Decorating a fireplace

Fireplaces are great, grand features to a home that create a focal point to a room, acting like a center piece to show class and elegance. There is no real limit to what we can do with them, even those which have long since been used as a place for a fire, however they do give us a space to decorate and draw attention to.

Fireplaces are the idea area for seasonal decoration, particularly a working fireplace. They are iconic for Christmas stockings and pinned up holly during the Christmas season and are perfect for draping fake cobwebs and hanging bats during Halloween. Yet not all homes appreciate the everyday decoration for a fireplace. People’s eyes are instinctively drawn to the fireplace, which is why so many people cover it in photo frames and leave it looking cluttered, but one photo frame with a small vase of flowers either side is a more tasteful and appealing look for your fireplace. 

Leaving the mantel bare, or almost bare with perhaps a small ornament near the middle, and hanging pictures above it can create a cozy atmosphere, particularly on a wall painted with cold colors if the other walls in the room feature warmer colors. This is particularly effective for working fireplaces.

In some cases sticking to a symmetrical design can be ideal, generally with one item at the center such as a mirror or image (a decal on the wall can be a cost effective artwork if you want to draw in some attention). However in some cases symmetry looks dull or overdone, particularly if you have a little more decoration to your fireplace, in these cases having things that are slightly off symmetrical can be a great touch; for this place pairs of items on the mantel as you would with a symmetrical design, but they don’t have to be identical – just related to each other.

Use bright colors on in a white space and light colors in a dark space. If your fireplace is white and your wall is white why not have a yellow pot or some flower design plates on show on your mantel? The color will draw in the eyes of your guest and add warmth to the room without taking away any of the light and without the dull look of black on white. Try to keep these all within the same color family for more impact. In a dark room try to use soft light shades, such as a pastel pink or blue to draw out more light in the room and create a contrast.

If your taste is more modern than a traditional 16^th century fireplace that’s being used to show off all your classical books then you might think about having something else as a focal point of the room. Modern rooms look great with sparing furniture, light colors and elegant designs; the homeliness of a fireplace rarely suits this. You might consider taking it out and replacing it with an ultra modern radiator, which depending on the style you select makes a great addition to a contemporary home appearance. 

Guest Post by: Katy Quinn - Freelance Writer  

MAY WE ALSO SUGGEST: Fireplace Glass Doors, Brick Paint, Fireplace Hoods 

Decorating Tips and Tricks for your Fireplace

A fireplace can be a great addition to any room, giving the space character and a unique identity of its own. Functional fireplaces are also a great convenience in chilly winter months, giving homeowners the opportunity to cozy up to a warm flame and shake off the cold. When designing a room that contains a fireplace, it is essential to keep several different factors in mind to ensure that the fireplace is optimized effectively. The following tips offer a great starting point for those working with a home fireplace. 

Working with Size

It is important to keep the scale of the fireplace in mind when designing for a room that contains one of these features. For example, should a small fireplace be located in a large room, increasing the overall presence of the fireplace will help make it a focal point. This can be done by painting the mantel and surrounding wall in the same color. In turn utilizing complementary 
colors in the textiles and decor of the room will help tie the entire look together, giving the space a cohesive feel. Large fireplaces can be made more appealing by utilizing the space above the 
mantel to display a large portrait or mirror. 

Positioning the Fireplace

Homes that contain a fireplace already will need to be designed around the feature's location. For spaces where a fireplace will be added, it is important to think about the potential location options. Many contemporary homes feature fireplaces at eye level, allowing the fireplace to take the position of a painting or traditional wall decoration. This allows the fireplace to not only be functional, but also incorporates it into rooms where a floor position may not be ideal. 

Off-Season Decoration

Many homeowners neglect their fireplaces during warmer months, leaving the fireplace empty and devoid of activity. Rather than allowing the fireplace to go to waste, this space can actually serve as an interesting display space. Homeowners can use their imaginations to come up with inventive displays that will showcase the personality of the home's residents, while also giving the fireplace a way to shine without a log burning year round. 

Fireplaces are not only a beautiful design feature, but they can add a personal and homey feel to any space. By keeping the fireplace in mind when designing the room's surroundings, homeowners can make certain their space looks clean and dynamic. This will make certain that the home's residents are able to take advantage of the functional aspects of this design feature.

About the Author Aileen Lopez is a writer and the Director of Content for the Morgan Law Firm, an Austin, Texas divorce firm. Please visit the Morgan Law Firm Blog for additional content.

