Faux fireplaces get UAE homes all fired up: How residents have created fake hearths

In San Francisco, a fireplace is often more about creating a cozy atmosphere and serving as a focal point than providing essential heat. This perspective allowed designer Katie Monkhouse to propose a cost-effective alternative for her clients who admired Victorian and French apartment aesthetics featuring beautiful stone mantels. The original architectural plans for their ground-level condo included a fireplace, but it was never built. Running gas lines to install a functional fireplace would have cost at least $5,000, a significant expense for an amenity that was primarily desired for its aesthetic appeal. The clients' main desire was the feeling of warmth and a central feature around which the living room could be arranged, rather than an actual fire. The newly constructed space already boasted herringbone floors, and the blank wall presented an ideal opportunity to introduce a new focal point. A key requirement, based on the clients' inspiration images, was that the mantel had to be made of real marble, not a faux plaster or wooden substitute. Monkhouse sourced a prefabricated fireplace surround made of Arabascato marble from Fine’s Gallery in Florida, which offered a range of styles from ornate to modern. Following the order, local design consultant and handyman Jasper Montgomery was tasked with constructing the bump-out for the fireplace and the arched built-ins that would flank it. A challenge arose when the 750-pound marble mantel arrived in 60 separate pieces, an unexpected complication as Monkhouse had assumed it would be pre-assembled. This required hiring a stonemason, who managed to assemble it on-site within a single day. This additional cost was covered by the 10 to 20 percent extra budget Monkhouse advises her clients to set aside for unforeseen expenses. To ensure the faux fireplace appeared legitimate and not simply "slapped onto the white wall," Monkhouse implemented a crucial design detail: the interior of the pretend firebox was painted entirely in Benjamin Moore’s Black Beauty. This dark color created an illusion of depth, making the faux fireplace look authentic and integrated seamlessly into the design. This finishing touch successfully elevated the overall aesthetic, achieving the desired cozy and grand look without the significant expense of a functional fireplace installation, ultimately saving the clients approximately $5,000. #FauxFireplace #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #CostSaving #LivingRoom #DesignHack #MarbleMantel #Renovation #DIY

This article presents 12 creative ideas for decorating nonworking fireplaces, transforming them into stylish and functional focal points within a home. The first idea involves creating a cozy aesthetic using varied shapes, sizes, and bases for decorative items, complemented by luxurious textiles, as exemplified by Room for Tuesday. IKEA candle holders and a One Kings Lane sheepskin were used to achieve this effect. Illustrator Paula Mills of Sweet William, living near Melbourne, Australia, integrated vintage goods into her fireplace decor. She repurposed an old Tasmanian Oak mantelpiece from a junk shop, filling it with artwork and books that reflect her global aesthetic from her travels. Designer Lauren Liess, in a Pennsylvania farmhouse, enhanced an 1800s mantelpiece by inserting a mirror to reflect the room's textured decor, featuring Ralph Lauren-stenciled walls and linen-cotton blend upholstered chairs. Lauren Shaver of Bless'er House filled her faux fireplace with meticulously organized, light-colored log ends, glued to a black board for an easy-to-design arrangement. Karen Bertelsen of The Art of Doing Stuff advanced the log-filling concept by coloring the ends of birch logs with folk art paints, displaying her palette on the mantel. Blogger Jaime Scott of Caught in Grace opted for a simple arrangement, placing three logs atop a wicker basket in front of a black mantel, offering a crisp visual contrast. Victoria Smith of SF Girl By Bay, in northern California, styled her faux fireplace with select wine bottles, providing both aesthetic appeal and practical access for wine nights. Designers Jessica Geller and Virginia Toledo of id 810 design group incorporated a Buddha statue, found while antiquing, into an 1890s Hoboken rowhouse fireplace, aiming to bring an outdoor freshness indoors. In another project, a Park Avenue apartment, they filled an empty fireplace with quartz sculptures and votive candles to emulate the soft glow of a working fireplace, recommending various candles and crystal elements for accentuation. Krista Janos from Blue Eyed Yonder utilized vintage books, stacking 87 volumes to create a rustic and charming display within a nonworking fireplace. Brenna Berger of Paper & Ink demonstrated how to create faux logs from rolled corrugated cardboard coated with plaster, mimicking the textured look of birch logs and their natural rings. Jennifer Fancher of Noting Grace created a realistic glow in her nonworking fireplace by filling an antique World War II soldier's trunk with birch wood and Christmas lights, and fashioned a scrapbooked backdrop from old dictionary pages, newspapers, novel pages, and sheet music. These varied approaches illustrate how nonworking fireplaces can be creatively transformed to enhance home aesthetics, providing focal points without the need for a functional fire. #FireplaceDecor #NonworkingFireplace #HomeDecorIdeas #InteriorDesign #RoomIdeas #CreativeDecor #DIYHomeDecor #MantelDecor #FauxFireplace

