Nothing says winter like a cozy lit fireplace. The focal point in a given room, fireplaces come in a variety of shapes and forms. Here, we share why hearth and home go hand in hand and what a difference a well-designed fireplace makes.
Tempting Transition
Great Falls-based interior designer Amy Bannecker worked on this new-build project with Carter Inc. Builders for a family in Bethesda, Maryland. The open-concept great room features a gas fireplace, which dictated the furniture layout and also influenced storage in the space.
“This fireplace speaks to the mood of the room,” says Bannecker of the clean-lined, easy-to-maintain gas fireplace, which has a crisp white mantel with millwork details, designed in a timeless, transitional style. Its bricked surround features Waterworks’ Claypaper hand-painted tiles in soft, warm gray tones. “The custom built-ins on either side complete the look of the fireplace wall while also serving as functional storage,” she continues.
Above the fireplace is a mounted television, with a large sofa across from it. Bannecker integrated multiple seating options into the space, including a pair of cable-knit poufs, for when the family entertains fireside.
“Fireplaces go far to add warmth, style and ambience to any space,” Bannecker adds.
Two-Sided
When homeowners Mark and Beth Sharman renovated their 8,000-square-foot home in Forest, Virginia, they ended up with a two-sided stone fireplace to add separation to their dining and living rooms in the open floor plan.
“We liked the idea of it, but I never liked the mountain-lodge feel. I remember not knowing my options at the time, so I picked a stone that would look as modern as possible,” recalls Beth. “But once they installed it, I hated it.”
The couple lived with the stone fireplace for six months before tearing it out in favor of a sleek steel option, which is much more in keeping with their aesthetic.
“I did a lot of research until I found the style I liked, and then I contacted a local ironworks company to figure it out. They did an amazing job,” Beth adds.
Meanwhile, Lynchburg-based interior designer Kaycie LaGrone of Circa Studio came on board to help the Sharmans furnish their house. On one side of the gas-powered fireplace is a dining table and chairs, on the other a cozy sitting area featuring a curved-back settee and a pair of swivel armchairs set around an ottoman.
“The steel fireplace now feels bold, masculine and central in our home, making a strong visual statement. It also warms up all sides of the living and dining areas,” Beth says. “It’s become a symbol in our house.”
Earth and Fire
The mother-daughter team of Powell Brower Interiors sees fireplaces as an integral part of their interior design.
“Fireplaces of yesterday were often overlooked as a unique opportunity to provide form and function,” says Bethany Brower. “We have faced and renovated many fireplaces, bringing them out of their builder’s spec origins to gel with the ethos of the interior.”
Such is the case in this Falls Church home, where the remodel of a gas fireplace on a ¾ brick wall resulted in a sleek, contemporary painted wood fireplace featuring a slate surround and reclaimed maple wood mantel. The project was done in collaboration with Bedrock Remodelers.
“We love how this fireplace now grounds this room, giving visual and literal warmth to the space,” Nancy Powell says.
The homeowners find themselves using the space, which is open to their kitchen, more than ever before. They use the room for watching TV, spending time with family and friends and, in the colder months, enjoying the fire.
“Our aesthetic is to keep the design around fireplaces clean and simple, paying close attention to the functionality of the fireplace and how the homeowner uses the feature,” Powell says.
Hearth of Stone
McLean-based interior designer Tracy Morris worked in collaboration with Artisan Builders and Harrison Design on a new-build McLean house, which features a stone-clad screened porch off the family room. Native woodlands spill beyond the landscaped backyard.
“The homeowner likes to sit outside and listen to her water feature, [and she] loves her birds and woodlands and being outdoors in nature,” Morris says.
Creating a porch clad in Pennsylvania fieldstone featuring an integrated outdoor fireplace was a part of the exterior design.
“The homeowner was very involved in the fireplace design. She sketched it out with the curves and asked if it would be possible,” Morris says.
The resulting fireplace has a stone bench with a cutout below for wood storage. Morris completed the look with a pair of gas lanterns and outdoor furniture. A phantom screen also comes down as needed to protect the homeowners from insects.
“Because of the fireplace and ambient heat from the family room, which connects to the porch with Nano doors, the family are able to use [it] in even during colder weather,” adds Morris.
This story originally appeared in the December issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly print magazine.
