Consider a corner fireplace as an architectural component that challenges furniture configurations, not as an awkwardly positioned architectural item. Accept the angle as a smart design element that adds edgy character to any environment.
A Timeless Transition
The fluted wood pilasters, molding, and ornate wood appliqués placed to the face of the traditional-looking electric corner fireplace surround give it a highly classic appearance. Despite all of these classic components, the space has a contemporary air to it.
Modernize A Traditional Room
When it comes to placing a conventional style electric fireplace in the corner of the room, you have numerous possibilities. The term “installing” is used loosely here because all you have to do is put the fireplace together and connect it into a conventional wall socket. Other improvements include:
- Refresh the walls with a contemporary neutral like “greige,” a warm combination of beige and gray that looks great against a white or ivory fireplace surround.
- Paint all of the trim, molding, and walls the same color. Install hardwood flooring in rich charcoal or black tones.
- Traditional draperies can be used from floor to ceiling. Layer sheer panels within ornate valances and heavier outer curtain panels with double curtain rods. Instead of a classic floral or toile design, use an abstract print on the valance and curtain panels.
- Display photographs in a gleaming chrome frame on the mantle.
- Place a white pillar candle on a gunmetal-finished carved wooden candlestick.
- To complement the surround’s traditional fluted legs, add some fluted white glass or ceramic vases. To put over the fireplace, place an abstract or modern Art poster within a classic frame.
A Natural Center Of Attention
With its beautiful giraffe sculpture standing front and center on the mantle, this minimalist design corner fireplace immediately grabs the eye. It reads as an ideal area to relax quietly with a good book or to have an intimate talk with a close friend, influenced by the tranquil grandeur of natural settings.
Woven grass floor cushions add a lush, earthy texture that complements the mantle’s natural wood grain and tones. Twigs form a rustic iron tool stand on the left side of the fireplace, and a bundle of twisted twigs forms an intriguing accent in an odd sponge-like vase on the right.
This fireplace sleek, smooth finishes on natural wood and stone, as well as the soft, neutral color palette, give it a clean, contemporary aspect; trademarks of minimalist style decoration aimed at expressing elegance.
Natural Improvements
Install 12-inch square parquet wood tiles on the diagonal from the room’s corner for the flooring. Consider installing some wood ceiling beams or, if feasible, a skylight to brighten the space with natural light and provide the illusion of being outside.
But be careful not to overdo it. Too much extra décor will distract from and diminish the effect of the centerpiece. Maintain a basic, natural, and uncluttered appearance.
- Include floor cushions, ottomans, or a rug made of natural grasses like Sisal or jute.
- Hang a few natural landscape photos on the wall nearby, and pair a rustic iron stand housing fireplace items with a big urn or vase filled with twisted twigs or dried reeds.
- Choose a focal point sculpture for the mantle, such as a giraffe, elephant, towering crane, or a horse, bear, or huge cat in an action posture, standing on its hind legs to accentuate height.
- Smaller figurines, pebbles, and natural materials can be used to fill up space along the mantle.
A Place For Casual Conversation
Although the design is more intricate, this corner fireplace nevertheless appears warm and welcoming. Built-in recessed soffit lights serve to showcase beautiful accent wall elements and shelf art while keeping shadows at bay. This area’s excellent lighting suggests a tiered strategy that would incorporate the above pendants to brighten the entire space.
Vintage objets d’art are casually arranged on the ornate shelf and built-in cabinetry surrounds the fireplace, giving the area a distinct eclectic appeal. An all-neutral color scheme of brown, beige, and cream is given visual interest by a fantastic blend of rough and soft textures. A bench sitting near the coffee table provides a warmer area by the fire. The fireplace and the TV serve as twin focal points, thus brick wall panels help define the space.
It Must Be Recreated
To get this effect, elevate the firebox of a corner fireplace with built-in, bench-style cabinetry that wraps around the corner and extends several feet on both walls. Include a top shelf that wraps around the fireplace with mantel and extends outward. Build or have a custom-crafted wooden fireplace mantel and surround created.
On the woodwork, use a blend of dark and light stains, as well as rough and smooth finishes. The different textures and color contrast will contribute to the creation of depth and visual intrigue. Here are some more pointers:
- Cover the wall between the bench cabinets and the top shelf with these Travertino ceramic tiles, which have a stone-like texture and look like wood.
- Finish the remaining wall space above the shelf with fake brick paneling created from thin slices of genuine brick.
- Install directional recessed ceiling lights or track lighting to draw attention to the varied textures and depth generated along the walls. Include standard lighting fixtures as well as lamps or cove lights for accent lighting.
- Decorate the bookcases and walls surrounding the fireplace with finds from thrift stores, flea markets, specialized boutiques, or yard sales. Objects collected from several eras provide an air of authenticity, much as souvenirs amassed through time from trip excursions.
The Kiva Corner
The kiva fireplace is one of the greatest designs for a corner. This feature, sometimes known as a beehive fireplace, is most typically found in Southwestern and Adobe-style homes. The fireplace is often built from the same Adobe clay material that was used to build the home’s walls.
A kiva fireplace had to be erected by a mason on a strong, ground-level foundation in the past to maintain its great weight. They may now be constructed from prefabricated kits that include an arched or square firebox linked to a metal chimney pipe. The typical beehive form that surrounds these components is built of stucco or plaster-covered metal mesh lath façade. This revolutionary lightweight design allows for the installation of a kiva fireplace in a second-story room.
The kiva fireplace in this example mixes in with the surrounding architecture because the material covering it extends along the surrounding walls. It is a sculptural, outstanding architectural element that is accentuated with a few primitive, museum-like art items. However, if you look closely, you’ll notice that these accents aren’t at all Southwestern.
Give A Kiva A Modern Makeover
Although the origins of this fireplace design may be traced back to the Pueblo Indian tribes of the southwestern United States, no design regulations are stating that it must be installed in a Southwestern style home or that it must be decorated with Native American décor.
Decorate the fireplace with a few carefully chosen works of handcrafted art. This feature’s earthenware design incorporates ceramic vases, sculptures, plates, or pottery. Handwoven baskets or items carved from stone or wood go nicely in with the old style of a kiva; consider African or Pacific Islander for an interesting variation. A hand-crafted iron fireplace screen gives a unique, rustic touch.
