Monday, May 9, 2011

New Mexico Stone Fireplace



During a trip to New Mexico this weekend, I had the pleasure of photographing this beautiful stone fireplace in a charming ranch home. I love the stone. You instantly feel warm and cozy, even when there is no fire.


The painting on the mantel is an impressionistic interpretation of the New Mexico countryside. If you have spent any time in this part of the country, you know that all colors of the rainbow can be seen in the landscapes. One of my favorite places to be.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Back Again!

Wow. What a month. I've been extremely busy this past month and unfortunately, haven't had 2 seconds to update. But I'm back and ready to post more wonderful ways to embellish your fireplaces. New post soon, I promise.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Modern Fireplace Beauty


As much as I love rustic, Old World fireplaces, I do love a clean, modern look as well. Just look at this beautiful room designed by Charles Glover Interiors, Scottsdale, Arizona.


The fireplace surround is simply elegant but all of the gorgeous artwork and furnishings just make you want to drool. Don't you love the painting of the Channel bottle.....fantastic! This room certainly has it's own personality like no other.


The fireplace material is GFRC precast concrete by Mesa Precast & Supply, LLC, Tempe, Arizona.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Sandblasted Cantera Fireplace


Cantera is extremely popular in the southwest, not only for fireplace surrounds but for all types of home embellishments. I thought this photo would be an interesting post as I don't see too much sandblasted cantera applications. Sandblasting really brings out the darker spots for old world charm especially with fire brick detail on the inside of the fire box and the beautiful iron.
Photo courtesy of Handcrafted Tile.


Sunday, February 27, 2011

Do You Have A Wonderful Fireplace?

If you have a beautiful fireplace and would like to send photos, please do so. I would love to see how you enjoy being around a fire. I would love to see how you embellish you fireplace mantels and surrounds.

Did you build your fireplace or was it already there? What drove your decision to use the materials that you used on your fireplace, i.e. brick, stone, precast concrete, wood, metal, tile.....list goes on and on?

A fireplace adds soul and great spirit to your home so share yours with us. You can send photos and text to embellishedfireplace@gmail.com.

Hope to hear from you soon!

Melanie

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Iron Firebowls


Sitting around a fire at night with friends and good conversation is a way that I like to spend time.

If you don't have an outdoor fireplace, fire bowls are a great way to add beauty to your space. The iron fire bowl pictured here was created by Acacia Metals. You can see their work at www.acaciacustommetals.com. You will see work on my site often. They create beautiful custom firescreens, fireplace doors....anything and everything.
Another site you will want to look is John T. Unger's.......http://www,johntunger,com. I was fascinated by his fire bowls as they look more like pieces of sculpture with fire coming out of the middle. Please visit his website and take a peek. I would love to hear what you think....share your thoughts.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Embellished by Nature


How could you ever imagine a simple stuccoed fireplace looking as inviting and spectacular as the one pictured here. Honestly, no additional embellishments needed. Love the lantern!
This beautiful setting is featured in this month's Cottage Style magazine. Photographer Reed Davis.