surrounding area. The mirrors above the new mantel shelf help reflect the room’s ambient light and give the illusion of more open space.

The cabinet door to the right of the mirror conceals a TV that can pivot out on an arm when needed.

Make Use of the Surrounding Space

Many Portland homes have fireplaces that are flanked by unused space.

BEFORE

This provides a great opportunity for built-in cabinetry, storage, bench seats, and a host of other features.

AFTER

Thayer_1926_Fireplace_A_1_P Design by Kristyn Bester

These built in bookshelves were designed to integrate with the existing features of this Arciform client’s living room.  The new tile surround and hearth lighten up the room and work beautifully with their personal style.

Revamp your Mantel with Period Appropriate Details

Fireplaces are a great place to incorporate period appropriate details and millwork.  If your mantel is a victim of a bad remodel, returning it to its original glory is a wonderful way to pay homage to the age of your home.

Versatile Wood Products is a great source for custom millwork to help you build the mantel your home deserves.

When Arciform converted this daylight basement into a guest suite, the main living area had a fireplace that felt dated and inconsistent with the clean and classic style of the rest of the space.

BEFORE

The addition of a more substantial mantel with traditional millwork profiles and marble surround brings this hearth into focus as the heart of the new suite.

AFTER

ThiesingVajtai_1936_LivingRm_A_3_P Design by Kristyn Bester

Make Use of your Decommissioned Fireplace

There are plenty of decommissioned fireplaces in older homes and to miss out on the opportunity to use them as a design feature would be a shame.  They are a great place to store books or a collection of personal treasures gathered from travels around the world.

 

Add Color

Whether you are trying to draw attention to or away from the fireplace, a simple coat of paint can work wonders.

What does your hearth need to get it ready for the long winter nights ahead?

Whether you are adding a touch of color,  restoring a classic mantel to its original glory or hoping to add storage space and integrated technology features, Arciform’s Design and Small Projects Teams can help you get your hearth ready for the holiday season.

Get started on your own project by emailing our team here.

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