Nine micro case studies: Why these fireplaces are incredible and work so well design-wise

Toasty season is back! And as we start slowing down and hunker down inside against the cooling weather and shorter days--as always--fireplaces take on a renewed interest. Today we’re getting drunk on fireplaces. The format for this post is micro-case studies. I’ll look at some stunning fireplaces and see why they work so well in their setting. For each one, we’ll consider at context, scale, color/materiality, objects/story-telling. Plus, there´s a bonus track to listen to for each one.

#1 Tudor-inspired music room

Context: The space is a classical, Tudor-inspired home, but more open and airy. The simplicity of the lines in the space carry over to the fireplace. Being a music room, and actually dedicated solely to music, the quiet demeanor of the fireplace allows the senses to focus on sound.

Scale: The objects next to the fireplace and on the mantel don’t compete with it, but quietly complement it.

Color/Materiality: The plaster finish is a beautiful historic reference and contributes to the freshness of the space. It allows the fireplace to bring warmth while the music tells the story.

Objects/Story-telling: The delicate antique table and the candlesticks add warmth and gently remind us of the historical references expressed throughout the home. I can see myself sitting on that sofa with my glass of whiskey and discussing the nuances of Bach’s “Chaconne”. Let me know if you agree.

Photo: Anna Booth Interiors. As a Tudor-inspired home, this fresh, modern take on the classic architectural style gives us a fireplace that sits elegantly and quietly in the background.

This broader view explains more of the context of where the fireplace lives.

#2 Stripes, Substance and Folly

Context: It’s hard to tell what the home’s architecture is like in this case. But it seems to me that this is something that could be achieved in many homes, which is cool. Anyone can create a unique space with elements full of character. An extremely simple wooden surround painted with bold red and white stripes, plus the mustard wall color as a contrast is an amazing and simple way of making a statement.

Scale: The objects around the fireplace and on the mantel, are all very classical in proportions, thus keeping it from veering too quirky.

Color/Materiality: This is quite the statement, but it’s not tacky. The colors are strong but not loud, yet it still evokes a vaguely circus sort of image in the mind, making it just the right amount of fun.

Objects/Story-telling: The abundance and mix of objects on the mantel create a super relaxed energy. The mirror and the leather-bound books add a sense of tradition. In any case, this is a fun little place for the imagination and listening to Emir Kusturica’s Djinji Dinji Bubamara.

The home of Alice Palmer, English homeware designer

#3 Did you notice the giraffe?

Context: This is an interestingly calm and transitional space with a couple of really bold statements, one of which is the steel fireplace surround. How cool is that? 

Scale: The fireplace itself is low and wide. Yet it somehow seems to want to fade into the background, because the soft, dusty pink in the room is, in reality, the main character.

Color/Materiality: The juxtaposition of soft and cozy colors and materials against the stark steel fireplace surround are what make this space fresh and modern. I personally would not have used a cabinet with a steel top, because I find it too on point. But, otherwise, the contrast between the steel and the dusty rose is what makes the space work.

Objects/Story-telling: It seems to me that this is the result of a marriage between an adventurous man and a well-to-do lady. It’s her parlor but he also gets to use it. And we all know he loves hunting…. and bringing back his hunting trophies for display. The husband also likes modern rock and will be listening to Greta Van Fleet’s “Safari Song” but not really thinking about his hunting trips.

Interior design by Anne Sophie Pailleret

#4 Quietly Sophisticated

Context: In a quintessential Greenwich Village home, this library fireplace exudes a cool, calm masculine sophistication and, enveloped in quarter sawn white oak, it creates a beautifully quiet environment for reading, thinking, or one on one conversations.

Scale: Simple lines and classic proportions say it all. Not much to add.

Color/Materiality: The abundance of oak and only oak, plus a wool rug and upholstered chairs, is what make it such a lovely, simple space. Restraint is king here.

Objects/Story: This feels to me like it could have been designed any time between the late fifties and today. It’s a truly timeless place and is adorned with masterful restraint to let the inhabitants take the center stage. Obviously, jazz for this one. I’m giving you Keith Jarret’s “Country” from the album My Song, also my gateway to jazz love. For this one though I’d listen to all of his music in this library. Enjoy!

Design by Ashe Leandro

#5 One for all and all for one

Context: This is the Authors Lounge at Bloomsbury Publishing designed by Minnie Kemp, Kit Kemp’s daughter. The Kemps are known for their tasteful, color riot interior design, as well as a very original use of elements coming from anywhere and everywhere. Here, Kemp cleverly turned the fireplace into the entire focal point and backdrop, all in one. It is the object, the color, the décor, the art, and in essence the room itself, plus the books. Even the chairs and rug seem to flow out of that mural as a side comment. Most of us would be terrified to intervene on a classically built old library like this, but I think she got away with it!

