Manhattan’s Wood-Burning Fireplaces​

The "Fires & Fireplaces" section offers a diverse selection of heating solutions designed to enhance both the warmth and aesthetic appeal of any home. The range includes various suites, surrounds, electric media wall-hung units, inset fires, and stoves, available in both contemporary and classic designs. These products are often equipped with realistic log or pebble effect fuel beds, providing an authentic fireplace experience. Customers can explore a comprehensive array of fireplace options, including gas fires and stoves, which provide efficient heating with the convenience of gas. Electric fire suites offer a complete, integrated solution, often incorporating a mantel and hearth for a cohesive look. For those seeking simpler installation and flexibility, electric fires are available in various styles, including wall-mounted and inset options. The selection also extends to traditional heating elements, such as firewood and firelighters, catering to users who prefer wood-burning fires. Additionally, for outdoor spaces, patio heaters and chimineas are offered to extend the usability of gardens and patios into cooler weather, ensuring a warm and inviting atmosphere. Beyond functional heating units, the range encompasses fireplace surrounds, which serve as decorative frameworks to complement and enhance the visual impact of the fire. To complete the fireplace setup, a variety of fireplace accessories are also available, ensuring both safety and aesthetic coordination. The article emphasizes that a fireplace is more than just a heat source; it acts as a focal point, creating a cozy and inviting ambiance whether indoors or outdoors. The article also addresses frequently asked questions regarding fireplace usage and decor. One common query pertains to placing a television above a fireplace. The guidance provided suggests that it is feasible, but crucial precautions must be taken, such as verifying the heat output of the fireplace and using a heat-resistant mantle or a specially designed TV bracket to protect electronic devices from excessive heat. Another question focuses on how to dress or decorate a fireplace. Recommendations include incorporating decorative elements like mantle clocks, candles, vases, or seasonal ornaments. To achieve a cozy aesthetic, suggestions involve placing a basket of firewood nearby or adding a stylish fire screen. For those unfamiliar with starting a traditional fire, the article provides a step-by-step guide: ensuring the flue is open, placing scrunched-up newspaper or firelighters at the base, adding kindling, lighting it, and then carefully adding larger logs once the kindling is burning well to maintain the fire. The article also suggests pairing fireplaces with other heating solutions, such as portable heaters or radiators, to achieve comprehensive comfort throughout the home. #Fires #Fireplaces #HomeHeating #InteriorDesign #HeatingSolutions #GasFires #ElectricFires #FireplaceDecor #HomeComfort

Boston-area establishments offer cozy fireplaces to combat the winter chill, providing inviting atmospheres for dining and drinks. The article highlights 16 restaurants and bars in Boston, Cambridge, Charlestown, Dorchester, and Quincy, detailing their unique ambiance and special features. These venues range from historic taverns to modern hotel bars, each offering a distinct experience centered around the warmth of a fireplace. In Boston, the 21st Amendment, located in Beacon Hill, provides a classic neighborhood feel with its old-fashioned fireplace, a relic from its past as the Bellevue Hotel. Avery Bar, within the Ritz Carlton Hotel, showcases a modern 1950s design with a raised fireplace, offering an intimate setting. Bistro du Midi, celebrated by Boston Magazine, features a rustic brownstone fireplace amidst wood-beamed ceilings and an open kitchen. The Bristol Lounge Boston, known as "Boston's living room" within the Four Seasons Hotel, uses its fireplace as a central design element, popular for its signature Bristol Burger. Clery's, an Irish bar in the South End, offers a rustic sporting lodge ambiance with its large fireplace and unique décor, including a mounted deer head. Grill 23 provides two fireplace options: one in the lounge and another in a private dining room, perfect for enjoying desserts like caramel profiteroles or coconut cake. RumBa, inside the InterContinental Boston, features a clear glass fireplace complemented by warm red furnishings and cocktail tables made from repurposed Louis Vuitton trunks. The Fireplace in Brookline lives up to its name, offering a large, roaring fireplace and comforting dishes such as acorn squash porridge or braised beef shortribs. Cambridge establishments also embrace the fireplace theme. Bondir, a 28-seat venue, offers an intimate dining experience with a rustic brick fireplace, where guests dine with mismatched vintage glassware. Christopher's Restaurant & Bar, a Porter Square institution, features exposed brick walls and a roaring fireplace, renowned for its "Best Burger in Massachusetts." Harvest, tucked away in Harvard Square, provides a quiet retreat with an open kitchen, spacious bar, and a hand-built rock fireplace in one of its private dining rooms, where signature cocktails like the Lodge Punch are recommended. The Red House, a building originally from 1802, offers a small, cozy fireplace in its front dining room, maintaining a homely feel. Further afield, Warren Tavern in Charlestown, claiming to be Massachusetts' oldest tavern, transports visitors to revolutionary times with vaulted beamed ceilings and a large fireplace, once frequented by historical figures like Paul Revere and George Washington. The Blarney Stone in Dorchester, an institution and the first bar in the country to sell draught Guinness, features exposed brick, a mahogany bar, and a crackling fireplace. Finally, Fox & Hound in Quincy boasts a floor-to-ceiling fieldstone fireplace in its tavern. This fireplace was meticulously reconstructed after a fire in 1996, with its numbered stones allowing for its original design to be preserved, showcasing a blend of old and new stones. #BostonRestaurants #CambridgeRestaurants #CozyAtmosphere #FireplaceDining #WinterWarmth #RestaurantInteriors #BarAmbiance #NewEnglandDining #HistoricVenues

