Fireplaces

It’s that time of year again, and nothing makes you feel more comfortable than to sit near a warm cosy fire on a cold winter’s day. With modern technology, there is now nowhere in the house where a fireplace can’t be built and although essentially their purpose is to warm up a space, they are also an important interior design element that will bring real design appeal to your home. 

Whether it’s your living room, family room, dining room, kitchen or bedroom, the fireplace is the focal point.  It provides a beautiful ambiance and instantly infuses character and charm into the room, whilst giving the space its personality.

Fireplaces come in many shapes and sizes and how they are finished can make all the difference on how a room comes together, thus reflecting your style. 

Traditional fireplaces are mainly built from stone and brick and are usually situated against the wall. Contemporary fireplaces, however, are now being built with various types of materials such as marble and glass, placed against the wall, suspended from the ceiling, internally positioned between a dividing wall or situated in the centre of the room. This look of the modern fireplace is neat and clean with sleek lines and smooth finishing's, best suited in contemporary spacious interiors.

Whether you choose to have a fireplace that is cutting edge or stay with tradition, gathering by the hearth remains one of the season’s most elemental pleasures and nothing quite captures your attention in a room like a roaring fireplace.

African Influences

African design styles and influences are commonly used in holiday homes, villas and hotel rooms across the world.  This year the trend has been showcasing closer to home, as designers take advantage of this distinctive trend which lends spark and character, exotic yet sophisticated look that can be applied to any modern residence. 

Animal imitations, geometric shapes, tribal masks, crafted dark wood and graffiti are just a few of many different elements that can be incorporated into an interior to give it the African feel.  Bold colours and patterns play a big part in this culture and also hold symbolic meanings.  Although this philosophy has been somewhat diluted over time, the use of mixed motifs and textures in a design can bring feelings of peace and harmony along with a natural rustic ambiance.

Enhancing your home with influences and natural elements of African design, whether a single item to a full on safari look, combines comfort, style and culture to create a dramatic interior.