Are you creative? Need Fireplace Ideas!
I can really use some creative juice from those more talented than me. I have been stuck on this fireplace for a few months, and need a broader audience to help. The attached photo shows my current situation today with dimensions. I have dabbled with many different options, from stones, to cast stones, to MDF. I am competent to build just about anything (that doesn’t require carving wood) but need creative ideas on how to jazz up this space.
I have a piece of 3/4″ black galaxy granite in trapezoid shape cut out for the bottom hearth sitting at the front of the fireplace. It will sit flush with the 3/4″ hardwood flooring. But what to do with the fireplace surround, shelf, above-fireplace, etc… space. I am really stumped.
I could put a traditional 12×12″ granite tiles around the fireplace face, put some MDF around that and cap with shelf and paint them. But that’s so “routine.” I’d like to build this out of stain grade wood. Cherry, or birdseye maple, or any other wood that his “cheerful and blond” accented with walnut, some curves to match with other curves and arches throughout the house, or fluted columns elsewhere in the house, etc… But I don’t know how to put these components together to make it look “wow!” for first impression.
I have gone to books, went through the archives of this and Fine Woodworking, Googled until I’m blue in the face, but to no avail. The designer and interior decorator we use is not very helpful on this topic. Any suggestions on where I can begin to get ideas for this, even looking in some of your work to get inspiration?
I even contemplated offering an Ipod to someone who can come up with the winning design but not sure it is appropriate to offer this at this site. I’m willing to make this a fun event for all, but please tell me if it is ok to offer a prize for this. Help!!!
Replies
Not award winning by any means but here's red oak with walnut. Meant to complement the floor perimeter.
Proportion is important and I'm not satisfied with what we did here. The gas key and light switches/door trim limited how wide we could go with this. Balance that with how much granite the cust. wanted to see. But here you go, maybe it'll help you out.
Best of luck.
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any classical surround/mantle can be adapted to fit to that according to your tastes.
I'd probably go for simpler there myself.
I am curious what clearance there is between the upper sheetrock and the chimney. It should be 2" but That steep back makes me wondeer?
Is it a solid fuels chimeny and FP? Or gaas?
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my Two cents.
The space is kind of limiting. I think most masonry looks better with a strong presence. It feels like its been stuck in a corner to me. So maybe, A raised hearth (not real high just enough to create a shelf effect) and then project the mantel forward say 2-4 inches. That would give the piece height and depth changes to give the eye lines and shadows to follow.
OK now I have to go reestablish my man hood and jack some beams or something.
first step would be to check the installation manual to determine how close combustables are allowed to the fireplace, how far they can project out from the face of the opening at different heights, if an air gap is required under the hearth surface, etc. Most of the blandness of character on these units is due to the desgin limitations that these reg's impart ..
It's an accepted practice here at Breaktime to award prizes to the 5th responder in any thread.
Ever wonder why "holistic" doesn't start with "w"?
Okay, now that I've locked that up, I think the area surrounding the fireplace is important to consider. Like someone previously mentioned, you're kind off in a corner there.
My first thought would be to add (visual) weight to the space above the mantel somehow. What that would be would have to be carefully considered in the context of the rest of the room. Do you want the fireplace to be a dominant feature, or just a pleasing element when a person's eye happens to land on it?
A common theme above a fireplace around here is a large rectangle hanging on the wall - like a painting, one of those water walls, or lately a big screen television. None of those appeal to me, but they certainly do to a lot of people.
I'll try to attach photos of a couple we've recently built. Not because I like them, but as examples of what I'm saying.
Ever wonder why "holistic" doesn't start with "w"?
I would lose that recess above the unit.....or, rather, fill it.
A nice wood surround with a matching shelving going to the ceiling would work well in that space.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
Oh rats, just left what I wrote (despite it's telling me it couldn't) to view your photo and it erased what I'd written--here it is again:
Would really help if you posted a picture of the granite you are going to use. If it is black, I would try to match it as much as possible in terms of color with another piece of granite as the mantle shelf. I would use a contrasting wood (yellow in color) as the surround, if wood can be right up to the fireplace opening. If not, or in any case, I would use the same wood above the mantle shelf. I would think bird's eye maple or even birch dyed yellow would look good. I would only panel the end wall and not any part of the two walls running into it. If you want more decorative elements, you could add simple pilasters to frame the paneling. That's my two cents.
