Make your fireplace a feature
If you have the luxury of a built-in or freestanding fireplace, it makes sense to turn this into an attractive focal point in a home.
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Winter or summer, a fireplace can be a feature in any room. During the colder months of the year people naturally gravitate to rooms with fireplaces for warmth. Given their role as a feature or focal point, it’s really important to get this feature right and give it the opportunity to not only play a functional role but also to become a show piece.
Keep it traditional
When it comes to keeping it traditional, although there are many modern fireplaces available on the market, there’s nothing quite like a traditional wood burning fireplace. Imagine pulling up an armchair on a cold winter’s night and indulging your senses in front of a crackling fire. The sight of flickering flames and sound of crackling logs is hard to resist and people want to make the most of this experience. Rather than let your fireplace - built-in or freestanding - fade into the background, use materials to make it stand out and become a show piece.
Alternatives to boring brick
In many homes, new and old, fireplaces are clad with brick, hemmed in with wood, or plastered and painted. As an alternative to this, consider branching out from these traditional materials and trying something completely different, such as natural stone, porcelain or heat-resistant tile. Tiles can bring a distinctive look to an otherwise dull fireplace. If you are not sure what tiles would be best for your particular situation, check with a tile consultant or masonry professional.
A new take on tile
If you are looking for something out of the ordinary consider pebble-style tiles. Tile Africa offers a unique pebble style range of tiles in a variety of colours which can be used to clad fireplaces. Depending on the look you want in the room, you can choose either a stacked pebble or flat pebble style tile.
For a more natural look, the stacked pebble tile will work better. If a more sophisticated, clean space is what you’re after, a flat, neutral coloured pebble tile offset with grey grout will probably appeal more to you.
A classic look with marble
Marble tiles allow you to create a really grand impression. Generally speaking, marble tiles work well in rooms where they can be extended in a large-scale pattern all the way to the ceiling. What’s more is that marble tiles come in a variety of colours that can be easily incorporated into most decor and settings.
A more rustic look
Rustic style fireplaces will always have their place. Sandstone and slate tiles are particularly well suited to rustic settings. The texture and golden hues associated with sandstone immediately impart a rustic quality which is hard to beat and can be easily paired with wooden furniture and simple, natural tones. Slate tiles in rich, autumn hues are a wonderful way to introduce earthy colours that will add to the warmth factor.
To get the stunning look above, Tile Africa recommends Riven cladding, which is hand chiselled from natural materials including slate, travertine, marble and quartz.
Once you have completed your fireplace surround in the material of your choice, be sure to finish it off with the right touches with the perfect accessories and furniture to help create a cohesive look and bring out the best in your fireplace.
For more information about Tile Africa, their range of products and stores, visit www.tileafrica.co.za.