This article highlights the importance of fireplaces as both a source of warmth and a focal point for living spaces, especially during colder weather. It recognizes that many older homes feature outdated brick-front fireplaces and offers various tips to update them to reflect a home's overall style. The article draws inspiration from the AJC's "Private Quarters" series, which regularly showcases beautifully designed Atlanta homes. For those on a budget, adding an eye-catching mantel is suggested as an inexpensive yet impactful update. Mantels provide a surface for decorative accessories like china or vintage mirrors, allowing homeowners to personalize the space. Another recommendation is to incorporate a chic fireplace screen, which can significantly enhance the visual appeal of the fireplace, even as a small addition. Painting a brick fireplace a contrasting color is presented as a quick and effective way to modernize its appearance. The article further elaborates on this idea by suggesting surrounding an existing brick fireplace with tile or wood, offering options such as bold patterned tiles or reclaimed wood for a cost-effective yet stylish transformation. Hanging an intriguing piece of artwork above the fireplace is also mentioned as a way to draw more attention to the feature. For homes with contemporary or modern aesthetics, the article suggests updating the fireplace with a concrete or slate surround. Alternatively, for rustic or farmhouse-style homes, revamping the fireplace with ledger or stacked stone is recommended to add warmth and visual interest through texture. Marble or mirrored tiles are highlighted as classic choices that create a dramatic display, adding texture, interest, and height, especially when paired with coordinating elements like mirrored coffee tables and metal accents. Beyond structural changes, the article provides other creative ideas for updating a fireplace, including displaying collectibles, distressing the wood around the fireplace, and adding shrubbery. These suggestions aim to easily refresh the look and feel of the hearth, emphasizing that the fireplace should ultimately reflect the homeowner's personal style and complement the overall flow of the living space. The goal is to transform the fireplace into a harmonious and inviting element within the home's design. #MetroAtlanta #FireplaceDesign #HomeRenovation #InteriorDecor #HomeStyling #DesignTips #BudgetFriendlyDecor #LivingSpace #HomeImprovement

This article showcases 15 distinctive fireplaces found in various Brooklyn homes, highlighting the diverse architectural styles and interior design approaches across the borough. The collection illustrates how fireplaces, often original features of older homes, are integrated into both traditional and contemporary living spaces, serving as central design elements. The featured fireplaces include a pale stone mantel in an 1890s Park Slope home, accented with mixed metallics and jewel tones by Fig Design. Another example from a Park Slope brownstone displays a carved wooden mantel adorned with green Minton-style tiles featuring creatures and foliage. A Neo-Grec carved stone mantel from an 1875 Second Empire brick home in Carroll Gardens is presented with contrasting modern furniture and chinoiserie. From Bed Stuy, a cozy living room reveals a Renaissance Revival-style carved wooden fireplace with mottled baby chick yellow glaze tiles. Another Bed Stuy parlor features a colorful slate mantel complemented by plants and travel souvenirs, creating a cheerful focal point. A typical Italianate carved marble mantel with an arched firebox is shown in a former workingman’s cottage in Warren Place Mews, Cobble Hill, a home renovated by Elizabeth Roberts and Josh Lekwa of Ensemble Architecture. A bold Neo-Grec mantel in a Park Slope house is contrasted with modern furnishings, a colorful rug, and an unexpected trapeze. In a Prospect Heights brownstone, a painted navy blue mantel and a purple couch contribute to a bohemian aesthetic, with the fireplace surround made of onyx. A circa-1900 neo-Classical fireplace in a Bedford Stuyvesant home features a swag and checkerboard tile, restored by its owner. Another strong-shouldered Neo-Grec mantel in a Park Slope home effectively unifies modern furnishings and figurative artwork. Further examples include a Bed Stuy brownstone designed by Amzi Hill, showcasing bas-relief Minton-style tiles with a drippy glaze, creating a colorful hearth. A Brooklyn Heights home, designed by CWB Architects, presents a modern fireplace making a strong contemporary statement. A dining room in Cobble Hill, also designed by Ensemble Architecture, features a fireplace and grill. Finally, a well-preserved carved wood and tile fireplace with vibrant colors is highlighted in a Bed Stuy home belonging to entrepreneur Kai Avent-deLeon. #BrooklynFireplaces #HomeDesign #InteriorRenovation #VictorianArchitecture #NeoGrecStyle #ParkSlopeHomes #BedStuyDesign #CobbleHillInteriors #ArchitecturalFeatures