Edit: I would let the materials speak for themselves--I assume the granite you've chosen is very nice. I would not add a lot of cutsey-poo decoration. What is the style of the rest of the room and house? I am thinking simple and modern, but if not, then you could get away with more decorative stuff.
Edited 1/30/2008 10:35 am ET by Danno
The house is stucco outside, mediteranean style with columns on exterior. Interior, we opted to not over do the columns, but placed curves in open and common door ways. I will take some photos and attach tomorrow. The fireplace is actually in the family room (seen from left of front entry). Because it is in the line of site of entry, I want to make this a "wow" statement, but not sure how to do so. I recognize that traditional fireplace surrounds are to build a box around the fireplace. There must be more creative ways to do this with the space I have shown... is there? To the right of the fireplace is a very large arch separating the family room from the dining room. the arch is 8' high, 12' wide, and wrapped in MDF with a keystone on top. Both ends of the arches (vertical) are fluted MDF wrapping making it look like a square column 12" each side.
I have the 3/4" granite for the floor that will sit flush with the 3/4" hardwood. The fire place will receive 6" granite surrounding the fireplace face for safety. Beyond that, I would like to make them in wood, stain grade preferably.
Because of the "mediteranean" feel to the house, I would like to make use of columns, or fluted materials on both sides of the fireplace. Some fluted material above the fire place may be good also. Above the fireplace may be a good place for a family photo, or nice art work. No TV up there. Crazy way to view TV.
Other than one creative suggestion to come bearing gifts to the 5th respondent, I am really serious about making this a "creative" contest to see who can really step up and design this component. Do you know how one would start something like this? The web filled with so much resources and talents and I would love to put that to constructive use.
Just name the prize and the deadline right here in the thread. Some of us work for peanuts or milkbones. Others sit up and play fetch for nothing but a pat on the head. It is something I do like sir edmund Hillary said - because it is there.or
in your case, because it is not there.yetBut I am hesitant about spending any time designing something without seeing the rest of the house and doing it for someone who has searched every resource available and still comes up empty. Throw us a bone here and show something of what you've seen that appeals to you.What you mention of fluted and columns is what I have in mind when I say that a classically style surround and mantle would fit the space fine.
With arches and Mediterranean I see an arch top niche in the space above the mantle for art
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Piffin said: With arches and Mediterranean I see an arch top niche in the space above the mantle for art
I was about to suggest that as well. Some sort of paneling or shelves above the mantel, with a niche under the light and a nice sculpture or piece of pottery. Maybe replace the light with something smaller than a six inch can.
I have one of these corner fireplaces, and I'm thinking that I could do away with a lot of froo-froo and just do a beautiful stone or tile surround topped by a mantel. I think that would be an option here if you like the look. A couple of bold, distressed, corbels and mantel shelf would be all you need. Should work well with the Mediterranean style, too. Fluted columns are not really Mediterranean; how about some of the "curvy" cast stone ones? Depending on how far you want to carry that look, hand-painted tiles will work very well.
I like Piffin's idea about the niche above the mantel. Any change you could get a small puck light above it and boxes for sconces on either side? I'd radius the edges of the niche and consider doing a textured surface on that section of wall instead of smooth sheetrock. I'm thinking of the older, Med-style houses I've seen over the years.
Here is one way I dressed up a gas fireplace.
What's with the two TV's in the photo, Do you need that to watch in stereo??
My wife and I sometimes like to watch different programs. One of the TVs can be used with headphones. While our furniture was in storage a few years ago, we bought a second TV for our apartment. This turned out to be a better use for the second TV than selling it.
One of our miniature Schnauzers also liked to watch TV. He was able to tell when there was a dog on TV, and sometimes other animals. He would stand up in front of the TV and bark. We would leave it on just for him.
Finally, I am a channel-switcher. I am too impatient to watch commercials, so I surf the stations. One of those TVs actually has PinP, so I sometimes have a third picture on in a smaller frame while I am waiting for a news story.
