Ikea Kitchen Information

Relaxing around the fireplace on a cold wintry evening is purely magical. The roaring blaze helps take the bite out of the room while creating a special atmosphere. For many years, fireplaces have supplied warmth and a place to cook as well. They have never lost their attraction and, in fact, have made substantial advances in popularity. During my five decades, their popularity has steadily traveled south though winters are stunted and summers are gargantuan. Though home heating technologies have (evolved over the years, fireplaces are still in vogue|Although the latest enhancements have been made in HVAC systems for our living spaces, fireplaces continue to be in fashion.

I suspect you"ll concede that with the advances in central heating and air, the reason for the fireplace has markedly changed. They are definitely not about simply warming your home. They are no longer used for preparing meals There has been no shortage of cook tops or ovens for years So why do we have this ever increasing affection for fireplaces? My spectulation is that fireplaces offer that special ambience when they're lit. And when they are not, they maintain interest, a focal point and character to a room. Should I add "charm" as well? Fireplaces and the mantels that surround them, have been one of the distinctive architectural forms that add to the flavor of our homes like embellished stairways, arched entry ways, or decorative range hoods. These are good examples of a marriage between function and form.

"Wonderful marriage" has to be qualified because not all marriages of art and function are made in heaven. I lately had the occasion to observe a home that was probably eighty percent done and witnessed some pretty awful marriages. There was a kitchen island that had incredibly oversize and ornate brackets supporting the counter . The fireplace also had oversized stone columns undergirding the mantel shelf. The most gracious thing that could be said is: "More is not necessarily better". Thankfully, there are many beautiful examples of form and function-just not in that home.

For many years millworks suppliers have become adept at building mantel shelves and surrounds. Demand is usually one step ahead of supply Because most cabinet makers build with wood, most mantels are fashioned from wood. Heavy wood planks, undergirded with crown moulding supported by ornate brackets and fluted pilasters are a common form for many mantel builders. Hand carved mantels crafted in other parts of the world are not as widesread but are still accessible. The distinction of these carved showpieces is unmatched by the latest 21st century technological marvels. The small nuance and minor imperfections are a distinction that says "hand carved" and ehances the charm and unique character. Mass production techniques will, never attain to the skill of the masters. Carvers can undercut and form sharp interior cuts that are presently not possible with high tech machinery.

Certainly fireplaces and the mantels that frame them are here for good. This is a marriage that has passed the test of time. As long as there are homeowners and designers that can appreciate the charm and homey pleasure afforded by them, we should not expect their demise. More likely they will continue to grace the homes in the cold North as well as the hot and humid South.