This article compiles ten outdoor seating areas that feature fireplaces and fire pits, offering inspiration for creating warm and inviting exterior spaces. The selected projects showcase a range of designs and geographical locations, highlighting diverse approaches to integrating fire elements into outdoor living. These examples serve as a visual guide within the broader context of home and landscape design, specifically focusing on outdoor amenities. One featured project is the House of the Big Arch in South Africa, designed by Frankie Pappas. This residence, situated within a nature reserve, incorporates an outdoor patio with a circular brick hearth, an oven, and a small pool. Its design prioritizes coexistence with the natural environment, strategically avoiding existing trees. Another example is the Guadalajara House in Mexico by Alejandro Sticotti, which includes a covered outdoor lounge and dining area seamlessly connected to the home's indoor kitchen. This space features a timber-framed sofa and an outdoor chiminea. AutoCamp in California, by Anacapa Architecture, provides a communal open-air clubhouse for a luxury campground. The clubhouse centers around a square, floor-level hearth, reminiscent of a Japanese irori, with a suspended conical steel flue, fostering a social hub for guests. The Butterfly House in San Francisco, a project by landscape architecture studio Surface Design, features planted terraces designed as a serene urban retreat. A raised concrete hearth with an ethanol fire serves as a focal point in the ground-floor courtyard, complemented by benches, ferns, and various plants. The Equinox Hotel in New York, designed by Rockwell Group and Joyce Wang Studio, includes two expansive terraces. One terrace offers seating around a water feature and a decorative ethanol fire, providing a sophisticated outdoor ambiance. The Minimalist Urban Residence in Santa Barbara, California, also by Anacapa Architecture, has an L-shaped layout where the living space and main bedroom open onto a backyard. This area is equipped with an outdoor fireplace embedded in a wall and a seating arrangement around a raised rectangular concrete fire pit. Ravine House by American studio Wheeler Kearns Architects, located on a wooded site near Chicago, incorporates a seating area at the rear of the home. This space is enclosed by a low, curved gabion wall, constructed from onsite rubble, with an integrated fireplace. In South Africa, the Midden Garden Pavilion by Metropolis, part of a house renovation in Cape Town, is an open-sided concrete pavilion. It boasts a square concrete hearth topped with a suspended funnel-shaped flue, surrounded by concrete seating, designed to maximize views of Table Mountain. The Yō no Ie, a single-story prefabricated home by Japanese retail company Muji, features a large wooden deck accessible through full-height doors. This outdoor terrace includes a sunken seating area with a fire pit, promoting an integrated indoor-outdoor living experience. Finally, Casa SS in Chile, by architects Pablo Saric and Cristian Winckler, is a blackened pine house perched above the Pacific Ocean. The main living area extends to an enclosed sandy courtyard at the rear, where deck chairs are arranged around a circular steel fire pit. These projects collectively demonstrate innovative and aesthetically pleasing ways to incorporate fire elements into diverse outdoor settings, enhancing both functionality and visual appeal for homeowners and guests alike. #OutdoorFireplaces #FirePits #OutdoorLiving #HomeDesign #LandscapeArchitecture #ArchitecturalDesign #OutdoorSeating #GardenDesign #ResidentialArchitecture

This article explores a collection of eight unique fireplace designs that serve as striking focal points in various home settings, moving beyond conventional fireplace aesthetics. The designs featured include a frameless fireplace integrated into a minimalist white wall, creating an illusion of a floating fire. Another example showcases a low-to-the-ground fireplace with a dark surround that contrasts sharply with light-colored walls, enhancing the room's depth. A dual-sided fireplace is presented, designed to separate two distinct living areas while allowing both spaces to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of the fire, demonstrating functional artistry. The article also highlights a fireplace with an elegant, carved stone surround that acts as a central piece in a traditionally styled living room, underscoring classic design principles. Further designs include a contemporary fireplace built into a media wall, seamlessly blending modern technology with traditional comfort, making it suitable for integrated entertainment and relaxation. A fireplace surrounded by large format tiles extending from floor to ceiling is also featured, drawing the eye upwards and emphasizing the room's height. Another innovative design includes a corner fireplace, which optimizes space utilization and offers a unique perspective from multiple angles within a room. Lastly, a fireplace with an open hearth, designed without a visible mantel or frame, provides a raw, authentic connection to the fire, appealing to those who appreciate rustic or industrial aesthetics. Each example in the article serves to illustrate how fireplaces can be transformed from mere heating elements into significant architectural and decorative features. The detailed descriptions provide insight into the materials, placement, and overall impact of these designs on the surrounding interior spaces. The article suggests that by considering unconventional shapes, materials, and installations, homeowners can elevate the aesthetic appeal and functionality of their living areas. These fireplaces not only offer warmth but also contribute significantly to the ambiance and design narrative of a home, encouraging readers to think creatively about their own home decor and design choices. The designs aim to inspire readers to consider how a fireplace can be a statement piece rather than just a functional necessity. #FireplaceDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalFeatures #ModernFireplaces #LuxuryHomes #DesignInspiration #LivingRoomIdeas

