A Palm Beach residence, designed by Les Ensembliers Studios, integrates a Buddha statue in the firebox, which serves to complement the other Asian-inspired decorative accessories in the living room.
Photo Source: cdn.designrulz.com via Pinterest
A fireplace has always been, and will always be, the focal point for any room.
With the summer months upon us in New England, our wardrobes are now changing, an abundance of sunlight is beginning to grace our rooms, sealed windows are sprung open for fresh air, and the whisper of spring cleaning calls to us (in a very faint voice, that is!). Spring is also a brilliant time to take notice of spaces that have been overlooked or ignored; the discounted areas that could use some sprucing up, too!
Case in point: while I was admiring how the lilac arrangement on our master bedroom mantelpiece complimented the floral design on Mummy’s Meissen vase, I suddenly noticed a neglected space that I have overlooked as if it were invisible! The dark, blackened firebox space under the mantel appeared forlorn, begging for attention. (The “firebox” is the space where the fire is actually built.) Other than the brass andirons, fire tools, and fender, it pleaded… dress me up! During the summer months, or when a fireplace is unused or non-working, the firebox space is another piece of unused real estate (space) available to decorate.
How to make a firebox more visually appealing? Of course, there is the traditional decorative brass or glass firescreen, which can be a permanent decorative cover for your firebox, but try to think outside of the box for something more unique. Go shopping in your house, go antiquing, or go to an auction and get creative!
I went looking around Fox Hall and spied a rather large Spode blue and white porcelain pitcher. I thought… what if I placed a fairly large leafy plant in it, or better yet, surrounded it with a medley of other blue and white tall vases? The space would surely be more attractive. But then I passed by a 4-panel Asian screen made up of gilded temple carvings, which Mummy had designed for a wall when we lived in Taiwan. I scurried down from the Ballroom with it. When I placed it in front of the firebox, I loved how it melded well with the overall design aesthetics of the room. Voila, one “firebox dressing-up” was completed!
In our master bedroom at Fox Hall, c.1803, the firebox now has a newly appointed accessory. My husband is a voracious reader, hence stacks of books flourish and multiply on every surface. The portrait was done in Taipei, Taiwan, by Herbert Fung when I was 10, along with my Pekingese puppy, Mischief. I think he forgot that I had blondish hair, but he did transform my ‘Best & Company’ smocked dress from green plaid into the soft blue that Mummy requested!
Here is a sampling of more items that may inspire you to enhance your firebox with a creative composition, either for the summer season or long term:
~a sculpture
~a large plant or a medley of plants (orchids tend to survive in the shade)
~a collection of porcelains in various heights and sizes
~a decorative folded-paper fan (remember those in the ’80s and ‘90s?)
~a medley of candles or candlesticks
~a Chinese paneled screen
~a needlepoint or antique embroidered firescreen
~a Chinese ceramic garden stool
~a ceramic animal or pair of large Foo Dogs
~a stack of large coffee table books on a stand
~a large decorative tray on a stand
~ a punchbowl, soup tureen, or large copper pot filled with a plant
Well, I doubt my Miss Zsa Zsa would choose this space as a luxurious retreat choice, but an unused firebox can indeed, as shown here, become a distinctive doggie den!
Photo source: reliable-remodeler.com
Grandmillennial Tip:
Scully and Scully has a very clever collection of decorative firebox Trompe l'oeil options that are darling, especially for a summer house! I was given the fox for our carriage house, Little Fox, and adore him! Look at the Lily of the Valley, the leopards, the King Charles Spaniel, and the orange topiary tree... endless options. These will add a touch of whimsy to your fireplace!
Forbidden Faux Pas:
No-no: To keep those dated, pull “black mesh-chain curtains.” These were once a standard fixture that was attached to the face of the firebox to protect embers from jumping out of the firebox into the room. Remove the two mesh curtains and use an attractive firescreen instead.
One more thing….
Thank you for your thoughtful responses to my last inquiry about what topics you enjoy most about MMM. Looks like interviews lost out. Interior design, fashion, and manners won hands down!
Here is another question for you: ideas on how to inspire even more international subscribers? Please, let me know: Holly@hollyholden.com.
XX Holly
subscribe to MMM today!
Please join me on Instagram for daily inspiration.