5 ways to transform your fireplace into a summer design element
By Jo-Ann Capelaci on Jun 20, 2017
Your fireplace is not just for winter anymore! Or at least it doesn’t have to be. Everyone loves a toasty fire on those chilly winter evenings, but when summer begins, your wintertime asset is no longer needed. In fact, it often acts as a blank vessel throughout the summer months. Read on for five fabulous tips to transform your fireplace into a summer design element!
1) Amplify with light
Via Battery operated string lights are great for brightening and accenting either the mantel or hearth. Use smaller scale lights for a whimsical effect. You can contain them inside different shaped glass vases, or scatter the stringed lights on a bed of lush greenery for an organic look!
Not a fan of string lights? Try grouping candles on your mantel for a romantic glow. Play around with the composition and different sizes. Customize the look even further by placing candles inside hurricane vases with sand, rocks, or your favourite pebble glass.
2) Bring the beach indoors
Via the thefrugalhomemaker.com
Nothing says ‘summertime’ quite like the beach! Bring the outdoors in with a nautical themed fireplace. Keep the theme chic by sticking to a more neutral colour palette. When choosing your preferred beachy accessories, think large scale items and in most configurations less is more.
Play with scale and place larger items alongside smaller pieces to maintain interest throughout the length of your mantel. Formality is not necessary with this fun summer look!
3) Add garden inspired foliage and décor
Via homegoods.com
Plants bring life and vibrancy to any space, so why not incorporate them into your summer fireplace revamp? Create a focal point by adding your most loved blooming plants to the mantel. Play with pops of colour or various textures by incorporating weaved or wicker pots.
4) Create a focal point using artwork
Via Any season is a great time to declutter and simplify. Remove smaller decorative pieces that have piled up throughout the winter and replace them with large-scale art pieces. Use summer inspired colours to liven up the composition. Try various happy schemes for a spontaneous, yet clutter-free summertime design.
5) Repaint your fireplace mantel
Are you desperate for a change, but not quite ready for a complete renovation? Try painting your fireplace and watch your entire domain transform! Fireplaces are the perfect focal point for any room. A fresh coat of your favourite dramatic accent colour will surely impress! Glam up and revitalize your current décor with a vibrant summer hue, or choose a more neutral palette if appropriate. Consider a bold statement such as a sunny yellow and then add accessory pieces of different values to tie the look together.
I hope these ideas have you fired up to transform your fireplace! For more inspiration, check out our Pinterest board.
Jo-Ann Capelaci is president and principal interior designer of Colours & Concepts Inc. The award winning company specializes in model homes and colour and upgrade selections for builders. They have been helping new home buyers choose finishes for their homes for over 20 years. Jo-Ann is dedicated to helping new home buyers create a model home feeling in their new home. Look for future articles on other topics to assist in decorating and designing your new home.
