A large fireplace adds a grand sense of drama, warmth and materiality to a space. Traditionally, large fireplaces were the center of home life, located in a main living space, kitchen or both. Whether you are designing a living room, bedroom, dining area or a double-sided fireplace in two rooms, there are important design considerations so as to make the most of this impressive feature.
Instructions
1. To increase the visual importance of a fireplace in a room, avoid placing windows or doors in a wall alongside a fireplace. Traditionally, fireplaces were located on exterior walls, and the fireplace surround and chimney were expressed as part of the exterior structure of the building.
2. Size the dimensions of the room to be proportional to the size of the fireplace. A large fireplace is typically located centered on a wall no shorter than 12 feet in length. Room ceiling height should be at least 8 feet high, preferably taller. The taller the room is, the more impressive the fireplace will appear.
3. Select the materials for the fireplace surround to complement the design of the room and the style of the house. Traditional materials for large fireplaces include stone, slate, brick or concrete. Consider extending the whole fireplace surround to the ceiling for a dramatic visual effect.
4. Size the hearth and mantel for the fireplace carefully. Large fireplaces require large hearths and mantels, which will affect the usable floor space in a room. Raised hearths, constructed out of stone or concrete, are both functional and beautiful features that enhance the look of a fireplace.
5. Design the spatial qualities of both rooms on either side of a double-sided fireplace to be proportional to the size of the fireplace. For a freestanding fireplace or a double-sided fireplace, the depth and the material of the is important. It is important for visual effect to wrap cladding material, such as stone or brick, around the fireplace.
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