| A boring fireplace design is not something that is | | | | circumstances, there are things you must do to the |
| attractive to say the least. And with all of the cool | | | | firebox so the floor doesn't get burned. You can |
| options and styles you have to choose from these | | | | dress your fireplace up with different hearths. |
| days, it never needs to look that way. There is no | | | | If you are on a budget, this is where you can really |
| reason not to take control of the feel of your home | | | | stretch your dollar to design something that looks |
| by honing in on that perfect fireplace design idea. | | | | beautiful but is inexpensive. |
| To truly unlock the potential in any fireplace, you | | | | The firebox itself is pretty straightforward, and like |
| have to know some common design fundamentals. | | | | the hearth, generally is designed in relation to the |
| These deal with three things -- the hearth, the | | | | floor. Also, the size of the firebox should be taken |
| opening and the firebox. Additionally, you have to | | | | into consideration. |
| take into consideration how these three elements will | | | | While most design ideas incorporate a rectangular |
| tie into the room in which the fireplace rests. | | | | fireplace opening, it doesn't mean that you have to. |
| So first, let's discuss some terms. The hearth is the | | | | For example, you can flare out the opening; you can |
| outside of the fireplace, generally speaking. The | | | | even flare it inward, toward the fireplace. |
| firebox itself is where the fire is burned and | | | | Or perhaps you'd like to arch the top to match other |
| contained. The opening is the shape of the opening | | | | design elements in the room. Or maybe you'd like to |
| of the box. Generally it will be a rectangular opening. | | | | try something unique and create a fireplace opening |
| When contemplating different design ideas, start with | | | | that has no straight lines at all, but is one long curve. |
| the hearth. You should consider different positional | | | | The most likely place you'll see these opening are in |
| placing for the hearth. You can have it rest on the | | | | homes that have a southwest theme. |
| floor. Or you can suspend it so it is above the floor. | | | | Remember that each of these elements will affect all |
| The final option is to sink it, so it rests lower than | | | | other elements, and also will influence the feel of the |
| the floor. | | | | room. Keep this in mind when considering different |
| There is also the occasional fireplace design idea that | | | | fireplace design ideas. |
| does not incorporate a hearth at all. In these special | | | | |