Many years ago, we used fireplaces in our homes to cook, heat water, and provide warmth in winter. However, fireplaces and their surrounds have adapted to many new functions. Although they still make most of us think of cozy nights,…
Fireplaces give families a warm, cozy place to gather during the cooler months. They become focal points in any room, and how you style them can dramatically affect the design aesthetic. The fireplace surround, including the mantel and mantel shelf,…
Mantelpieces have existed since humans began building fireplaces in walls instead of the ground. Originally simple inventions to catch smoke and absorb heat, they eventually became decorative objects with the dual function of displaying family crests, trinkets, and photographs. Despite…
Creative wall treatments often emphasize the difference between standard and designer spaces. Painted plaster, tiles, and wallpaper are far from the only finishes available, and today, more homeowners want something unique. Interior wall cladding is a new way to finish…
Concrete has been prevalent in interior design since the Brutalist and Modernist architectural movements of the 20th century. It became fashionable to adorn a fireplace with a concrete surround, and today, many designers prefer it over brick or wood. One…