Two football games at once, now that's relaxing!!!!
I forgot to include this documentation to accompany my previous post.
I think I may have something for you. It won't matter what the fireplace is you can still do the same design. I made all this in the shop and had a pc of granite left over and inlayed into the top for an accent. Just bullnosed the granite with a wet sander, for a first timer doing that, it came out great. Hope this helps Damon
Here's the contest offer: Anyone who submits a winning design that for my new construction fireplace mantle (upper and lower) wins the prize. "Winning" means I actually use your design and implement it at this fireplace.
What I'm looking for: The winning entry is one that I actually use to implement using either stain grade (preferred) or paint grade. Design ideas need to be drawn out, with parts identified by manufacturer (i.e. identify column part number and manufacturer if you spec such item). The design needs to be practical, buildable (not require a jedi carpenter guru to implement), and keeps in line with the "look and feel" of the rest of the house (pictures shown). Simplicity is king here, but nice detailed touches can be a plus. Carved gargoles is not for me. Note: A 5 1/4" crown will come across the top front of the fireplace mantle. See the photo and you will see what I mean. Material cost should be below $1000. You are free to post your design entries here, but only entries sent to email address below are official submittals.
Deadline: Last entry accepted is February 15.
Prize: A 4Gb Ipod Nano by Apple in your choice of color (hot pink now available for those guys patiently waiting for this). Color choices here. http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?nnmm=browse&mco=A290FA3A&node=home/shop_ipod/family/ipod_nano. If there's a tie, we divide the Ipod Nano value by like entries and find and new prize that match that new dollar value.
Submit to: [email protected]
Who can submit: Anyone who seriously believes he/she can present a winning design. Bring one. Bring all. Submit multiple designs.
Note 1: If there isn't a design to my fitting, I reserve the right to not use any of the designs at all. In which case, I will ask my wife what she wants :-)
Note 2: Attached are the pictures panning across the room showing the surrounds of the fireplace. The trims are not painted yet. Note the crown moulding on the lower ceiling - it will continue across the front of the fireplace.
My decisions are final. No appeals, lawsuits, adjudications, arbitrations, or whining. Feel free to ask me any questions you have on the email address above.
Thanks.
Well, I don't have the program, the ability, or the inclination to draw the thing up (nor do I need an Ipod), but I pretty much agree with the poster who said you should basically use the same columns and plinth and arch detail that was used in the doorway (with or without keystone). I would use it to frame the entire fireplace wall.
I would be inclined to use partial columns (pilasters) to form the return rather than letting them die (faces meeting the adjoinging walls) into the adjoining walls (at the 45's). In other words, the columns' faces would stand proud of both the fireplace wall and the adjacent walls, the sides of the columns running back about 2" (this will create a strong shadow line at the adjacent walls (and make a hard to paint area!) running floor to ceiling). I would run these fluted columns almost to the ceiling and use the same detail there as in the doorway I mentioned, setting a miniature version of the arch/plinth on them and having a similar base (dimensions would be proportional to those used in the doorway--except it'll have to be made narrower too, since your fireplace wall isn't as wide as the doorway. ). Basically, you will be taking your existing doorway on the wall adjacent to the fireplace and shrinking it to fit the fireplace wall.
I would frame the actual fireplace opening with the detail in the other doorway, which I assume is directly across the room from the fireplace, namely, narrower fluted columns (again, made as if they were cut in half, so it looks as though you are using a face "slab" cut off from one of those columns and this time no arch and setting your mantle shelf with its crown molding on top of that.
Since nothing else in the house appears to be stained wood, (all the wood elements are painted), I would question the idea of stained wood or paneling here. I would paint it all the same color as is used elsewhere in the room.
Danno, the Anderson windows and doors are wood, and trimmed in stain grade. Directly across from the fireplace (in opposite corner) is another "triangle" corner just like the fireplace that will house the TV, etc... (see the picture where all the wires come out off the wall.) That corner, and the fireplace, will be very similar in design and use the same material (preferrably cherry as cabinets are cherry) as they are all in the family room.