In colder climates, many homes rely on supplemental heat sources to augment central heating and manage energy costs. Beyond practical heating, the ambiance created by dancing flames is a significant draw, whether from an open fireplace or behind glass. Interior decorators emphasize the sensory appeal of fireplaces, noting how the illumination and gentle smoke contribute to a cozy atmosphere, especially when returning home from a cold walk. Some designers consider a room incomplete without a fireplace or stove, highlighting their role as a focal point. Open fires are celebrated for their unparalleled ambiance, setting a traditional tone throughout a house and serving as an ideal feature for a drawing room. The warmth from a log fire can permeate an entire home, accompanied by a distinct aroma, with connoisseurs often selecting specific wood types like apple, pear, cherry, or olive for their unique burn qualities and scents. A fireplace in full splendor naturally becomes a room's focal point, encouraging convivial gatherings. Despite their aesthetic appeal, open fires are notoriously inefficient for heating. Their uncontrolled airflow draws warm air from the entire house up the chimney, with estimates suggesting that as much as 70% of the heat generated is lost this way. This inefficiency also impacts the heat produced by central heating systems, effectively acting like an open window. To mitigate this, homeowners can install a damper—a seal across the chimney opened by a lever—or a chimney balloon, which inflates to block the flue. Wood-burning stoves offer several advantages, including flexible placement, as they can fit into a corner or an existing fireplace. They are considered safer for young children due to the enclosed combustion, offer a more contemporary look, and generate less mess. Stoves are a more flexible, consistent, and efficient heat source compared to open fires, making them suitable for urban areas. They provide constant radiant heat with an efficiency of around 80%, allowing for regulation of heat output and fuel burn rate. Since the wood is enclosed within a cast-iron casing, and assuming annual flue checks and cleaning, stoves require less supervision. Their design, which doesn't necessitate a surround, makes them a less formal focal point, often preferred in kitchen/breakfast rooms or family rooms. Environmentally, while stoves still emit CO2, managing trees for fuel is often considered a more carbon-neutral approach than using gas. Stoves can also be integrated into historic fireplaces, addressing performance issues without requiring structural alterations, ideally without removing period grates. Ultimately, the choice between an open fire and a wood-burning stove often comes down to a balance between aesthetic preference and practical considerations. While an open fire offers unbeatable visual appeal, wood-burning stoves surpass them in efficiency, convenience, versatility, and safety. Stoves provide constant radiant heat and avoid the issue of warm air being drawn up the chimney. Many experts, including those who sell both options, opt for a wood-burner in their own homes due to the significant heat output, acknowledging that it offers a different, yet still enjoyable, flame experience. #WoodBurningStoves #OpenFires #HomeHeating #InteriorDesign #EnergyEfficiency #FireplaceAmbiance #HomeComfort #TraditionalVsModern

A well-designed fireplace can significantly enhance the aesthetic and atmosphere of a room and, by extension, an entire house. This article explores various options for rejuvenating a fireplace, ranging in price from £1,250 to £22,000, and highlights some of the most exquisite selections available in Britain. Even existing fireplaces can be upgraded with new grates, surrounds, or club fenders to elevate their appeal. Jamb, known for its collection of antique and reproduction fireplaces, offers handcrafted accessories, including a moulded and polished steel Wentworth register grate priced at £3,840. Chesneys presents The Milo fireplace, characterized by its refined bolection moulding and construction in Grigio Gold marble, available for £9,250. Haddonstone provides a Louis XV-style cast-stone chimneypiece with a shaped apron and shell decoration, which includes kerbs and a hearth, for £1,895. For those seeking bespoke options, Acres Farm has been crafting custom fenders in its Berkshire workshops for over 40 years. An example is The Square Dip-style club fender in polished solid brass, designed by Guy Goodfellow Interiors, starting from £3,500. Susie Watson Designs offers the Kilim fender at £1,250, which introduces vibrant color and doubles as ad hoc seating. For unique and authentically antique pieces, Westland London features a grand 17th-century Italian bolection design fireplace carved from Rosso Verona marble, priced at £22,200. The article also touches upon the ongoing discussion between open fires and wood-burning stoves, noting that while open fires are visually appealing, wood-burning stoves, especially those with modern clean-burn technology, offer greater heat efficiency. Related articles delve into the pros and cons of open fires versus wood-burning stoves, highlighting how modern technology has led to a new era of log-burning stoves that provide more heat with less fuel, often incorporating features like app-based controls. Further insights are provided on fine fireplace surrounds and accessories that add warmth to a home, and advice on choosing the perfect fireplace, emphasizing its central role in defining a room's character. The consensus is that selecting the right fireplace is crucial, as it sets the tone for the rest of the interior design. #FireplaceDesign #HomeInteriors #LuxuryFireplaces #AntiqueFireplaces #HomeDecor #InteriorDesignTrends #WoodBurningStoves

With winter approaching in the northern hemisphere, this lookbook showcases ten distinctive fireplaces that enhance both the visual appeal and warmth of their surrounding spaces. These examples provide visual inspiration for home interiors. The collection features a variety of designs, including a fireplace that integrates with a staircase, one inspired by a Venetian tomb, and another evoking a campfire within a cave-like setting. This article is part of an ongoing series offering visual inspiration for home design, with previous entries covering domestic gyms, cross-laminated timber interiors, exposed brickwork, and bohemian-style hotels. Among the highlighted fireplaces is one in The Author's House in Denmark by Sleth, a copper-clad writer's cabin. This fireplace, with its deep blue chimney breast, stands in stark contrast to the natural material palette of the cabin, making it a central visual element. In Chile, GAAA's Casa Malalcahuello, a red-roofed gabled structure on a mountainous slope, features a large conical-shaped chimney partly clad in stone. Seating is arranged around this fireplace to create a cozy atmosphere. UUfie's Lake Cottage in Canada, an extension to a woodland home, incorporates a fireplace on the living room's rear wall, framed by a cut-out mirroring the pitched roof. The space between the fireplace and the cedar wall is filled with chopped wood. Adjo Studio's Penthouse BV in Belgium features a mid-century modern-style fireplace clad in cherry wood veneer, matching the apartment's walls and dividing the living room from the library. In Berlin, Philipp von Matt's O12 artist's residence includes a triangular fireplace with a circular hearth, drawing inspiration from classical architecture, specifically the Pyramid of Cestius in Rome and Antonio Canova's tomb in Venice. DKA Architects and Kl.tz Design's Ski Lodge in Val Saint-Côme, Canada, presents a black concrete fireplace as a focal point, with a cut-out for storing chopped wood. John Wardle's Fairhaven Beach House in Australia, an angular three-story residence, features a large industrial-style wood-burning fireplace that warms the home and imparts a rustic feel. Atelier Oslo's Timber Cabin in Norway incorporates a black fluted fireplace on a raised platform, surrounded by curving basalt walls, designed to mimic a campfire with glass encasing the firebox. Gus Wüstemann's Pavilion House in Switzerland utilizes concrete and timber, with a built-in concrete fireplace extending to form a window seat. Lastly, Liddicoat & Goldhill's Ancient Party Barn in the UK, a conversion of an 18th-century structure, features a tapering brick chimney housing both a fireplace and a steel spiral staircase, with the fireplace opening onto a seating area and the staircase winding up to a mezzanine bedroom. #FireplaceDesign #HomeInteriors #InteriorDesignInspiration #ArchitecturalFeatures #ResidentialArchitecture #ModernFireplaces #InteriorDecor

