Winter is definitely approaching us here in San Francisco. The skies are still blue and we’re enjoying some sunny weekends, but the unmistakable signs of Fall are here too. Leaves on the ground, pumpkins in the store, chilly mornings and, of course, more fog.
We’re getting prepared this year with a few minor renovations. The first off the block is a new fireplace insert. We have a fireplace that we quite like, but we never use it. Apart from anything else, wood fires aren’t allowed in the city. So we’re going for a gas log set, which sounds horrible but actually looks fabulous and will make the place much warmer.
Although we won’t need a whole new fireplace, I’ve been inspired by some amazing mantelpieces so I thought I’d put together a few of my new, and all-time, favorites to get you all in the wintry mood. Some of them would be lovely year-round, others are downright Christmassy (sorry, couldn’t resist), but they all convinced me that a fireplace still makes a room. Pull up a chair and a blanket and enjoy…
Credits:
1 – Lucyina Moodie, 2 – Nato Welton via Sarah Kaye Represents, 3 – The Find, 4 & 5 – Joanna Henderson via Sarah Kaye Represents, 6 – Chris Everard for Living Etc, 7 – Pure Style Home, 8 – Peacock Feathers, 9 – SF Girl by Bay, 10 – Homes and Gardens, 11 – Flickr, 12 & 13 – Homes and Gardens, 14 – Graham and Green.
They are all lovely! Makes me want to get some tea, a good book and make a fire.
xo,
cristin
I love a really ornate mantle and after that, a really sleek one like in the second photos. I’m really longing for a wood burning fireplace right about now . . .
I love the chaise in the top image & the wall colour in the third. But I think my favourite fireplace is the marble one with the owl on it. Such a gorgeous selection – so much inspiration!!
Jane – that’s my favorite too (although I love pieces of all the others!). I’ve copied so much in this picture in the past few months! The round mirror, the owl (I chose a bird), the white ceramics…
Right Bank – I agree, either really ornate or really minimal is the way to go. Unfortunately ours is sort of in the middle but I think we can get away with it because it’s large!
What is it about Fireplaces that make a home feel so cozy and welcoming! Also love the uses of wallpaper in a few of the images!
There’s nothing like a good fire! I love the images you found, especially the bedroom one with the sunburst mirror.
We don’t use our fireplace as much as I’d like – for some reason it’s horribly smokey, despite the chimney being swept. I’ve found a stack of candles in there to be a reasonable substitute.
Enjoy yours, when it’s done!
Oooooo. A fireplace. Wouldn’t that be great?
First, I am going to say that I adore that sunburst mirror above the fireplace in the tranquil bedroom. I’d love something like that in my living room.
Also, I’m new to your blog and I love it! Great job. I’m subscribing for sure.