Fabulous fireplaces & mantles

The chilly days of winter see us with roaring open fires or at least remind us that we have fireplaces in our homes. Don't be tempted to hide them by boarding them over; use them to your advantage. They can make a great focal point, their mantles are fabulous places show places if you treat them accordingly.

Home 4 Design

Even if you don't have an open fire, don't board over your fireplace, use is a a focal point in the room; it's a great natural display case.

Replace an open fire with a eco-friendly log burner that will keep you toasty warm throughout winter. If you don't want the hassle of a real wood burner, they can be time consuming and messy, use faux instead to get the look.

Lush Home

Big is beautiful. Make a real statement by painting your fireplace and surround black to give a contemporary look in a traditional setting.

Home My Desgn

Create a chic country cottage look by using your fireplace to stack logs that will never be burnt.

Houzz

Traditional fireplaces can sit comfortably next to new innovations to create a chic living space.

Gattox

The fireplace surround speaks volumes; this sculptural Italian fireplace is truly decedant.

Decorlus

This amazing modern fireplace gives a new twist to an age old method of heating a home.

Elena Arsenoglou

It may look like a fire risk waiting to happen, but you have to admit surrounding an open fire with an enormous book shelf is awe inspiring.

Pinerest

Create your own fairy style grotto with a fireplace mural.

Digs Digs

Painting a stone fireplace white give a chic modern look to a rustic home.

Hobotect

This small open fireplace is a little different from the norm.

Imactoy

Do away with the unusual style of chimney breast and surround by replacing them with natural materials such as large smooth stones.

Imactoy

You can even give your chimney breast a pebble swirl pattern if you have a beach or coastal theme.

Pinterest

Small smooth stones can be plastered or grouted around an inset fire for a unique look.