MAY I ALSO SUGGEST: Fireplace Glass Doors Brick Paint Kit , Replacement Tempered Glass

Using Stone in Your Bathroom

If you are anything like me, you love a classy, well thought out bathroom, where function is as important as style. If you are anything like me, you have poured over magazines, internet sites and idea homes looking for the perfect materials for your bathroom renovation before getting so utterly frustrated at the endless combinations and options that you flounce into the bathroom and say, "I give up! We are just going to have to leave the (pea green/mustard yellow/dusty rose/insert gross color here) tile in this bathroom for another 25 years!" 

If that sounds even a little bit like you, (minus the flouncing) then may I recommend a material that is going to make your day/week/month, by being your "go to" element in your new bathroom project. 

Drum roll please.....STONE. 

Now, I know what you might be thinking. That stuff that people put in their yards? Yup. That stuff that people line their fireplace with? Yup. As it turns out, the natural beauty of stone shines through no matter what room you put it in. In recent years, what was once a total luxury product is now much more affordable and as a result has become more and more popular in building and renovation projects. 

Vanity 
A stone sink or vanity can be made to look a variety of different ways. For the natural look, it can literally be a piece of stone that looks like it was just plucked from the ground with a large hole in it or it can be on the other end of the spectrum and be a super chiseled modern sink that looks like it came from the future. A natural stone sink can also withstand the wear and tear of everyday use much better than a porcelain or ceramic sink can, so while it may be more expensive up front, due to the durability of stone, it will last for many years. 

Shower 
Modern showers have perfected the art of bringing the outside in for the ultimate in relaxation. Using stone in your shower is an excellent addition to creating a bathroom retreat that can be beautiful and also practical. 

Flooring and Walls
One of the easiest ways to introduce stone into your bathroom is through the flooring and walls. There are many stone tiles to choose from, all with different colors, shapes, sizes and prices. Stone flooring should be sealed with an anti-slip sealant that prevents people from slipping when it is wet, but putting down a bathmat is always a good idea when getting out of the shower. 

This guest post was written by The Rock Yard Inc., suppliers of stone in Atlanta GA. We offer a variety of natural and manufactured stone in Atlanta, GA for your everyday stone needs. With two convenient locations in Gainesville and Duluth, we supply stone for contractors and residents in the North Georgia area with our huge selection and low prices.

Top 8 Things you can put on your Fireplace

If you are wondering about the best way to bring style and class to the fireplace in your home then here are some ideas for making it really stand out and become the focal point of your room.

1) Flowers - use a large vase to have a big flower display on the top of your fireplace. The eye will automatically be drawn towards it, particularly if you use large blooms in bright colours. If you want a more suble approach choose colours that match your room to make them blend in more but still have an impact. If you don't want to buy fresh flowers every week then you can use dried or silk, but make sure you keep them looking clean and be aware that they won't be so eye catching as the real thing.

2) Photographs - if you put family photographs on your fireplace it draws attention to the relationships in your house. The fireplace is usually the focal point of the room, so by putting framed photographs on top of it, it will really help you realise who is important to you in your life.

3) Candles - these are great for bringing out the romance in anyone. If you use subtle lighting elsewhere in the room and light candles on the fireplace it makes for a lovely cosy atmosphere and adds romance to every situation.

4) Ornaments - if you use items that you have picked up at special times in your life, like when you have been travelling or presents for special anniversaries, then looking at your fireplace will always bring you happy memories from the important times you have had.

5) Items made by your children- children often make little pots, candle holders or ornaments out of clay when they are at school. These are a great way to decorate your fireplace, as they are a great talking point when guests visit and show your children that you really value them by displaying their work.

6) Use seasonal decorations - in the autumn you can have a display of pine cones and fruits, the winter you can use holly and ivy, or spray leaves white to look like snow, the spring you can put spring bulbs in pots and have a display of mini daffodils or crocuses, and the summer could allow you to have a beach scene with shells and wooden logs or simply beautiful flowers or roses.

7) A moneybox - this isn't necessarily a pretty item, but it is a great place to put all those odd coins you find when you are cleaning your house. You can save up and give the money to your favourite charity, and they will benefit when you may not have given them anything otherwise.

8) A picture or mirror - a lot of people would hang these above the fireplace, but they can be just as effective propped up on the mantle piece above the fire.

Depending on the piece of art or mirror that you choose, you can change the whole atmosphere of the room. A mirror can make the room look bigger, but equally can make it feel cramped if it is reflecting a lot of heavy furniture or clutter. A picture can make the room feel brighter or darker depending on its subject so choose carefully so you produce the kind of mood you want for your room.

