Fireplace anatomy is a complicated subject! So what, exactly, is a fireplace surround? It’s everything that makes up a fireplace’s exterior, including the mantel, hearth, moulding, and more. In terms of design, the fireplace surround is even more important than the actual firebox or wall insert. And your surround will be a significant part of your room design whether the...
“I say to myself that I shall try to make my life like an open fireplace, so that people may be warmed and cheered by it and so go out themselves to warm and cheer.” - George Matthew Adams Having a fireplace in your home is a blessing and a curse. It’s a blessing because it’s a natural focal point...
A wood burning stove exudes a magical warmth that can make you forget about the cares of life. But to safely enjoy your wood stove, it must include a properly designed hearth. What is a hearth? In simplest terms, it’s the surface immediately surrounding a fireplace or wood stove. Hearths are made from heat and fire resistant material such as...
“A room should never allow the eye to settle in one place.” - Juan Montoya An accent wall adds so much charm to your home, and a pallet wall is one of the most popular ways to achieve this. It provides an interesting focal point in any room and melds with many styles of home décor. Using reclaimed pallet wood...
From the classic cameo to the contemporary gallery wall, photos are an integral part of turning a house into a home. It’s never been easier or more affordable for the average person to take photos of their daily lives and most precious moments. Many of us have hundreds — if not thousands — of photos saved to our digital devices...
“For me, there's nothing better than curling up in my favorite blanket on a cloudy or rainy day and just knit. Especially in front of the fireplace.” - Magdalena Neuner Having a fireplace in your home gives it a warm and welcoming feeling. It’s the perfect place to gather around with friends and family to stay warm in the cold...
The dining room is one of the least used rooms in the modern home. This is partially because of a rising preference for multi-use spaces (today’s meals are often eaten in the kitchen or living room instead). If you’re like most homeowners, your dining room may only play a starring role during holidays and parties. Still, putting a little extra...
“A smile is the universal welcome.” - Max Eastman Add a welcome sign to your front porch and create a warm and welcoming front entrance. This increases the curb appeal of your home and gives your home some personality. You can also use a welcome sign to set the tone for an event you’re hosting. They are commonly used when...
We all know an RV owner who just throws a few extra pillows in their camper and calls it good. But with the rising popularity of road-tripping and van-living, RV interior design is a growing market. Most of the trends you use in your home can be translated to an RV. However, there are some special considerations you’ll want to...
“Family love is messy, clinging, and of an annoying and repetitive pattern, like bad wallpaper.” - P. J. O'Rourke Painting your walls makes them a color, which is nice, but also a bit plain. Take your room design up a notch by adding wallpaper to the walls. It’s a much easier way of adding a design or pattern to the...
