Since the mantel and facing of your fireplace is to be a decorative attraction, you can use imagination and ingenuity freely in choosing the right fireplace design idea. The only limitation is that it retain eye-pleasing harmony with the architecture and furnishings of your home. You'll be happier with the results if it does, for a beautiful fireplace in one set­ting can be a monstrosity in another.

modern or traditional?

Fireplace designs range from the ornate traditional to the severely modern. However, the "in-between" styles of simplicity and originality have the widest popular appeal. Two present-day trends in fireplace design are. first, toward more friendly charm and less rigid formality, and second, toward extreme simplicity, or an almost barren modernity.

your fireplace decision

In making your decision on a fireplace design idea, the first step is to compare some existing fireplaces with your ideas on the subject. Many examples of different designs are illustrated in this book . . . perhaps one will appeal to you or suggest the basis for an individual style to match the other design features of your home.

George Fred Keck, Architect

William Alexander, Architect

Schweikher & Elting, Architects

your fireplace can radiate both charm and cheer

Are You Ready To Move Onto The Next Lesson? Click Here