Tanner C. is a writer for HowDoIBe.com. If you are interested in becoming an interior designer, take a look at this site: http://www.howdoibe.com/how-to-become-an-interior-designer/

May I also suggest a beautiful new fireplace mantel ?

3 Reasons to Clean Your Fireplace

By Samuel Ott

With the fall and winter months approaching, it might be a good time to start thinking about your fireplace and if you plan on using it. Aesthetically speaking, a fireplace is great, but a clean fireplace is even better. It shows that you keep not only your fireplace clean, but your home, as well. This alone will add value to the overall look and appeal of your home.

Aside from the look of your fireplace and how it ties the room together, think about how it can give you comfort and save you money. You’d be surprised at how a clean fireplace can keep you and your home happier, healthier and free of pests.

Ventilation & Safety: The main reason to clean your fireplace is proper ventilation. Many uses of your fireplace leave it looking filthy, whether it’s gas, electric or wood. After awhile debris, cobwebs and ash can lead to poor ventilation. Of course, the one with the most upkeep is a wood fireplace. Gas and electric mostly deal with debris and cobwebs, while wood encompasses includes ash and dirt. Ventilation is vital to protecting you and your home from:

• Carbon Monoxide: This applies to gas fireplaces only. If it’s not ventilated properly, then gas fumes can escape into your house threatening you with potential carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure the vents are cleaned on a regular basis.

• Fire Damage/Smoke Damage: Smoke and fire damage apply to wood fireplaces. If not ventilated properly, then smoke can stream into your home and cause smoke damage and even harm your health. Fire damage can be caused due to a loose spark or small piece of wood that flies off the log as it crackles and pops from adjusting to the applied heat. With gas and electric, this problem is avoided, but still deserves the same amount of safety while attending to these fires.

• Odor: If ventilated poorly, wood fireplaces can create an odor from the smoke. It’s difficult to relax when your home smells like smoke.

Pest Problem: A common complaint about having a wood fireplace is the pests and rodents your chimney attracts. If you haven’t cleaned your fireplace in awhile and look to prepare it for the winter, I guarantee you’re bound to find a bird nest and potentially even bats. Yikes! No, thank you. However, once you clean it and start using it regularly, the smoke tends to scare away any pest that finds its way into the chimney.

Energy Efficient: Fireplaces are a great way to save on energy and money. Chances are if you’re going to use your fireplace, you’ll most likely hang around in that room, so there’s no need for other heat sources to be pouring into other parts of your home when you’re not occupying those areas. This concentrates your heat source making it more efficient, so you can turn down other sources during this time.

When it comes to keeping your fireplace clean, first understand which kind you have. Obviously, gas and electric aren’t as much upkeep, but they still require the same amount of attention when it comes to safety. Whether it’s checking ventilation, wiring or sweeping your chimney, be prepared and do your research, since every type of fireplace presents different challenges and offers different benefits.

About the author
Samuel Ott -  
Writer for Paul Davis Restoration of Kansas City, experts in fire damage restoration

How I Did a Kitchen Makeover in One Weekend

My kitchen always looked like a hurricane hit it. There were pots in the sink or on the counter. I had various items sprawled across the counter tops all the time. You could even possibly see a plate or two that just didn’t quite make it the extra two inches to the sink or better yet – the dishwasher. It was such a mess.

That was until I decided enough was enough – I needed to do something that would beautify my kitchen without spending gobs of money doing it. I decided to do a kitchen makeover in one weekend.

First Thing I Did: Organized

I found that my biggest problem was that I was always leaving items all over the place. Some of the things didn’t even belong in the kitchen. I made a pact with myself that I would find a place for everything, and I would put whatever needed to be there once I was finished with something.

Once I started to put things away, I quickly learned why it can be difficult for me to keep things tidy in my kitchen. There was just no room for all of the stuff that I had. My pots were coming out of the drawers so much I couldn’t even close them. I also had nowhere to put items that I had resorted to keeping out all of the time such as the toaster oven, toaster, coffee machine, bread maker, and the list goes on.

I couldn’t stand the clutter though. I hardly had counter space because of all this stuff. I had to go to the home improvement store to find out what I had to do about this situation.

I was in luck! I found dozens of handy organizational tools that would help me get everything into my cupboards.

• I bought a wired shelf that you can place plates on the bottom and the top; instead of just having one level of plates.
  
  
• I bought the same type of shelf for my glasses and mugs. That way, I was able to fit double the amount of them.
  
