Fall is in the air – you can feel the chill in early mornings and see it in the waning afternoon light. The leaves are about to explode in bursts of gold and crimson. I have lived in Eagle County all of my life and the colors still take my breath away. Just a reminder – the first day of fall is a mere few weeks away, September 23.
I love fall because it means it’s time to start cuddling up by the fireplace and enjoy a warm fall drink (hot apple cider, hot toddy or even the revered and reviled pumpkin spice latte). From a designer perspective, fireplaces add an interesting, visual element to a room.
Fireplaces are often the focal point of living areas, and they are a great opportunity to make a statement about the home. No longer huge behemoths that take up the entire living room, fireplaces can come in most any shape and clad in any material: think slate, granite, sleek subway tiles.
A fireplace can change the look and feel of the room – and not just with the heat it gives off. The look of a fireplace can range from incredible contemporary statement pieces to large lodge stone features and of course fully functioning stoves to heat cabins – or make your hot toddy on.
The mantel can be a very personalized space, set up with family photos or décor elements picked up while traveling. But one look I love is a clean mantel with a significant piece of artwork over the fireplace. It ties in the overall look without overwhelming the space. Please, no TVs over the fireplace! Just as we change our homes for different seasons, we love to use the fireplace to enhance the room.
Whether gas or wood burning, a fireplace is welcome, and welcoming, as the chill spreads during the coming months. Cozy up and enjoy the warmth and fire glow.
This month’s inspiration is brought to you by Oshi Gardarian, who loves autumn and is inspired by Biophilic interior design – connecting the visual and physical world with the outdoors.