As leaves change colour and the days get shorter, we look indoors to the alluring warmth of the fireplace.
“We wanted to introduce something both timeless and rugged to match the rest of the home’s interior,” says Alvarez. “Mimicking the raw, natural textures found within the West Coast, we loved its industrial feel.”
“There’s something inherent that draws humans to fire,” says Maria Alvarez, senior designer at Jenny Martin Design. “A gathering spot for family and friends, fire strengthens connection and sense of community. There’s something special about sitting by the fire after a long day, and this is something that has been prominent since its discovery.”
Fireplaces can be a design focal point and greatly influence its surroundings. It’s important to consider scale.
“You want everything to look balanced, symmetrical and proportionate to the space,” she says. “The material surrounding the fireplace must also be able to handle a substantial amount of heat, depending on your fireplace output.”
The fireplace pictured here is constructed using locally sourced, sustainable stone from Vancouver Island and accented with custom millwork to display the homeowner’s collection of books and décor.
“Mantle and fireplace surrounds can be an exciting opportunity to set the tone for the rest of the home’s interior and can be a creative outlet to show off a unique design element or material,” she says.
And after a walk on a crisp fall afternoon, drawing up to the fire with a book sets the tone
for a relaxing evening at home.