Scale: The fireplace itself must have felt so much smaller before the paneling around it was painted. But now it seems like it expands into the whole space with bright and joyful confidence.

Color/Materiality: I love how there is a color theme here, established by the painted paneling and reinterpreted in stronger tones on the soft furnishings—chairs and rug. The darker colors on the chairs and rug ground a space that otherwise could feel like it’s about to float away.

Objects/Story: Who said libraries need to be stern and somber spaces? No better way to build a love for reading and triggering the imagination than creating a light filled space with a fantastical fireplace you cozy up to when outside it becomes grey. Take shelter on a rainy day and dream magical dreams with Emilio Piano’s “Maison” sung by Lucie. But put on your headphones so you won’t disturb your fellow library goers.

Authors Lounge at Bloomsbury Publishers headquarters in London. Design by Minnie Kemp

#6 The breather case study

Context: In a bedroom in a classic Victorian home, this fireplace and everything around it exudes classic elegance with no need to wave hands and jump around. It is the kind of design that can live essentially forever. Love it.

Scale: The proportions of the stone and the iron are beautifully classic. The objects on the mantel just add a touch, and the mirror quietly allows one to glance at one’s appearance before going into the world in the morning.

Color/Materiality: There’s definitely color here: tans, browns, faded teal, ivory, and the grounding black. The soft pattern on the wall and the jib doors allows the beautiful marble to shine.

Objects/Story: There’s something so comforting about a space that won’t need updating. I can see the different generations growing up coming to this country house, and returning every season for generations. A place to love. My music inspiration for this one is John Renbourn’s “Blues in A”, a beautiful piece that I can see seeping into the room at night.

Photo by Christopher Horwood. Joinery by Artichoke

#7 A Mosaic Feast

Context: Another music room fireplace, this time in an Art Nouveau house, Casa Navás. It’s an incredibly unique building—and fireplace. The whole house seems to be in an eternal state of feast. Interestingly, this fireplace sits in a semi-closed off area of the music room. If you’re ever in Tarragona, Spain, make sure to visit.

Scale: The firebox space is so small in comparison to the actual fireplace, but just about right for the little corner it’s created to warm.

Color/Materiality: I don’t think I need to say a lot as this piece speaks for itself.

Objects/Story: Contrary to the first fireplace of this list, which quietly allows people to focus on the music, this one, also in a music room, wants to sing even if tucked at the end of the space behind a glass partition. Joyful, feminine, and ornate, I love that you to have to seek it out, like a respectable lady. This one demands a well-matched theme, so you can listen to Manuel de Falla’s “Night in the Gardens of Spain”. I imagine hearing the music trickling in from behind the glass.

Fireplace in the music room at Casa Navás, Tarragona, Spain

This is the main view of the music room. The fireplace lives behind the sliding glass doors at the end.

#8 Steel Will

Context: In a NYC apartment designed by renowned French interior architect, Pierre Yovanovitch, this steel fireplace is the center and soul of the space. With its angular lines, larger volumes, and minimal detail, this contemporary fireplace sits in good company with Picasso's "Nature morte au pichet" (1937).

Scale: This fireplace is large in volume, which is what defines the room. It is mostly built around volumes: the fireplace, the ottomans, sofa, and armchairs. All occupy the space with confidence.

Color/Materiality: It’s interesting to see how the use of a similar-ish shape and the same material on a fireplace can translate to something so completely different. The fireplace in the room with the giraffe recedes to the back, while this one sits front and center. The juxtaposition of the steel with the stone trim is incredibly sophisticated too.

Objects/Story: If I had to imagine who lives here, it would definitely be someone who knows what is good, does not need to show off and walks in this world with confidence. It would be someone who appreciates quiet to think about things. My music for this space is Philip Glass’s “Facades” from his album Glassworks.

Design by the great Pierre Yovanovitch.

#9 Doing the beach thing right

Context: This is in Rudi’s Bar, Marbella Club, Spain designed by EMCI Studio. The context here is everything. Uber-sophisticated, colorful, and context-laden, this fireplace isn’t your granny’s crafts project.

Scale: The large fireplace is suited to the space it warms, large and generous. And though it’s impressive, it does not hog attention from the rest of the room.

Color/Materiality: I love the combined use of sea shells, star fish, and black marble. I honestly don’t know how many people would think to use seashells and black marble together. But then, taking a step back, the rest of the room further adds to the abundance of pattern and restraint in color.

Objects/Story: The ornate fireplace surround and its surroundings are definitely rooted in the Moorish- influenced culture of Andalucía where this restaurant and bar are located. It’s an eclectic mix of themes, colors and shapes, all evocative of the Andalusian hills, the lemon trees and the historical context of the place. Definitely, for this, I’m inspired to share “Andalusian Nights” by Govi.

Interior design by Marie Caroline Wilms.

Full view of the context at Rudi's Bar in Marbella, Spain.

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