  
• For my pots and pans, I decided to move them over to the larger cupboard underneath my sink since I have more space, and again used the wired shelves in a bigger size, so I was able to neatly place one pot in its place rather than stacking them up haphazardly.
  
  
• I found a nice hanging cleaning supplies organizer to hang on my kitchen closet door. This way, I could place all of my cleaning products into bins, and hang mops, brooms, and dusters all in one place.

To make more room for my pantry items, I organized all of the can goods and placed them in bins I bought at the store. I marked the bin with something like “beans” or “vegetables.” That way, when I was looking for something in particular, I could easily go to the right bin.

With all of these organization tools, I was able to free up an incredible amount of space, and my kitchen already looked like it had a makeover. What was my next step you should ask?

I Deep Cleaned the Kitchen

As you’ll see in the photo, my kitchen is white and stainless. If it’s not clean, you’ll see it. I got out all the cleaning products I had and put my gloves on. I looked like I was going into surgery, and that is what it felt like too. I scrubbed harder than I ever scrubbed before – the kitchen had never looked so….sterile.

I’m happy with the results. I have been able to keep the kitchen in its nice, clean, and happy state for three months now. And, I don’t intend to change it one bit.

Marcelina Hardy wrote this guest post. She wanted to help others struggling to keep their kitchen clean with the ways that she has found to be so effective in her Austin downtown condominium, which is one of the best Austin luxury condos in Texas.

Afraid to Paint your Brick Fireplace?

This was an easier project then I thought. This product is amazing! I can't believe I didn't do this sooner! These are the most recent comments and letters that I have received after months of showing off my how to paint brick and keep it looking like brick. Brick Paint is not to be feared, just look at the amazing results. They are all over my blog. Not only have I personally helped with doing a lot of these fireplaces but I have also posted a photo of my own fireplace. You may be intimidated to get started but there is truly nothing to worry about. The brick paint kits that I have used repeatedly for many months now come with an easy to follow DVD and all the supplies you need to get your old brick fireplace modernized and warming your comfort room this season.

Here is Peg's letter to me last week:

"We’re so happy with these results. This is a remarkable product! I was nervous to start this project, but once I started it was so fast and easy. Everyone thinks this is the natural color of the brick. I’ve wanted to do something to this fireplace for years and was about to give in and just paint it when I found your website. Thank you for a great product!" - Peg

Peg used: Twilight Taupe

Why not add a beautiful new fireplace glass door while you are making things more beautiful in your home? Right now the cost's are down before the colder weather set's in. You can replace your glass

When searching for a reputable home contractor, watch out for these red flags.

Photo: Thinkstock

By Lee Nelson | Yahoo! Homes 

Red flags you're dealing with a bad contractor

Your home is your sanctuary from all of life's stresses. So it makes sense that when it comes time to remodel, you want to find a professional home contractor that you can trust.

First things first, you'll want to do your homework and look to resources like your local Better Business Bureau (BBB).

"BBB handles a lot of inquiries and complaints about home contractors, and we constantly remind people - do your research first and make sure you select someone you feel comfortable with," says Katherine Hutt, director of communications and media relations at the Council of Better Business Bureaus.

To help you start the evaluation process, we've compiled a list of potential red flags to help you avoid fraudulent or just plain shady contractors.

Red Flag #1 - No References

Warning: Be wary of a contractor that can't provide you with any references.

"The only reason that someone may not have a lot of references is if the construction company is just getting started and does not have a lot of work under their belt," said Joe Rongisch, owner of Vantage Design & Construction in Gretna, Neb.

Prefer getting a reference from someone you know? Consider asking for personal recommendations from people you trust - family, friends, neighbors, or colleagues.

In fact, according to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), nearly half of all projects completed by a remodeling contractor are the result of client referrals.

CONTINUE READING THIS ARTICLE BY CLICKING HERE: YAHOO NEWS

Upgrades That Will Boost the Functionality and Style of Your Fireplace

Improve the functionality and style of your fireplace with these clever upgrade suggestions.

There is something beguiling about a fireplace that makes it a staple feature and amenity in most homes. Having your own fireplace not only increases the value of your home but also allows you to make yourself comfortable even during cold, dark nights. Nonetheless, its imposing and beautiful features are what make it an ideal focal point for any space.

However, due to constant use and exposure to heat during winter months and lack of usage during hot summer days, a fireplace can eventually lose its appeal and probably its functionality. So before you spark up the logs again this winter, try upgrading some of the parts of your fireplace to improve its functionality and style and make it look good as new with these suggestions.

