Fireplace

With the welcoming of cool fall days and the anticipation of cold winter nights ahead, today’s subject is the fireplace.  Even if you have central heating, the fireplace of any room is that room’s focal point and the place that first catches the eye when you walk in.  It also usually sets the tone, scale and style of the room.  The mantle itself is usually the most important element; however, this is usually supported visually and functionally by andirons, a cast iron fire back, fire tools, wood box, etc.  The mantle itself can be a veritable “altar” of Bon Gout!  Candlesticks, books, vases of flowers, a clock or small personal items all can find there way into a delightful composition.  Over the mantle is always an important place, usually calling for a large mirror, an oil painting or even a large scale engraving like an Audubon bird print.