As soon as cold weather sets in, people gravitate toward fireplaces like moths to flames. So make the fireplace a modern focal point to warm the room with this season’s hottest styles and newest ideas.
Fireplaces are big and anchored, requiring you to work with them and around them. By keeping in mind a few basic tenants from design guru Chris Kraig you will put a spark in and around the hearth.
Kraig is creative director of SUITE New York and founder of Chris Kraig Studio. His designs have appeared in numerous magazines and have graced the floor of many a showroom. In other words, this guy knows what works and what doesn’t. Take what you will and leave what you won’t, but pay attention: his little design gems are stars.
Rule 1: Don’t Overdo It
People stare at flames because not much competes with them. Don’t fight it. Instead, use objects around the fireplace and the room to accentuate and complement the flickering flames. Kraig suggests reflective elements such as glass, crystal and metal that the light will bounce off of. He even suggests placing candles in the room, it will draw the eye away from one source of heat to another.
Rule 2: Contemporary Can Be Cozy
Modern and contemporary designs are often accused of being cold, and there’s no place for that during the colder months. With Kraig’s advice and some spare basic pieces, you can create a contemporary room that’s warm and, dare we say, “cozy.”
Kraig says, “In terms of furnishings, even with a contemporary look, there can never be a wrong choice where comfort is involved. Coziness is key: if you keep your main elements such as chairs, tables and lighting on the underdesigned, rather than overdesigned side, then you are free to add as many creature comforts as you like, such as throws, books, candles. In the spring, edit out the wintery extras.”
Rule 3: Three is Key
To balance art and the fireplace, use sets of three. For instance, if the fireplace is considered one element, consider a great sculptural piece or a muted piece of art for above the firebox, and a set of sculptural fire tools or organic sculpture such as an African wood piece (or a Henry Moore, if you have it!).
Three Steps to Hot Fireplace Style
Design | Issue 5 — February and March 2009
Design | Issue 5 — February and March 2009
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