Winter Hibernation

Here we go again! Washington DC is under another snow blizzard, now a blanket of 20-30 inches. Days like this, I wish I had a fireplace in my house, where I could sit in front of a roaring fire. The idea seems magical and romantic.

Centuries ago, the fireplace used to be built from stone or brick, usually situated in the middle of the room, where it was used for heating and cooking. Later the fireplace was placed against a wall where the smoke could go upward to a chimney.

In the late eighteen century, the French designed occasional tables, which were built to be used near the fire. These tables had fire screens, which displayed needlework or textiles to protect the legs of whoever is sitting in front of the fireplace.

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Fireplaces come in different styles and sizes; each style brings its own character with it. It can be the focal point of any room, where the whole floor plan of the space will revolve around it.

Here are some of rooms with fireplace- each brings its own charm into the space. Which one is your favorite?

An old watchmaker's sign hung above the cross beam

A Mediterranean style custom -made mantel

A stone fireplace In a French chateaux

Photo 1 courtesy of House Beautiful, photography Dominique Vorillon
Photo 2 courtesy of House Beautiful, designer Mallory Marshall and James Light, photography William Walrdon
Photo 3 designer Brian Juhos, photography Andreas Von Einsiedel
Photo 4 courtesy of House Beautiful, photography Tim Street-Porter
Photo 5 The French Chateaux
Photo 6 photography Peter Jaquith