The Contemporary Design Fireplace... Simply Stunning!
The stone contemporary design fireplace is as stunning for its simplicity and clean lines . . . . .
. . . as the traditionally styled
stone
mantel (below left) is remarkable
for its lavish ornamentation. Dra- matically different in appearance, both
styles can be equally dramatic in their respective settings.
The traditional styles generally rely on familiar -- albeit elaborated -- forms and carved or applied decoration for dramatic effect. Contemporary designs, on the other hand, often achieve -- or even exceed -- the same level of drama by taking an entirely different approach.
Though generally comprised of simple geometric forms, the contemporary design fireplace can surprise -- even shock -- us at times with bold, irregular and unfamiliar shapes . . . . . . such as the two examples pictured be- low from Chazelles!
or unusual asymmetrical arrangements of common shapes.
Instead of carved or applied ornamentation, the contemporary stone fireplace
juxtaposes contrasting textures and colors . . . . .
even finishes . . . for optimal effect!
Other than adhering (sometimes "loosely") to the basic design principles of scale, proportion and balance, there appears to be few, if any, rules when it comes to contemporary fireplace design. If there are any rules, they are often broken or ignored. This gives you a great op- portunity to let your imagination soar to the outer limits of fire space!
New techniques are being applied to create unique stone finishes and tex- tures
that were previously unattainable . . . . . and unimaginable. When or where else have
you seen a brushed cinnamon decorative marble facing (be- low left) . . . or a brushed
chocolate decorative
marble
facing (below right) on a fireplace? The distinctive
surrounds pictured here are from Chazelles.
Unlike traditional fireplace styles which generally fall into rather specific
cate- gories based upon form, ornamentation, historic time line and country of
ori- gin, contemporary fireplace design is often difficult to categorize. A well-
executed contemporary design has no restrictions on form, time line or geo- graphic
boundaries. In a sense it is truly universal and, as with many of the cherished
traditional styles, it is timeless!
For more information about any of the contemporary fireplace designs pictured here, please
let us know and we'll be happy to provide it for you.
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as we continually add new images of the contemporary design fireplace to our site.
