Helen Glenn Court writes that "One of the most powerful interior design tools at your fingertips are the mantel decorations of your fireplace...The fireplace remains the focal point of the home, no matter the overall design, furniture style, upholstery, or window treatments. It is by far the strongest voice in house design."
Grace at Design Sponge is one of my favorite design bloggers. I get a new idea or resource every day from her posts. I was delighted to see today's topic of mantel-scapes, which inspired me to bring you some additional and creative ways to present your fireplaces and facings in your design centers.
A fireplace mantel is a decorative surface that you can decorate in either a symmetrical or asymmetrical manner. Symmetrical, balanced decorating gives the fireplace a formal and elegant look, whereas using asymmetrical placement creates an informal, artful and creative air. You can achieve an asymmetrical look for your fireplace mantel by grouping odd-numbered objects in different sizes and even color. Maintain some balance in the asymmetrical decoration in order to create the best effect.
You will find a link to Design Sponge on my 'links' list. Design*Sponge is a daily website dedicated to home and product design run by Brooklyn-based writer, Grace Bonney. Design*Sponge features store and product reviews, sale and contest announcements, new designer profiles, trend forecasting and store/studio tours. In addition, Design*Sponge features a unique section dedicated to covering student design, national and international design shows.
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The Design Minds at Hearth and Home Blog is geared to support design center staff and the new construction industry in selling options and upgrades to the new home consumer. Subscribe for updates. Contact Krisann Parker-Brown for merchandising or marketing support of your design center. She will be happy to work with you on your assortment and presentation to ensure you are on track for the upcoming decor trends.
Krisann Parker-Brown is the merchandising manager for Hearth and Home Technologies, the leading manufacturer and retailer of fireplaces and hearth systems. Krisann supports design centers and new construction builders in presenting Heat & Glo, Heatilator and Quadra-Fire hearth systems, and consulting on design center merchandising, point of sale and the consumer experience. Contact her at brownkr@hearthnhome.com or 952-985-6537
