Congregating around the fireplace is a time-honored activity that has become as natural as the fire held within it. When one thinks of fireplaces, often images of red brick or grey stone are evoked. However, there are wondrous contemporary fireplaces that bring that traditional ambiance into a modern setting.
In fact there is almost nothing more eye-catching than the juxtaposition of the pre-historic element of fire with the prominent features of modern architecture. As the fireplace acts as a focal point of the room that contains it, so to a well-designed contemporary fireplace can dramatically underscore the pull and draw of the fire itself.
Veering away from the traditional design allows you the freedom to let your creative juices flow. By strategically mixing color and material you can create a masterpiece that will add an art-gallery element to your center of entertainment.
Depending on the scale of your vision, you may want to consider hiring a contractor. On the other hand, if you want to take on the project yourself, there are some easy-to-install do-it-yourself alternatives. As always, you should make the journey of design and planning an enjoyable one.
Regardless of which route you take, an initial step should be a perusal of existing design books of contemporary fireplaces. This will help whet your fireplace appetite and inspire your own creative ideas. As there are an abundance of architectural and design magazines and books, you should have little trouble finding ideas that will work with existing design elements of your own home.
An advantage of the contemporary fireplaces is that the fire area you choose can be almost anywhere. Some of the modern ventless fireplaces are made to be quite compact and can simply be mounted against the wall as wood a picture frame. Others can be slightly recessed into the wall, requiring only minimal drywall cutting prior to installation. Still others can be hung flush against the wall, but give the appearance of being reset into the wall. There are a multitude of choices including predominantly metal and glass center console style or a table-top fire platform rock-bed unit.
Contemporary Fireplace