I was thinking of using two 6" or 8" PVC pipes and wrap them in cherry veneers from floor to shelf above fireplace (instead of ceiling as you suggested). These columns would be placed on left and right of the fireplace. The shelf would be wide enought (stand out from the wall) to receive the columns from below .
For the overmantel, I like your idea of creating a soft arch in that space to match the curvature of the larger curved entry to the right of fireplace. Details of how to do this tastefully is what I'm still struggling with. Is there a place that sells the plinth/capital separately to accomodate home made columns? I have this image of what I want to do, but the details of where to buy, how does this butt in to that, etc... is still fuzzy to me.
Who did the work in the openings I was using as models--the one with the keyed arch and the fluted columns and the other one with lintel and smaller fluted columns? If it wasn't you, can't you jsut hire him and tell him you want something similar?
There are fluted "wraps" for like lally posts in basements--I've seen them at Lowes. Tjose could be stained to look like cherry, or you may be able to special orsder in cherry.
As far as for overmantle arch, use MDO (plywood with paper overlay) and cut the arch and paint, or use plywood or mdf and cover with drywall and paint it, or use some veneered plywood if you insist on staining wood. Can't you make a pattern from the existing arch? Also, if you insist on wood for the surrouns, jsut use as thin plywood as you can get in birch or similar (cherry if you can find it) and dye and stain it the way you want in order to match your cabinets and so on. Who made your cabinets--maybe they could do this.
Hope this makes sense, it is early/late.
The guy that did the arch could probably do the fireplace too. But they are too rough on the house, making a lot of damages on ceilings, walls, etc... They don't show up to finish the job on time, rather, they stretch out and squeeze between jobs,... Very annoying. So for this, I have opted to do this myself and control the quality and timing. Custom cabinets are extremely expensive ($60K) for I can only afford to do the kitchen area. Others, I order and install myself, or make my own as in the fireplace here. Veneering is one option. I just want to get the design completed, the actual work will be easy once all the layouts are understood.
Well, I guess in that case you could make templates from what exists and then use proportional dividers or a formula or grids or just your eye to adjust them to fit the fireplace and go from there. I don't know of any ready-made surrounds or mantles with columns--maybe VanDykes has some? Their web site is: http://www.vandykes.com. There is also http://www.antiquehardware.com, but I think both of those are more knobs and pulls and stuff like that more than fireplaces surrounds.
Here is one I did that is a bit contemporary. Added the lower shelf for some additional interest. You might also consider adding some nice custom tile instead of granite on the suround.
Daryl, your cherry fireplace looks nice. But I'm looking for something that brings in my surrounding look and feel into the fireplace. In fact, the kitchen is all cherry, so the specie is good. Sorry but I'm unable to express exactly what I am looking for in the design idea. I just want it to flow well with the rest of the room, uses stain grade, ties upper and lower together, leaves room for granit surrounds the glass, makes use of the "wedge" shelf, etc... Your fireplace is the closest to what I want from all those who replied with considerations noted above. Would you consider modifying your design and submitting it at a chance for an Ipod nano? Please see my post and new photos on the room. thx.
Streamline
I've been reading this thread but not responding. Without any idea of what you had going on in the rest of the house it was hard to guess what you and your wife would like, now that you posted some pics of the place it seams sensible to me to incorporate the trim design that you have going into that fireplace. I've built a hundred fireplace mantles but for the most part I needed something to go on!
If it were my house I'd incorporate the double column design that I see in that door opening, using a plinth with the same design as the one that you have your columns sitting on. Of course all this has to be designed to fit the area, might not just be able to use the same trim as you are using on the rest of the room, proportion is everything.
I'd also make my mantle shelf with the same style/profile crown that you have on that opening. I'd opt for an elliptical design over the marble/granite to tie in with the door opening. Don't know for sure if I'd use the keyway or not, your option!
I have to give some more thought to the overmantle area?
I like my fireplace mantles to tie in with the rest of the place, but that's me.
Doug
Edited 2/3/2008 11:45 am ET by DougU
I'm sure it's probably too late to reframe, but I think that corner fireplaces need a return back to the wall similar to the picture a few posts earlier. It only needs a couple of inches. That will greatly expand your design options. A traditional wood enclosure looks weird to me if it dies into a 45* corner. John
Here is one that I did that dies short of the corner. I don't think on the original posters wall there is as much room as this one but it can be done.