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

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

Fireplaces have consistently been a favored element in residential interiors, with Victorian architects and modernists like Frank Lloyd Wright embracing their architectural significance. The enduring appeal stems from their ability to serve as a focal point and a symbol of warmth within a home. Contemporary designers are continuing this tradition by focusing on the mantelpiece, recognizing its prominence and versatility in interior design. The article highlights how designers are incorporating mantelpieces into diverse projects, ranging from grand villas to compact mobile homes, demonstrating their adaptability and aesthetic impact. Designer India Mahdavi, for instance, integrated a large yellow glazed mantelpiece by Italian artist Giuseppe Ducrot into her French Riviera villa, transforming the living room into a dramatic space. Similarly, Pritzker Prize–winning architect Alejandro Aravena conceptualized an entire vacation home in Chile, Ocho Quebradas, around an exposed fire pit, making the house itself a massive mantelpiece. Even in smaller, more unconventional settings, such as Wheelhaus's 250-square-foot Road-Haus mobile home, a gas or electric fireplace with a rustic wooden shelf is included to provide a cozy touch, showcasing the widespread application of mantelpieces in various home designs. Adam Charlap Hyman, cofounder of Charlap Hyman & Herrero (CH&H), emphasizes the role of mantelpieces in establishing order within a space. He suggests that these elements can either create symmetry and hierarchy or introduce an offbeat accent, making them powerful tools for artistic expression. CH&H recently utilized an Art Nouveau mantelpiece in a California project to add an ornamental detail to an otherwise minimalist composition. In another instance, for a vacation home on Long Island, they designed a light and airy living and dining room to complement a robust fluted fireplace, illustrating how mantels can dictate the surrounding interior style. Katie Maine of Maine Design shares a similar passion for mantelpieces, viewing them as essential elements that provide gravity and strength to a house. She draws inspiration from renowned designers like Jean Royère, known for his minimalist brick and wood mantels, and David Wiseman, celebrated for his sculptural contemporary designs. Maine often faces the challenge of encouraging clients to see mantelpieces as more than just functional frames, pushing them to recognize their potential as artistic focal points. In one project in Los Angeles, she removed oversized, poorly harmonized developer-built mantels to better suit the elegant coastal environment. Designer Aamir Khandwala observes a recent surge in the popularity of mantelpieces, integrating them into various projects from summer residences to Manhattan apartments. He believes that mantels symbolize warmth and coziness, offering a communal space for loved ones. This sentiment became particularly significant during the COVID-19 pandemic, when people sought comfort and connection at home. The article concludes by predicting a continued trend toward high-design mantels, as people seek to gather around the hearth, reinforcing its role as the domestic heartland. For those with faux fireplaces, expert tips are provided to create a realistic and appealing look, such as using vintage marble mantels, cast-iron summer fronts, painting the firebox black, and incorporating ventless systems for an authentic flame effect. #FireplaceDesign #MantelpieceDecor #InteriorDesignTrends #HomeDecorIdeas #DesignerAdvice #ArchitecturalElements #LuxuryInteriors #HomeRenovation