This article explores ten romantic destinations across the United States, each featuring unique and inviting fireplaces, perfect for cozying up during colder months. From Vermont's serene landscapes to California's wine country, these resorts and inns offer a variety of experiences centered around the warmth and ambiance of a fire. Twin Farms in Barnard, Vermont, a five-star resort spread across 300 acres, provides 20 distinct accommodations, each with at least one wood-burning fireplace, meticulously maintained by staff. The property also features The Barn Room and The Dining Room, both with blazing fires, and a Japanese-style soaking tub for ultimate relaxation. Rancho Valencia in Rancho Santa Fe, California, boasts over 70 fireplaces, both indoors and outdoors. Its signature restaurant, The Pony Room, offers outdoor fire pits with views of lush canyons and mountains, while each casita provides an indoor fireplace, many with additional outdoor fireplaces on private patios. Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands, North Carolina, a European-style resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains, includes newly built Falls Cottages surrounding an outdoor amenity terrace with a double-sided fireplace. Its 'Romantic Mountain Escape' package offers amenities such as a butler service, luxurious linens, and a rooftop terrace with a fireplace. In Vail, Colorado, The Lodge at Vail, a historic property renovated in 2014, features an alpine chalet charm. Its newly renovated Cucina restaurant has a renowned outdoor fire pit, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, making it an ideal spot for après-ski. L'Auberge de Sedona in Sedona, Arizona, nestled by Oak Creek, provides guest rooms with wood-burning fireplaces. During colder months, guests can enjoy an in-room 'Fireside Menu' with specialty drinks and snacks, and a 'Fireside Concierge' to build and maintain the fire. The Vendue in Charleston, South Carolina, known as Charleston’s Art Hotel, is housed in repurposed 18th-century warehouses. Its guest rooms, retaining original charm with exposed brick and high ceilings, feature working fireplaces converted to gas logs. Some rooms offer a double-sided fireplace, accessible from both the bedroom and bathroom. Hotel Jerome in Aspen, Colorado, a 125-year-old landmark, underwent renovation in 2011, enhancing its 93 guest rooms and public spaces. The main level boasts numerous extraordinary fireplaces, adorned with salvaged furniture and art from its opening in the late 1800s. Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with 56 casitas and nine suites, features indoor wood-burning fireplaces and private patios with mountain views. A complimentary fireplace butler service, offering wood logs and hot chocolate, enhances the experience. The resort's terrace also includes a fire pit with views of the New Mexico landscape. Calistoga Ranch in Napa, California, a 157-acre eco-resort, offers Estate Lodges with outdoor living rooms and fireplaces, designed to blend with the natural topography. Each lodge also has indoor fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling windows. Finally, The Ritz Carlton Reynolds Plantation on Lake Oconee, Georgia, provides 251 refurbished rooms, with cottages and The Lake House offering private fireplaces in their living rooms. Guests can enjoy drinks by the lobby fireplace or complimentary s'mores outdoors. The resort also offers a 'Fire and Ice Couples Massage' for a complete romantic experience. These destinations highlight the role of fireplaces in creating a warm, cozy, and romantic atmosphere for guests. #RomanticGetaways #FireplaceDestinations #LuxuryTravel #WinterTravel #CozyEscapes #ResortAmenities #HotelFireplaces #USATravel #TravelInspiration

