Style Booster – Fireplace Envy

But with a little attention, a fireplace box, mantel and hearth
can become a beautiful focal point in your room.

OK. So this is over-the-top, but what a focal point it is!
The designer didn’t miss an inch.  Every element is considered –  brass firebox insert,
mirrored surround, faux malachite mantel, a collection of Chinese urns,
and the spectacular wall mural by DeGournay!
It all adds up to a fireplace with memorable style.
"which is the point here – make yours a personal style statement, too"

Is your style a little more down to earth?  In Ina Garten’s converted barn,
her mantra was "Less is More"
"There was a temptation to put a mantlepiece around the fireplace,
but it would have been too decorative. This is a masculine room"

Simplicity is the name of the game here.  A grouping of well-placed candlesticks
and one signature piece of art is plenty for this mantel.
The iron tool set and grate complete the look.
"Do you know when to STOP?  It’s sometimes harder than it seems.
Tip:  Take everything away from your fireplace and then put back one piece at a time
until it looks balanced and interesting"

Sometimes it’s more about what surrounds the fireplace
than the fireplace itself.
In the Bellarmine Showhouse last year, I was fortunate to have a room with
a great marble mantle, but the coal burning firebox was anything but inviting.
So, I played up the assets by bringing the eye upward.
The mantle arrangement was an eclectic mix of found objects,
as I imagined the homeowner would love.
"Mix and match your own personal timeline on your mantel.
Create a landscape that will intrigue"

As I return to my

STYLE BOOSTER

posts, I’m reminded of a recurrent theme
that seems to run through every style booster I’ve shared…

"YOUR HOME HAS SO MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPRESS YOUR 
PERSONAL STYLE, FROM THE FRONT DOOR 
TO THE COZY SPOT BY THE FIREPLACE.
IT JUST TAKES A LITTLE EFFORT TO DEFINE THAT STYLE,
AND THEN YOU’RE ON YOUR WAY!
SO 
WHAT’ ARE YOU WAITING FOR?"

"EMBRACE THE JOYS OF GOOD DESIGN!"