Fireplaces serve as prominent focal points in homes, offering warmth and aesthetic appeal, especially as temperatures drop. This article provides 70 diverse ideas for transforming existing fireplaces or designing new ones to achieve both functionality and a 'wow' factor. Rayman Boozer, an ELLE DECOR A-List designer, suggests keeping fireplace designs classic, emphasizing a limited use of materials to let their inherent beauty tell the story. For example, he mentions a Harlem duplex where a bold Calacatta Viola surround was paired with sky-blue trim matching the room's walls. Boozer notes a growing preference among clients for flatter profiles that do not distract from the hearth and surround, moving away from traditional materials like stone and brick to prioritize the fire itself. For those on a budget, several DIY solutions can revitalize a mantel. Toronto-based interior designer Colette van den Thillart recommends gessoing a mantel to mimic a plaster finish, a material readily available at art stores. Boozer adds that paint is an economical way to refresh any mantel, suggesting painting it the same color as the surrounding walls for a cohesive and updated look. Additionally, van den Thillart proposes placing a basket of logs next to any hearth—whether gas, electric, or even empty—to enhance coziness and visual appeal. The article draws from the ELLE DECOR archive to showcase a wide array of stylish fireplace designs, encouraging readers to explore various possibilities. The featured fireplace ideas span a broad spectrum of styles and materials. Examples include a copper-hued fireplace with a folded chimney breast designed by artist Brian Robles in a Montana home, an Art Deco-inspired marble fireplace in a Milan apartment by Hannes Peer, and a sculptural plaster fireplace in Pierre Yovanovitch's New York furniture showroom. Other innovative designs highlight a blue-bordered fireplace using Benjamin Moore's Harbor Haze paint, a Spanish Revival fireplace in a Los Feliz home revitalized by Joe Lucas, and a muted blue monochrome fireplace in a Montecito estate by Jeremiah Brent and Nate Berkus. Unique material choices are also presented, such as a mirrored tile fireplace by Pierre Gonalons, a beaded fireplace by Jessica Davis, and a midcentury cone fireplace in Carol Egan’s dream house. Further ideas include a muted fireplace in a Los Angeles home by David Lucido, a raspberry marble fireplace by Alton Bechara, and a historic hearth fireplace in an upstate New York house by Alyse Archer-Coité. The article also covers a room-spanning fireplace designed by PlaidFox in a West Vancouver home, a Beaux-Arts fireplace in a New York pied-à-terre by Jean Liu, and a vibrant lime green fireplace in a Belgian manor by Jean-Philippe Demeyer. Midcentury brick fireplaces, steel-clad fireplaces by Andre Herrero, wainscot-backed fireplaces by Sanayi313, and blue marble fireplaces by Nicole Hollis are also showcased, alongside a pooch-perfect fireplace accessorized by Tom Scheerer. These diverse examples illustrate how fireplaces can be customized to complement various interior design themes, from rustic and traditional to modern and maximalist.

