Fancy Fireplaces
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Local designer Malka Helft of Think Chic Interiors shares her favorite fireplaces, how to get the look, and what to consider when installing or redesigning one.
Good morning! Today is Tuesday, February 1, and you are reading today’s section of Examiner+, a digital newsmagazine serving Westchester, Putnam, and the surrounding Hudson Valley.
Whether you are installing a new fireplace in an existing home, adding one to a new build, or you are giving your current fireplace a facelift, every homeowner should ask themselves, “What makes a great fireplace?”
According to local designer Malka Helft of Think Chic Interiors, “A great fireplace is a conversation starter — meaning, it is a place people want to gather in front of, especially during the colder months, drink, talk, and connect. You want to create a warm and inviting feel but also connect the fireplace to the rest of the home in a congruous way.”
The design of a fireplace is as personal as whether you want a wood-burning one or a gas fireplace. Some mistakes that homeowners can make according to Helft are:
Making the fireplace too much of its own design statement
Not considering the material you use
Not considering its function
Putting a fireplace where it does not belong or fit
Not thinking about storage for the fireplace tools and wood if wood burning
She adds that making the fireplace too much of its own design element can be tempting, but warns not to do it. “This can be tempting, especially with larger homes, but ultimately you want the fireplace to work within the context of your home and not overshadow the rest of the room,” she says. “There are lots of ways to make an impact without creating something too over the top dramatic.”
And fireplaces do not belong in every room or all rooms. Helft says she loves a good fireplace in a living room or a primary bedroom. “These spaces are about creating an intimate room, and a fireplace can aid in that endeavor. I would encourage staying away from the kitchen/dining area, and of course kids’ bedrooms, for obvious safety reasons.”
When designing your fireplace you should also consider the materials for the slab and the hearth and how it will work within your home. Also, consider its function. “At the end of the day, a fireplace is meant to be used and enjoyed for warmth and coziness,” she says.
Furniture placement is another key ingredient to the success of your fireplace. Think about not only the pieces you choose but the placement for flow and for ultimate coziness when the fire is going. “How will your overall layout work with the fireplace location and position?” she says.
And finally, if you can, consider adding storage around the fireplace. Helft suggests either built-ins around the fireplace if room allows or a section alongside the fireplace to store wood and tools. Yes, it should be stylish, but it also needs to be as functional as possible so you get the most use out of your fireplace.
Jenn Andrlik is a freelance writer and editor who specializes in home design and architecture, and parenting. She is formerly the senior editor of Martha Stewart Living and executive editor of both Westchester Home and Westchester/Hudson Valley Weddings. She has worked for other titles, including House Beautiful and Parents. She has two children and lives with them, her husband, and beagle, Lucky, in East Norwalk, CT.
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