How to Choose a Fireplace Mantle to Fit your Decor Style

It is often said the kitchen is the heart of the home. If you have a fireplace in your home, you can equally say it is as well. From the heat it gives off, the ambiance it creates, and the presence it holds in the room as the focal point, your fireplace takes center stage. When choosing a fireplace, the mantle that sits above it comes in a variety of styles, colors, and many don’t have a mantle at all. Here’s how to choose a fireplace mantle to fit you and your home’s decorative style.

Purpose of the mantle: For many, the purpose of the mantle is just as important as the look. The mantle acts as a crown or anchor to the fireplace visually, and allows a decorative display area for family pictures, artisan décor, and seasonal decorations. Depending on how you want your fireplace to look, will help you decide if a mantle that holds family mementos fits your design style or if you’d prefer a slim and sleek one that doesn’t hold anything.Profile options: Traditional mantels were made of wood, concrete or stone, and had hand carved and intricate detailing in them. More traditional homes may have side detailing from the fireplace that reach down to the floor. If your home has a rustic décor, consider using the fireplace rock, brick or a piece of timber for your mantle. Sleek and sophisticated décor may opt for a very thin and minimal mantle or opt for none at all.

Fit your fireplace style and size: If your fireplace is large, than a mantle that fits the robust nature of your fireplace would be fitting. A horizontal mantle doesn’t have to be restricted to the width of the fireplace opening. The mantle can become the main feature of the fireplace, and wrap around your fireplace that is double sided in the center of the room. Determine what size of mantle will dimensionally fit and what style coincides with your fireplace. Too large of mantle can overpower, while too small can look awkward and not visually appealing.

Unique fireplaces may not need a mantle: Fireplaces have seen a design influenced shift in recent years, and the appeal for unique and one-of-a-kind fireplaces is popular. If your design style would prefer a fireplace that you can’t find everywhere, seek out artisans and masons who build and handcraft fireplaces. Also, research designer fireplaces on the internet. From fire pits that can be installed in your living room, to open fireplaces with no walls, a unique fireplace will be a conversation piece instantly in your room.

Your fireplace mantle can become the place for displaying your family’s photos and achievements, or it can be left bare and welcoming all alone. From large and chunky mantles to the absence of a mantle, to aesthetically concentrate on only the fireplace, your decorative style will help you decide. For inspiration, visit model homes, flip through magazines or visit fireplace showrooms to give you ideas for your space. Remember, a fireplace can go in a bathroom, study, bedroom, or you can opt for movable fireplaces as well! Choose your style, and then warm your home with a mantle that is perfect for your decorative space.

Freshome reader’s we’d love to hear what type of fireplace you own, or what type you’d like to have in your home! Leave us your comments below.

How to Bring Retro Style into your Modern Home

Every twenty to thirty years, the world of design seems to make a comeback, but in a slightly better way. Whether it’s is the world of fashion, colors or home decor, retro style is an eclectic mix of old styles and new forms, or new forms with old materials and finishes. From the psychedelic prints of the seventies to the fifties appeal of oversized light fixtures and bubbly forms, retro style home decor is back in a big way! Here are a few ways to get the look in your modern home.

Bold patterns and colors: Retro styling brings together bold patterns and colors into your home. If you enjoy large patterns, try using them on your walls with wallpaper, paint or murals. For the same affect throughout your furniture, consider using bold fabrics and coordinating textiles such as rugs, and window treatments. Try and keep the bold patterns and colors within a few colors for the palette. Too many colors will make your room look scattered, and uninviting.Subtle hints of retro style: If you prefer to bring retro styling into your home more subtly, consider using smaller prints and geometric repetitive patterns. Instead of bold colors, modernize your interiors with pastels and muted variations of the bold. Use patterns in smaller quantities, and infuse neutrals into furnishings, flooring and wall coverings. Mix and match solids and patterns to also play down big and bold retro styling.

Retro lines of furniture with modern finishes: Curvilinear and circular forms are classic characteristics of retro furniture. Pair these up with modern leather, wood, and lacquer finished furniture, and the marriage of the two is gorgeous. Scour online classifieds, garage sales and vintage stores that you can reupholster or repurpose old furniture to look new. Replace an outdated fabric with a new and funky colored one. Shop furniture stores that carry retro looking furniture lines, which look old, but are brand new.

Sleek modernism: If your decorative style leans more toward modern minimalism, opt for a few retro pieces that have simple curves and lines. Remove large quantities of furniture from your space so the eye can focus on a few focal points of the room. A dining room set, reminiscent of retro design styles, and adorned with a dramatic pendant light can modernize your interiors, instantly. Leave intricate and detailed woodworking for another style. Retro modern style enjoys free forms that are fluid in nature and appeal.

If you enjoy the look of retro interior styles, use these tips to help bring them alive in your home. Get inspiration from retro movies, books, magazines and celebrity designers who enjoy retelling these styles through their clients’ homes. From the simplest of patterns to the boldest of colors, design through the years has evolved, but it still keeps the same passion and ideas of high design. See how your home can come alive with retro styling, and be amazed how modern and retro interiors can make you forget what era you actually live in.

Freshome reader’s do you utilize retro styled interiors in your home? Have a cool lamp, or have you turned your entire home into a retro home? We’d love to hear your comments.

A Luxury Vacation – Cruise Style

If you have a week to spare, $100,000 to burn, and a whim to tour the Caribbean sea, this is how you do it. Virgin’s ‘Necker Belle’ is a 105ft catamaran that comes equipped with diving equipment and amenities that will keep its guests entertained for days. With room enough to accommodate 12 people, the highlight of this package is, without doubt, the 3 person aero submarine that takes scuba diving to a whole new level of ease! This seems like a good time to bring up the interiors (since that is why we’re in business!) which look warm and bright and capable of entertaining guests from any which floor they stand. From these cozy bunks you have views of the sea, access to huge flat screens and well stocked bars, and at every level a lounge. This vacation sailor is definitely one to remember for the lucky devils that get this private tour of the Caribbean Sea…

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