SNOWDAY!
Although for me it doesn’t matter- I can work from anywhere. But one thing I am glad to have is a fireplace to work by. Even if it is a kinda crappy gas version. I’ve never owned a home without some sort of fireplace and I really can’t imagine I ever will. I am such a freak about “ambiance” (ask anyone who has ever been out to dinner with me- the food could be stellar, but if the place has no spirit, soul or interesting design it just doesn’t taste as good to me). My super dream home will have a fireplace in nearly every room- living room, kitchen, dining room, master bed AND master bath! So here are some fireplace inspirations that get all hot and bothered (hardy har har- I’m so clever). Traditional, modern, indoors or out I do not discriminate when it comes to fireplaces.
And what am I reading by my little fire? Just the best new young adult trilogy. I like to read highbrow literature and then immediately after rot my brain with teen supernatural dramas. This one is like Twilight + Mad Max + Lost + Lord of the Flies. I am engrossed.
oh, my house back in good ole medfield, mass must be so pretty with the snow! seriously though, could anything be cozier than a kitchen fireplace?
GASP! THAT TURQUOISE FIREPLACE IS INSANE!
Oh I think I recognized Ina’s kitchen/barn! My dream.
I share that dream as well. We have a fireplace in our living room and my husband and I have set up every comforter and pillow in our house to sleep while the fire is blazing. On nights when we have the fire going, I really want a pullout couch!
I LOVE those fireplaces. My husband and I are moving to Richmond from my hometown of Austin, TX :( BUT one of the perks I have found that every home we are looking at least 2 or even 3 fireplaces! Love it! Also, I just finished the Hunger Games Triology and I loved it!! So Lord of the Flies meets Big Brother/1984 meets Twilight! Couldn’t have said it better myself!
I’m all about ambiance, too. Unfortunately, out here in California, you pretty much can’t have a wood-fired fireplace anymore because of state laws. There are so many “spare the air” days where it’s against the law to have a fire that most folks (us included) have converted their traditional fireplaces to gas-fired. The “ambiance” is still there, but it lacks the real “crackle”, smell, and warmth of a real fire.
I also have a crappy gas fireplace which happens to be broken this year. I haven’t been enjoying winter nearly as much as a result of the loss of ambiance, it really does create a cozy feel. Also, I loved the Hunger Games (maybe even more than Twilight), I hope you enjoy it as much as I did : ) Happy Hump Day! -Amber
One of my absolute favorite things about growing up in a late 19th century farmhouse was that we had fireplaces in every room of the house (except the bathrooms because they were added on when indoor plumbing was installed much later.) There’s something just so cozy and homey about having a fire roaring on a crisp day.
I agree about a restaurant’s atmosphere. If there’s no soul, I don’t want to eat there…I wish my apartment had a fireplace. Would have come in handy a couple days ago when it was freaking FREEZING.
Erin,
That trilogy was soooo nothing I’d be interested in but I picked up the 1st one per the recommendation of a 14 year old and then my husband and I both read all 3 in less than a week. Bizarroooooo but soooooo interesting. Be very curious to your thoughts when you finish. On another note, I have gotten addicted to memoirs. I love to see how people come through great misfortune, strife, etc. and how they cope. Pick up “Breaking Night” by Liz Murray. Soooooo inspiring. We’ve been “snowed in” In Atlanta for 3 days so I’ve been reading fast and furiously.
Yes, it’s best to follow up a super smart book with slightly trashy reads. You gotta have balance. Although I haven’t heard of this trilogy. So excited to check it out!
Love the room with the blue velvet monogram pillows!
I’ve heard amazing things about the Hunger Games – It’s on my list to read (it’s next). If only I had one of these fireplaces…
Personally, I’d like to hear more about this “highbrow literature” rather than the teenybopper novels. I would find that much more inspiring to read about.
Wonderul snow days…it could snow all day long if I could stay in any of those rooms :)
Jeanne xx
Your fireplace pics made us feel cozy beneath all of this snow! And we are soooo looking forward to reading that trilogy; thanks for the introduction!
A fireplace really does make a home! There is such a warmth and comfort in lighting a fire. I loved the use of the one in that kitchen! What a great look. Thanks for the inspiration.
The Hunger Games trilogy is AMAZING, love it!!!! Team Peeta:)
I’m obsessed with The Hunger Games! It’s so insanely good, you know they are making it into a movie, right? Lionsgate is doing it … no cast announcements yet though. I’m so jealous of your cozy day … I wish I could be cuddled up by my fireplace, I just redid it a few months ago – Look! http://theitgirlproject.com/2010/10/04/diy-crafty-chevron-wallpaper/
I love a great fireplace! I’m still trying to figure out how to use one and keep a toddler from getting to close. I also love the Hunger Games! So good. If you love to indulge in some teen supernatural drama then you’ll have to read the City of Bones trilogy.
I just finished the Hunger Games trilogy and loved it! Couldn’t put it down. I didn’t have a wonderful fireplace to read it by, but enjoyed reading while taking a nice hot bath in a really deep old fashioned tub.
Great spaces…we could even use those fires here in Miami tonight!! xoxo
These snow days has certainly made turning on the fireplace well worth it. Nothing like a good fireplace and a dog to boot.
Mr. Goodwill Hunting
I’m all about ambiance, too! Couldn’t agree more about things just tasting better if the place has a great vibe. And, now I’m feeling guilty b/c I’m working by the fireplace, but too lazy to get it going before I have to turn around and head for bed. Tomorrow, I will light my own fire (both figurtively and literally)!!
xo Elizabeth
Brrrrrr. A warm cozy fire sure sounds good right now! These pictures provided some great ideas for decorating my fireplace mantle. I’m always at a loss on what to put there.
Love a fireplace so much! Our condo doesn’t have one but our next place will have one– for sure.
I have a 12yo daughter so read the teeny-bopper lit in order to stay somewhat relevant with her. I loved the Hunger Games and can’t wait to read the next two books in the series. Bring on a snow day!
Thanks for some great fireplace inspiration. We have a purely functional fireplace right now – nothing to write home about – but I am looking to make some changes in the next few years. The modern divider wall separating two rooms is sort of what I want to do (minus the charred wall look), and thanks to you I have a great picture to show hubby.
What a great collection of fireplaces. I could get cozy by them all!
i just finished that series!!! so good. but also very embarrassing to be seen reading out in public!
[...] From account executive Kathy Condrey: “What a great collection of fireplaces. I could get cozy by them all!” (“Baby It’s Cold Outside” from Elements of Style) [...]
Loved seeing these warm fireplace pictures…I have two fireplaces in my current house, but we rarely turn them on (they are gas). They just don’t seem real as a wood burning fireplace!
I got my daughter that series for Christmas – maybe I will need to ‘borrow’ them from her! I always enjoy a good sophisticated teen series.
The Hunger Games books were fabulous. I couldn’t put them down!!!
[...] Fireplaces are often the focus of a room’s design, but they also have strong emotional appeal. They make us think of warm cozy hours inside with family and friends. Elements of Style brings a nostalgic tour of beautiful fireplaces. Get some warm winter design inspiration with Baby It’s Cold Outside. [...]