When it comes to decor, nothing tops the natural structure of your home. Large well-proportioned windows and crown molding are essentially the ‘bones’ of your home. These elements frame your home and set the stage for many other additional decor elements.

One of the most striking elements in any home is a well-placed and well-decorated fireplace ... the symbolic ‘hearth’ or ‘heart’ of the home, it is the immediate focal point of any room, which adds a whole new level of charm, especially if it’s decorated well and accented with key pieces.

Decorating Your Hearth

Forget Symmetry – The best decorated hearths toss symmetry out the window.

In fact, having symmetrical decor is the design ‘kiss of death’ as the trend nowadays is to embrace asymmetry – and fortunately, unlike fashion, this trend suits every fireplace.

Layers – Instead of lining everything up along your mantle, try using a layering effect.

Rather than hanging a mirror or painting above your mantle, have it rest on the mantle instead. Your decor pieces can then be arranged around this centerpiece.

Using the mantel as a resting point for your art actually heightens the look of your hearth and gives it a grander appearance.

This trick also helps break up the style barrier most people have when it comes to their hearths, and creates a more chic, casual feel.

Prints and Patterns – If you have a favorite wall paper that’s perhaps too bold for your room, use it as a center piece above your mantle, much like you would a picture.

Likewise, if you are not using your hearth anymore, then use the wall paper as a stylish cover up.

This is easily done by lining the inner walls with the wallpaper of your choice, which is a quick way to turn your unused hearth into an eye-popping design feature.

When All Else Fails – If you’re ever completely as to which direction to go in, remember that you can never go wrong with a clutter of candles, which will always create a warm, soft ambiance.

What if You Don’t Have a Fireplace?

If you don’t have one already built into your home, you can still create the same effect with a faux fireplace that doubles as an energy-efficient heater. This type of heater lets you fill your home with a mesmerizing, soft glow without the hassle of burning ash and buying wood.

Conventional hearths are often limited to large homes that can accommodate the space and chimney necessary to install the traditional fireplace. These heaters make it possible to get the same effect, regardless of the size or type of home that you’re living in.

Likewise, these electric heaters are perfect if you live in a small home or apartment but still desire the warm glow of a fire.

The look of these electric heaters are surprisingly realistic since they include light bulbs which simulate the gentle smoldering of a fire, right down to the glowing embers.

With these heaters, you get the coveted architectural element of a hearth, without the cost – plus its portability allows you to move it whenever you decide to rearrange your decor.

Faux Fireplaces is brought to you by Shireen Qudosi.

Photos: Domino Magazine and Elle Décor

Article Submitted by: Shireen Qudosi, Content Writer, http://www.air-n-water.com/

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