View Image
Doug
Edited 2/3/2008 11:24 pm ET by DougU
Doug, your design of this corner fireplace is kinda what I'm looking for, but it appears to be more colonial than I wanted. I wouldn't mind incorporating columns on both sides of the fireplace and come under the shelf above. Perhaps cherry with walnut trim accents can make this more appealing for the space. Any thoughts on how the upper should be incorporated also?
appears to be more colonial than I wanted.
That fireplace that I posted the pic of was probably more country Victorian then anything.
Perhaps cherry with walnut trim accents can make this more appealing for the space.
I'd rethink the cherry/walnut mix, no contrast between the two woods. I have a cherry/walnut bathroom floor and its hard to tell the difference between the two woods half the time.
Any thoughts on how the upper should be incorporated also?
I'm working on that! Latter
Doug
I'm sure it's probably too late to reframe...
That's what I was thinking.
Seems a shame to stick a fireplace in a corner like that.....especially looking at the rest of the house. (At least that in the pictures.)
Oughtta be a focal point....looks like an afterthought.
J. D. ReynoldsHome Improvements
Here's ours. I'm not in love with the "picture frame" around the granite, but in lieu of a better idea it's worked for the last couple of years. If I ever have a flash of brilliance I can always pop it off & replace it. Anyway, your house sounds similar to our remodeled space...
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Edited 2/2/2008 12:07 am by wrudiger
stream - If you want a WOW factor the last thing you want to do is mix materials. This isn't a large unit and once you start mixing granite surround and wood you have lost it.
go for a really fab and expensive tile all the way to the wall on both sides, and up to the shelf.
check these metal tiles:
http://www.annsacks.com/onlinecatalog/program.jsp?cat=268004&coll=268404&prg=275804
If that's too mod for your house, check out the leather and wood tiles.
what ever you use, be sure to keep it the same and all the way to the wall.
On top: a simple shelf - you can echo the granite that you put on the floor - then one VERY large great art piece of some kind that takes up 2/3 the hight and at least 1/2 the width of the top opening. behind it just use your regular wall finish. put a spot on it.
wish I could come and help you shop, I love decorating. Especially with someone else's money<G>.
Tigger
FWIW, Here's mine...
View ImageView Image
Edited 2/5/2008 8:54 pm ET by RalphWicklund
Edited 2/5/2008 8:55 pm ET by RalphWicklund
Ralph, this is the first place that Wow'd me. I'm not sure what I like about the fireplace, but I like it. I think it's the warm wood color, or the substantial pieces of wood itself, or the details you put into it. Now the challenge is to take this and put into the look and feel of what I already have in the other rooms. Very nicely done. What wood is that. I like the stain!!
Thank you.
The wood is all mahogany with oil based red mahogany stain and several coats of satin oil poly.
Nice stuff Ralph.
Have you posted those before?....looks familiar.
J. D. ReynoldsHome Improvements
Yes he has
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This took me 29 hours and $400 in materials
Tigger, I wish I had someone hold my hands and walk me through this decorating stage of the house. Structurally, technically, the house is done. Decorating wise, I am struggling. I know what I like when I see it, but can't really describe what I want. Ain't it sad? Not surprisingly, I am an engineer.
Anyway, the single material you described is probably too modern for us or the house. I would like to continue what we already have in place. The material you showed are awsome, but more of a bathroom or kitchen setting as I see it.
I'd say thinstone would look good on that with a varnished loggy type thing on the top
Here's a little something I did last year for a customer. Basement reno with cheap basic gas fire place. Faced it with a an old marble mantel found at a garage sale for 100.00. I'm thinking you could probably find similar items at auctions, flea markets, antique shops etc.
Dave
My 2 cents(which may be all it's worth):
It looks like the fire place face is iron and with your black granite down in front it might be worthwhile to look into some sort of ornamental iron work to finish it up. Personally I have never worked with the stuff myself, but a friend recently purchased an ornamental iron buisness and I was more than impressed with some of the stuff he was turning out.