Tips for Maximizing a Fireplace in Your Home’s Design
 
By John Franke, The Art Institute of Pittsburgh

• The Mantle and Hearth
Nothing kills the mood of a relaxing evening like rushing around for supplies in the winter cold. Add a collection of things like candles, sparkling glass bowls filled orange-scented potpourri, fresh fruits, thick wool socks, fire-starters (long matches or stretch lighters) and back up firewood. These items will not only set a nice mood, but will become a recipe for relaxation.
 
• Wintertime Nesting
Adjust furniture groupings to be focused on the fireplace, rather than a television set. Add ottomans, foot stools or sturdy cocktail tables with pillows to rest your feet. For added winter warmth and a comfortable, cozy feeling deep, soft sofas and overscaled club chairs are suggested. Add fur or silk-lined suede lap blankets for an elegant winter feeling. Floor pillows by the fire will invite guests to linger near the flames.
 
• Fireside Foods
Before your guests arrive, prepare a tray of hot drinks and accessories. Items like hot chocolate, warm cider and European coffees can be paired with fresh cream, shaved chocolate curls, flavored sugars and liquors will personalize your favorite fireside treat. Piping hot bowls of lamb stew or chili topped with melted cheese and crusted chunks of sourdough bread create that wonderful sensation of après-ski or sled-riding, even for those who don’t venture outside. Quick tip: placing foods or beverages on a metal tray close to the hearth will help sustain food temperatures.
 
• Game Night
Make room for a gaming table near the hearth set with wing chairs for a long evening of lingering with desserts and liquors. Card games, chess or board games take on a whole new dimension when played in front of a cozy fireplace. Turn off the TV and enjoy your fireplace as a stage for ghost stories or family fables.
 
•  Lighting
Use only candles or oil lamps as mood lighting to enhance the cozy factor of the open fire. Low lit lamps as ambient lighting punched up with task lighting will also enhance the impact of the fire. As the evening progresses, routinely remove a light source.