Heritage features in the home are selling points for a reason: they add character and natural charm to a property, especially when preserved properly.
Alyson Hannigan's fireplace is proof that architectural features in a space can be the ultimate decoration.
The How I Met Your Mother star recently shared a photo of her living area on her Instagram page, and we were taken by the intricate detailing of her white fireplace amid the contemporary accessories of the room. It's giving us some fantastic fireplace ideas.
While the fireplace features a braided arch detail that is reminiscent of Art Nouveau style, the mantel holds a simple, black vase with flowers, while the floor features a monochromatic rug. The fireplace is clearly the centerpiece, but it is extremely versatile in its compatibility with surroundings.
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Exhibiting an oversized, checkered diamond design, this harlequin style is modernized by a unique border that adds depth and dimension to the central motifs.
Add a touch of life to your living room with a bouquet of flowers in a black matte vase on your fireplace mantel. I love the tapered shape of this stylish and affordable version. Style it with light colored flowers for a visually interesting contrast.
With a hint of copper inside, this milky white pendant light blends elegance and a casual take on luxury thanks to the deliberately imperfect edge and thoughtful detailing.
According to experts, fireplaces serve not only as focal points in the home but also as elements that can boost a home's sellability.
'Invest in quality and provenance,’ suggests antique restorer and founder of fireplace specialist Renaissance London, Owen Pacey.
‘It makes total sense as these fireplaces can sell a home. If your property is on the market, you need to stand out, and buyers will remember the one with the lovely original fireplace.’
If your home does not already include a fireplace, Owen says that it's best to select a style based on your existing architectural details.
‘I’d always recommend sticking to the period of the house when looking to purchase a fireplace,' he explains.
'This ensures that the styles align and the fireplace will look like it’s always been there. In the Georgian period, they made tens of thousands of bullseye style fireplaces, so this style is very typical in properties of that time. Similarly, with Victorian, the most common design is Carrara marble with a shell design on the corbels. Edwardian fireplaces are beautifully intricate, mainly tiled and made from either cast iron or slate, with an Art Nouveau feel to them as well.'
He continues, ‘If you are unsure of the period of the house, a really good tip is to politely ask your neighbors to see if they have any original features in their house you can look at. It’s the best way to find out. Otherwise, you can gain a pretty good idea of the period of the house from the street view.’
While adding a vase or decorative object to a fireplace can certainly add some character and dimension to a living area, be careful not to overdo it, as this can make the space feel cluttered and take away from a fireplace's intricate details.
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