This blog post explores twenty historical sites located in Washington Heights and Inwood, the northernmost neighborhoods of Manhattan, New York City. The areas are characterized by their rugged terrain, which allowed for the preservation of historical elements spanning nearly 400 years of New York City's past, often found along secluded waterfronts or high on shaded hills. The article begins by highlighting four specific landmarks in Upper Manhattan that have survived significant alterations to their surroundings. These include a picturesque cemetery, Trinity Church Cemetery, which was split in two by Broadway in 1871 and serves as the final resting place for notable figures like John James Audubon and former Mayor Ed Koch. Another landmark is an aging farmhouse, the Dyckman Farmhouse, which is linked to New York’s only surviving natural forest and holds a Revolutionary War secret in its backyard, an excavated Hessian barracks. The High Bridge, a Roman-inspired waterway completed in 1848 as part of the Croton Aqueduct system, is discussed as a vital link that supplied water to the city. Finally, the charming Little Red Lighthouse, originally the North Beacon at Sandy Hook, is featured, which was eventually overshadowed by the George Washington Bridge but saved from demolition due to its fame from a popular children's book. Following the introduction of these four sites, the blog post provides a detailed list of twenty remarkable places of historic and cultural interest in Washington Heights and Inwood. Each entry includes a brief description and historical context. Key locations include Audubon Terrace, a pocket of Beaux-Arts palaces developed by Archer Milton Huntington, housing institutions like the Hispanic Society of America; the Polo Grounds Staircase, a vestige of the legendary Polo Grounds stadium; and 555 Edgecombe Avenue, an apartment tower known for its famous African-American residents such as Joe Louis and Paul Robeson. The Morris-Jumel Mansion, built in 1765, is presented as New York’s oldest surviving house, with tales of Eliza Jumel and a resident ghost. Sylvan Terrace is described as a unique street with wooden houses constructed in 1882 for working-class families. Other notable sites include the Audubon Ballroom, a former movie palace where Malcolm X was assassinated, now housing the Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center; Mitchel Square Park, named after Mayor John Purroy Mitchel and featuring a war memorial by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney; and the Fort Washington Avenue Armory, a 1911 military structure now a significant track and field venue. Coogan's, a long-standing neighborhood pub, is noted for its community importance and a rescue effort by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The United Palace, another Thomas Lamb movie palace, is highlighted for its luxurious past, later religious conversion, and current use as an event venue, with the nearby El Malecón restaurant also mentioned. Moving further north, the article covers Bennett Park, the highest point on Manhattan Island and the site of Fort Washington during the Revolutionary War; St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Shrine, housing the remains of Mother Frances Cabrini; Fort Tryon Park, a public park with views of the Hudson River and the Palisades, named after a British governor; and The Met Cloisters, an offshoot of the Metropolitan Museum of Art specializing in medieval European treasures, largely assembled by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Isham Park is noted for its Revolutionary roots and connection to William Bradley Isham, while Inwood Hill Park is celebrated as an under-appreciated natural treasure, home to Shorakkopoch Rock, marking the legendary site of Peter Minuit's purchase of Manhattan Island. The article concludes by encouraging readers to explore these sites, providing a Google Map for navigation, and referencing additional resources for further reading and listening, including the MyInwood blog and the Bowery Boys' own book, "Adventures In Old New York." #NewYorkCityHistory #UpperManhattan #WashingtonHeights #Inwood #HistoricSites #NYClandmarks #ArchitecturalHistory #RevolutionaryWar #CulturalHeritage

This article showcases a collection of historic brownstones in New York City, primarily located in the West Village and Brooklyn, which are currently on the market. These properties range from classic 19th-century townhouses to modern eco-friendly homes, each offering unique architectural styles, luxurious amenities, and captivating interior designs. The article highlights several distinct brownstones, detailing their features, prices, and locations. The first property presented is a renovated brownstone on the Upper West Side, priced at $23 million (£17.8m). This 25-foot wide, six-bedroom residence spans six floors, featuring two entrances and an elevator. Its main living area boasts 13-foot-high ceilings, ornate plaster moldings, a marble fireplace, Venetian-glazed walls, and original wooden shutters. The modern kitchen is equipped with two sinks, three ovens, a wine fridge, a center island, and oversized French doors leading to a 50-person patio. Additional features include a fully equipped gym, a 2,000-bottle wine cellar, and a butler's pantry. Next, an eco brownstone in the Upper West Side is featured, valued at $13.5 million (£10.5m). This property has been renovated to achieve passive house status, incorporating triple-glazed windows and a sophisticated ventilation system. Its interior is characterized by dark wood, white walls, and minimalist furnishings, with an 11-foot-high ceiling in the living room, an ethanol-burning fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a garden. The kitchen, located on the entry level, includes high-end appliances, a Caesarstone center island, and ample storage. The entire third floor is dedicated to the master suite, which comprises a luxurious marble bathroom with a standalone bathtub, dark wood units, a reading nook, a private balcony, and two walk-in wardrobes. Another property is a restored brownstone built in 1887, also priced at $13.5 million (£10.5m), featuring seven bedrooms, five bathrooms, and seven fireplaces. The interior is tastefully decorated with wooden floors and a neutral color scheme, highlighted by a formal living room with floor-to-ceiling windows and a stone fireplace. The master bedroom, situated on the second level, includes an en-suite bathing room with a large fireplace, stained-glass windows, and a centrally placed tub. A games room with a modern pool table and a fireplace with yellow brickwork is also part of this residence. A Queen Anne brownstone, available for $8.8 million (£6.8m), has been restored to combine original features like arched doorways and soaring ceilings with a vibrant, modern interior. The dining and living area connects to the garden via three floor-to-ceiling French doors. A unique living area with 30-foot-high ceilings houses a library wall with a ladder and is adorned with colorful furnishings and abstract art. The master bedroom on this property has a peaked ceiling, a skylight, built-in wardrobes, and a bathroom with heated granite floors and a steam shower. An Upper East Side townhouse, priced at $5.4 million (£4.2m), offers a six-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bathroom layout with pre-war style and modern amenities such as built-in security and air conditioning. Its living area features parquet flooring, a carved fireplace, and sliding doors leading to a garden. The house includes two kitchens, with the ground-floor kitchen showcasing green marble worktops and country-style units. The master suite is equipped with a jacuzzi bath and steam shower. A five-story brownstone in Hamilton Heights, at $3.9 million (£3m), boasts 4,500 square feet, five bedrooms, and five bathrooms. Its parlor level has two large entertaining rooms, one in vivid yellow and another a piano room with an en-suite. The master bedroom on the second floor has a jet shower, walk-in wardrobe, built-in office, and two oak fireplaces. The third floor includes two additional bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, one featuring skylights and 'his-and-hers' sinks. Finally, a modern brownstone house in Brooklyn, also at $3.9 million (£3m), has been recently renovated across four floors, including a penthouse and a finished basement, with a 1,000-square-foot garden. The parlor floor hosts a stylish kitchen with a stone-center island and high-end appliances, leading to a sitting area with glass doors opening to a deck and garden. The master suite occupies the entire third floor, featuring a large bedroom, 'his-and-hers' walk-in wardrobes, and a master bathroom with three large windows. The home also includes two separate laundry rooms, air conditioning, and surround speakers. These showcased brownstones illustrate a range of historical elegance, modern luxury, and eco-conscious design, providing inspiration for diverse tastes in home ownership. #NewYorkCity #BrownstoneHomes #LuxuryRealEstate #HistoricHomes #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #EcoFriendlyHomes #PropertyMarket #Architecture