Integrate glass fireplace doors

There's nothing quite like a cozy fire and a cup of hot coffee on a chilly night. However, an open wood-burning fireplace left unattended is not safe. So to ensure that your fireplace is safe, consider retrofitting it with glass fireplace doors. Integrating such safety feature to an existing fireplace requires minimal elbow greasing on your part since it comes in a standard size that easily fits in any flat fireplace opening. Likewise, you will not have a hard time attending to its upkeep as it requires little maintenance.

Get your brick fireplace in tip-top condition

If your fireplace is made out of brick, it is likely that its mortar is starting to fall out, crumble and crack due to years of exposure to searing-hot blazes. Broken mortar joint not only make your fireplace less appealing, they can also become a precursor for the entire bricks to become susceptible to damage, which can cost you more money for future repairs. Hence, to avoid problems later on, take the time to evaluate the condition of your brick fireplace, including the mortar. If you find any damaged parts, replace them immediately.

Fit it with an insert

While a fireplace is a beautiful feature for your home, it also happens to be a major energy waster. By nature, fireplaces, including yours, is not efficient as they pull out warm air out of the room and send a huge portion of valuable heat out of the chimney. Therefore, when temperatures significantly drop, your fireplace uses up more energy than it makes, which in turn increases your monthly heating bills. So to make your fireplace efficient, consider fitting it with an insert.

An fireplace insert is a fireproof box surrounded by cast iron or steel and an insulated glass front. The surrounding cast iron or steel traps the heat and keep it in the room, thereby making an open fireplace draft-proof. Although an insert may be expensive upfront, it is actually a good investment as it pays for itself for the long term by significantly reducing the cost of your heating bills.

Tile the hearth and surround

The mantel on your fireplace does the job at keeping it aesthetically pleasing. However, the hearth and surround are also prime spaces that offer you a lot of creative opportunities to further increase the visual prowess of your fire feature. One of the best ways to dress up the buffer between your fireplace and flooring as well as its surround is to cover them with colorful tiles.

There are numerous masonry products from which you could choose from to jazz up your hearth and surround. Some are decorative while others are more formal looking. Just make sure that you pick something that can withstand heat and possible log drops every now and then. The great thing about tiling a hearth and surround is that you can change up the entire look of your fireplace within a week or two. Nonetheless, the tiles will also make it easier for you to clean up your fireplace, since they are stain-resistant.

The article above was contributed by one of the writers of We Do Boxes <http://www.wedoboxes.co.uk/>, a company based in the UK that supplies high quality cardboard packing and moving boxes at affordable rates.

Top YouTube Videos on Decorating Your Fireplace

Fireplaces are well known for the comfort, warmth, and relaxation that they bring to a home. They serve as the center around which a family can gather, a common space aside from the ever-present television. Fireplaces can also double as display spaces: mantels are commonly home to pictures of loved ones and often serve as canvases for holiday decorations. Here are a few YouTube videos that show some ways to get creative with fireplace decoration.

1. How to Decorate a Fireplace Mantel for Fall

With summer winding down and fall just around the corner, the time for a change in decoration is coming. This video contains some helpful tips on decorating the fireplace for autumn.

• Use natural elements that give the feeling of the fall season: pumpkins, gourds, warm colors, and berries.
• Use candles for extra color and added ambience.
• Antique books create visual interest, an aged feel, and a nice aesthetic. They can also be used to add height.

There are other videos to keep your fireplace looking great year-round: winter, spring, and summer.

2. How to Decorate an Unused Fireplace

A lot of homes have fireplaces, but not everyone makes full use of them. If you don’t regularly hold fires, you can still make your fireplace a focal point:

• Use your empty fireplace as a display case.
• Use wood, river rocks, and dried flowers for a natural, rustic look.
• Use candles and a mirror to mimic the ambience of a fireplace fire.
• Fireplaces work as a great frame for plants, boxes, and books.

3. Decorate Your Mantel

This video has some general tips for decorating mantels, particularly the best ways to use a mirror as part of an attractive display.

• Make sure that the mirror isn’t reflecting anything unsightly or distracting.
• Add other elements to balance the display.
• Use plants to bridge the gaps between objects.

With these techniques, you can make your fireplace a unique and attractive focal point and comfortable gathering space in your home, even when a fire isn’t burning.

Author Bio:

YTD is a producer of free software that allows you to convert videos into the format that works best for you. So if you are trying to download vacation videos to your iphone, ipad, or other video devices, YTD’s software can take the headache out of video formatting.