Fireplace styles, materials, and fuel options are constantly evolving. Daniel Hammer, president and owner of Sutter Home & Hearth, and Hailey Olsen, Sutter’s head of marketing, provided insights into current trends in the Seattle area, drawing from their extensive experience in the industry. There is a notable shift toward minimalist, clean fireplace designs. This aesthetic emphasizes maximizing the view of the flames while minimizing elaborate metal detailing. Whether the design is a long, modern, linear shape or a more traditional landscape, the focus has moved away from intricate filigree toward the actual fire. This trend highlights the desire for a less cluttered and more direct appreciation of the fire itself. The evolution of fuel sources has been significant. In 1979, wood was the exclusive fuel. By the 1980s and into the 1990s, wood remained predominant, but gas technology began to advance. Currently, in Seattle, gas fireplaces are the most popular choice, with wood being a distant second. Manufacturers are also making considerable progress with electric fireplaces, which are becoming more realistic and enjoyable. Bioethanol is another emerging option that is gaining market response, indicating a diversification in consumer preferences for fuel types. Regarding the aesthetics of the firebox itself, some individuals prefer alternatives to traditional logs in gas fireplaces, as they are aware it’s not a true wood fire. This has led to a demand for features like driftwood, stones, or glass within the firebox, offering different visual experiences. A common solution for homes in metropolitan areas, particularly those built before the 1950s that often have existing masonry fireplaces, is the wood-to-gas insert. This conversion is considered the easiest and most practical option for many homeowners looking to update their heating solutions. The materials surrounding fireplaces are also seeing contemporary updates. Modern homes frequently feature marble, often in lighter or neutral colors. When tile is used, larger cuts are preferred, such as 24x18 inches, to reduce the number of grout lines and achieve a cleaner, more cohesive look that complements the overall color palette. Metal surrounds, particularly steel, are also becoming popular, either as a full surround or as an accent wall. Gray concrete finishes are another emerging trend for both indoor and outdoor fireplaces. Addressing the practical concern of placing televisions or artwork above fireplaces, manufacturers have developed heat management technology. This innovation allows for the safe placement of electronic devices and decorative items by preventing excessive heat from damaging them, while still enabling the fireplace to effectively heat the room. This technology maintains the appliance's heating capability without overheating surrounding surfaces. The pandemic spurred a significant increase in the popularity of outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, as people sought ways to socialize safely outdoors. This trend continues, with outdoor spaces increasingly being viewed as extensions of the home. The integration of outdoor fireplaces and fire pits enhances the functionality and comfort of exterior living areas, facilitating gatherings and providing warmth. Personal preferences among the experts reflect these trends. Olsen, living in an apartment, has an electric fireplace that serves as both a gathering point and a conversation starter, appreciated for its ambiance and heating flexibility. Hammer's home features two remote-controlled indoor gas inserts from the mid-2000s, alongside a wood-burning fire pit outdoors. He emphasizes the unique presence and comfort that a well-controlled fire brings to a home, regardless of its age or technology. #FireplaceTrends #HomeHeating #InteriorDesign #OutdoorLiving #GasFireplaces #ElectricFireplaces #HomeDecor #ModernDesign #MaterialTrends

The article introduces the new Simplifire Inception Electric Fireplace by Heat & Glo, designed to offer the realistic appearance of a wood-burning fire without the associated drawbacks of particulates and smoke. This innovative electric fireplace aims to provide an attractive focal point for various living spaces, including dens, bedrooms, and offices, by replicating the visual appeal of real wood flames through advanced technology. The product is highlighted as a modern, energy-efficient alternative to traditional wood-burning fireplaces, addressing growing concerns about air quality and environmental impact. A key feature of the Inception Electric Fireplace is its Digital Spark technology, which creates highly realistic flames. This technology is complemented by an LED ember bed and accent lighting, all contributing to an authentic fire experience within a 36-inch viewing area. The fireplace offers seamless control over flame brightness, which can be adjusted via the IntelliFire app or through voice commands using smart speakers, providing convenience and ease of use for homeowners. Beyond its visual realism and smart control capabilities, the Inception fireplace is also noted for its straightforward installation process, as it does not require venting. This eliminates the need for complex structural modifications typically associated with traditional fireplaces, making it suitable for both new home construction and remodeling projects. The article mentions its compatibility with the Wescott Mantel Kit, offering an additional option for installation without traditional structural requirements. Spencer Hill, a fireplace expert at Hearth & Home Technologies, emphasizes the increasing appeal of electric fire features for homeowners and designers, citing the Inception's flame technology as a significant step forward in creating an authentic experience. He anticipates that the enhanced realism will encourage more homeowners to incorporate electric fireplaces into their design plans. The Inception's functionality extends beyond merely providing a visual effect; its heat levels are adjustable, allowing it to be used year-round, even in warmer months when only the ambiance of a fire is desired. Furthermore, the product offers an array of fireplace fronts, accommodating diverse aesthetic preferences, from classic and traditional to sleek and modern designs. Its slim profile ensures that it can be integrated effortlessly into a variety of room layouts and styles. The article underscores the low maintenance and energy efficiency of the Inception fireplace as additional benefits that make it an attractive option for contemporary homes. #ElectricFireplace #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #HeatAndGlo #HearthAndHome #DigitalSparkTechnology #EnergyEfficiency #HomeRemodeling #SmartHome