This article discusses the evolving role and design of fireplaces in modern homes, drawing insights from four Martha's Vineyard-based design and construction companies: Jill Neubauer Architects Inc., Breese Architects Inc., Vineyard Hearth, Patio, and Spa, and South Mountain Co. The experts highlight various aspects of fireplace design, from initial considerations to current trends, material choices, and the differences between gas and wood-burning units. Jill Neubauer emphasizes the fireplace's central presence in a room, traditionally acting as the home's anchor. Peter Breese highlights the importance of masonry work on the fireplace surround. Patricia Giumarra notes a trend towards linear, contemporary, and clean designs, moving away from traditional styles. John Abrams from South Mountain Co. points out the growing popularity of fireplaces located outside the conditioned space, such as on screened porches, offering a campfire-like experience. Regarding trends, the experts mention the rise of metal and linear units, as well as modern Scandinavian wood stoves. Gas fireplaces are gaining traction due to their convenience, while wood-burning fireplaces are still valued for their traditional craftsmanship. An emerging building code requires fireplace doors for new construction, prompting homeowners to upgrade existing doors for both aesthetic and functional benefits, such as heat retention. The discussion also touches upon the roles of designers and architects in fireplace projects, with architects typically dictating placement and dimensions in new construction, and designers focusing on aesthetic choices and material selection within those parameters. The article also addresses the flexibility in fireplace sizing, noting that while there are minimum code requirements, various proportions can be achieved, including taller-than-wide fireboxes to project more heat. Common materials for surrounds include slabs of stone, concrete, rusty metal, and blackened steel, while fireboxes often use standard firebrick. The experts discuss the integration of local materials, such as beach stones or shells, acknowledging that while some historical examples exist, modern designers generally prefer a more refined approach, letting specialized masons incorporate such elements artistically. The experts observe a mix of fireplace overhauls, simple updates, and new construction projects. Gas fireplaces, with their adaptability, are increasingly being built into walls and not limited to flush floor installations. Fireplace design has evolved significantly from simple square boxes to offering a multitude of options, driven by popular design shows and an increasingly educated clientele who bring specific visions to designers. While traditional fireplaces served as central heating elements, modern designs often involve kit fireboxes clad in chosen materials, allowing for greater design flexibility and installation in smaller spaces. Despite these changes, a preference for authentic materials and real fires remains among some architects, while others appreciate the innovation and expanded possibilities that modern technology brings to fireplace design. #FireplaceDesign #HomeInteriors #ArchitecturalTrends #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #GasFireplaces #WoodBurningFireplaces #BuildingMaterials #CoastalHomes

The article explores various ways to decorate fireplaces and mantels for the winter season, offering inspiration for creating cozy and festive atmospheres. It emphasizes that whether one has a traditional fireplace or a digital Yule log, the goal is to infuse warmth and holiday spirit into the living space. The piece compiles a selection of aesthetically pleasing fireplaces from across the web, ranging from classic designs with vibrant greens and opulent ribbons to more subtle arrangements that still evoke the season. Several examples illustrate diverse decorating approaches. One features an eclectic display of dried palms, serving as an unconventional yet clever substitute for traditional holiday greenery. These palms are complemented by dried protea, which introduce a touch of warmth and contrast with a matte black mantel, creating a dramatic visual effect. Another approach highlights the importance of meticulous detailing for a holiday-centric mantel. This involves incorporating metallic accents to add shimmer and layering various textures. Suggestions include using cozy stockings, strands of garland, and even neatly stacked firewood to achieve a dynamic and inviting finish. For those seeking a departure from the conventional red and green holiday palette, the article suggests a more dramatic and pared-back Scandinavian-chic style. This can be achieved with a prominent wreath positioned above the mantel and a few votive candles, demonstrating that less can be more in creating an impactful holiday statement. An example from Everygirl co-founder Alaina Kaczmarski showcases a bright and festive mantel that integrates traditional elements like a pine garland, wreath, string lights, and classic stockings. The design achieves a timeless yet fresh look, with an ornate mirror above the mantel contributing to its sophisticated appeal. A creative and minimalist take on fireplace decor involves a custom-made neon sign, which compensates for the absence of numerous festive adornments. When paired with a tidy stack of birch logs, this setup evokes the ambiance of a Scandinavian cabin, demonstrating how modern elements can be integrated into traditional spaces. Another illustration features a beautifully adorned mantel alongside an illusion of a snow-capped Christmas tree. The delicate blue shade of the adjacent built-ins helps the surrounding decor stand out, contributing to the overall modern aesthetic of the room. A cozy minimalist approach is presented with a wood-burning fireplace flanked by parallel stacks of fresh-cut logs. Despite the absence of a prominent mantel, a modest wreath maintains the style, proving that simplicity can be equally effective. For non-traditional holiday decor, oversized tinsel paper stockings are suggested as a playful and creative alternative. This idea encourages stepping outside conventional decorating norms to add a unique touch. A boho-inspired marble mantel is transformed into a rich holiday scene using lanterns, tinsel, bottleneck trees, and copper string lights, offering numerous detailed elements for inspiration. This example emphasizes layering different textures and light sources to create a captivating display. An untraditional fireplace, such as a wood-burning stove set on a chic brick platform, is also featured. In an Upstate New York home, this stove is complemented by a whitewashed backdrop and a nearby Christmas tree, with a bare wreath placed high above the stove completing the picturesque winter scene. Finally, for those without a real fireplace, the article suggests constructing a faux fireplace using wooden slabs. This transforms a plain wall into a festive focal point, especially when adorned with fresh greens, showcasing how creativity can overcome architectural limitations to achieve a desired holiday atmosphere. #FestiveFireplaces #WinterDecor #MantelDecor #HolidayInspiration #CozyHome #ChristmasDecor #HomeDecorIdeas #InteriorDesign #SeasonalDecor

