For years I treated my fireplace screen as a purely practical piece, something to keep sparks inside and otherwise ignore. Then one December I noticed it was the one part of the fireplace I never decorated, and it sat there looking plain while everything around it sparkled. Since then, I have learned how to make the screen part of the … Read more
When we bought our house, the corner fireplace was the feature that made me fall in love, and also the one that stumped me every December. It does not have a long, flat mantel like most fireplaces, so the usual advice never quite fit. After a few seasons of trial and error, I figured out how to make it feel … Read more
The first winter in my house, I stared at our red brick fireplace and wondered how to make it feel festive without hiding its charm. Brick has so much character already, but it can also look heavy and dark if you decorate it the wrong way. After a few seasons of experimenting, I have found what works. Here are the … Read more
Every year when the first box of decorations comes out of the attic, I head straight for the fireplace. My mantel has been through some awkward seasons, including a garland that drooped, a row of stockings that toppled, and a display so crowded you could not tell what anything was. Those flops taught me a lot. Here is what I … Read more
I have always believed the mantel is the heart of a home at Christmas. When I moved into my house, the fireplace was the first thing I wanted to dress up, and I made plenty of mistakes before I found a look I loved. Over the years I have tried bold colors, natural styles, and everything in between. Here are … Read more
Every December, my mantel turns into the heart of our living room. It took me a few seasons of trial and error to figure out what actually works, from lopsided garlands to a candle that nearly met a pine branch. Now I have a simple routine that looks full and cozy without feeling cluttered. Here is everything I have learned, … Read more
When my husband and I bought our 1920s farmhouse three years ago, the living room had a sad brick fireplace that someone had painted white in the 1980s. I knew immediately that I wanted to transform it into a stunning country stone fireplace that would become the heart of our home. After months of planning, selecting materials, and working with … Read more
When I decided to add an outdoor fireplace to my backyard last spring, I knew I wanted something with vintage character that would transport me back to the golden age of outdoor entertaining. I spent months hunting for the perfect retro design, learning about mid-century styles, and figuring out how to balance nostalgic aesthetics with modern safety and functionality. After … Read more
When I moved into my contemporary condo three years ago, I desperately wanted a fireplace, but faced a major obstacle: there was no chimney, and no feasible way to install one. After months of research and conversations with contractors, I discovered ventless gas fireplaces. I’ll admit I was skeptical at first, concerned about safety and whether they’d provide real heat … Read more
When I decided to restore my 1960s ranch house fireplace, I fell completely in love with retro tiles. The original ceramic squares had been covered over with bland beige paint sometime in the 80s, hiding gorgeous turquoise and burnt orange geometric patterns underneath. As I carefully removed layers of paint during my first test patch, I realized I’d stumbled onto … Read more