‘Think before changing an original fireplace’

The appeal of an open fire is irresistible, but styles of fireplaces and fires have become ever more sophisticated, so the following three criteria are useful guides to choosing a new fire.

First, be guided by the period and style of your home. If you have an original fireplace, think long and hard before changing it; this is a desirable feature whose removal is likely to decrease your home’s value and listed properties will usually require permissions to make structural alterations. Where the original has been removed, try to find out from similar properties what design was typical. Reclamation yards are an excellent source of historical styles and you can get good reproduction models.

Second, since you are unlikely to change your fireplace frequently and it will make a statement in the overall room design, decide what appeals to you. Collect manufacturers’ brochures and select examples of those you like, noting both colour and material. Will these dictate current and future colour schemes? Do they offer design flexibility or will they ‘fix’ your décor into a narrow style? Generally speaking, classical designs suit traditional furnishings, whereas simple lines complement more contemporary settings.

Third, consider your lifestyle when choosing the type of fuel. Open fires and woodburners may look romantic, but they are labour intensive. Consider whether you prefer the convenience of a gas or electric model. Have your chimney checked for suitability for your chosen fuel. For contemporary interiors there are a number of exciting new designs on the market, some of which dispense with the need for a chimney altogether. k

Pat Elliott, The Borders Design House. Visit our online shop for a range of unique, eco, chic home accessories and our design services. Learn to ‘Be Your Own Designer’ with our popular distance-learning interior design course (07765 057 409, www.thebordersdesignhouse.co.uk