During the winter it's all about staying warm. In fact, there is nothing that feels quite as good as getting warm and toasty next to the fireplace. But when the temperatures in Atlanta rise, the last thing you want to think about is a cozy fire.
The key to keeping a fireplace the focal point in the warmer months is all about getting creative. Here are some ideas for decorating your fireplace and making this part of the room a centerpiece for spring and summer entertaining.
Marcia Tantum, owner of Marcia Tantum Interiors in Atlanta, suggested several ways to create a lovely warm weather space beginning with the addition of glass fireplace crystals placed inside the fireplace to open the fireplace floor. Then stack the logs in a grate on top. The crystals are available in different colors from Builders Specialty on Miami Circle.
Tantum also recommended selecting a rectangular stone pot and filling it with potting soil. Add a low-maintenance plant like the Sansevieria that you only have to water about once a month. The pots can be found at Pottery Barn, wayfair.com and Pike Nurseries; the Sansevieria plant can be found at Pike Nurseries.
Atlanta-based Ace Hardware design expert Katie Reynolds said to take away heavy mirrors and artwork from the fireplace area and replace with bold colors. Paint four small canvases (try 11 x 14) each in a bright summery color. Reynolds suggested colors from Clark + Kensington's hot colors for summer 2016 such as Fun Days 31C-5, Barbados Blue 34C-2 and Do You Lilac It? NL829. Hang the canvases over the fireplace for a pop of summer. The canvases can be found at various Ace Hardware stores.
Paint a collection of vintage urns and vases in several shades of the same color, such as peachy pinks. For paint colors that pop try Clark + Kensington summer trends like Orchard Street 10C-4, and set the urns and vases along the mantle against a freshly white painted fireplace for a collection that will really pop. Try Kudzu Antiques for unusual vase and urn finds.
Tantum also said to cover the fireplace opening with a Tree of Life fire screen door. The screen should rest on the exterior of the opening and sit on the hearth. You can find the screen at Plow and Hearth's online store. You can also take away the logs from the fireplace and fill the firebox interior with large boxwood balls and succulents. Check out The Heaney Company pop up shop in Sandy Springs for great quality faux boxwoods.
Reynolds suggested shiplap over an old brick fireplace giving a modern farmhouse vibe with a summery coastal feel. Finish with a fresh coat of white like Clark + Kensington Chalk for instant beachy style from Ace Hardware.
Switch out heavy holiday scented candles around the fireplace mantle using new scents such as fresh gardenia, grapefruit and beach inspired fragrances. You can also use a collection of candles inside the firebox for a fresh look with candles from a local Yankee Candle.
By alternating the décor of your fireplace each season, you will have a unique living space all year long.
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