This blog post serves as a comprehensive guide for individuals considering a fireplace, offering essential information for selecting the appropriate type, ensuring proper installation, and performing necessary repairs. The collection of articles covers a wide range of topics related to fireplaces, starting with maintenance advice such as preventing rust in fire pits through regular care and selecting the best firewood racks for organized storage. It explores creative ways to repurpose old fireplaces, offering ideas suitable for various budgets, and suggests practical uses for fireplace ash, preventing its disposal. The guide also provides methods to increase the heat efficiency of wood-burning fireplaces and informs readers on where to source firewood. Several articles focus on enhancing the aesthetic appeal of fireplaces, including innovative design mantel ideas and diverse fireplace tile designs from popular social media platforms. It reviews the Duraflame electric fireplace, highlighting its warmth and ambiance, and evaluates a firewood subscription service for fire pits and pizza ovens. The post delves into decorative aspects, presenting various mantel decor ideas from Instagram and TikTok, as well as different paint color ideas for an affordable fireplace update. For outdoor enthusiasts, it offers recommendations for the best outdoor fireplace kits and a detailed guide to fire pit burners, along with a selection of top-rated propane fire pits for comfortable outdoor evenings. The safety and practical aspects of fireplaces are thoroughly addressed. There are articles on building a custom wood fireplace mantel, utilizing candles in fireplaces for a cozy atmosphere, and providing DIY firewood storage solutions. The guide offers tips for choosing fireplace andirons and grates, clarifies the legality of wood-burning fireplaces, and outlines indoor gas fireplace safety protocols for beginners. It also instructs on how to safely extinguish a fire in a wood-burning fireplace, how to light a gas fireplace, and essential indoor wood-burning fireplace safety tips. Practical advice extends to babyproofing a fireplace, cleaning brick fireplaces, and understanding the importance of chimney caps. Finally, the post clarifies firewood measurements and helps readers determine the necessary amount of firewood for winter, ensuring a well-prepared and safe fireplace experience. #FireplaceMaintenance #FireplaceDesign #FirewoodStorage #FireplaceSafety #DIYProjects #HomeHeating #OutdoorFireplaces #HomeDecor #HeatingAndCooling

Indoor fireplaces serve as both functional heating sources during colder months and significant decorative elements within a home. This article explores a variety of indoor fireplace designs, categorizing them into classic and modern styles, to provide inspiration for diverse home aesthetics. Classic fireplace options include open-hearth fireboxes, which offer a traditional and inviting ambiance. These typically feature a masonry construction where the fire is directly exposed to the room, providing radiant heat and a focal point. Another classic design is the natural stone fireplace, characterized by the use of various types of stone to create a robust and rustic appearance. These can range from floor-to-ceiling installations, making a grand statement, to smaller, more understated designs that blend seamlessly with natural decor themes. Standalone fireplaces, often referred to as wood-burning stoves, represent another classic choice. These units are typically made of cast iron or steel and are self-contained, offering efficient heating and a cozy, traditional feel without requiring extensive structural integration into the wall. Moving to more contemporary designs, the article highlights several modern fireplace ideas. Indoor gas fireplaces offer convenience and cleanliness, providing instant heat with the flick of a switch and often featuring realistic flame effects. They come in various configurations, including linear designs and inserts for existing hearths, and can be flued or ventless. Central fireplaces are designed to be a focal point in a room, often positioned in the middle of a living space. These can be striking architectural features, sometimes suspended or freestanding, offering 360-degree views of the flames and acting as a sculptural element. Focus fireplaces emphasize sleekness and minimalist aesthetics, often integrated flush into walls or designed with unique, artistic shapes that draw the eye. They prioritize visual impact and often utilize advanced combustion technologies for efficiency and clean burning. Suspended fireplaces are a particularly striking modern option. These units hang from the ceiling, creating a dramatic and space-saving heating solution. They are often rotatable, allowing the heat and view of the flames to be directed to different areas of a room. Their minimalist design and floating appearance make them a popular choice for contemporary and open-plan interiors. These modern fireplace types not only provide warmth but also contribute significantly to the overall aesthetic and atmosphere of a home, offering diverse options to suit different architectural styles and personal preferences. #IndoorFireplaces #HomeDecor #ClassicFireplaces #ModernFireplaces #OpenHearth #GasFireplaces #SuspendedFireplace #WinterWarmth