In the second episode of Design Clinic for The Times, Minnie Kemp joined editor Katrina Burroughs to tackle three tricky period features sent in by viewers. If you haven’t seen it yet, we highly recommend watching the episode as it’s full of clever design ideas and guaranteed to make you smile. In today’s blog, we’re turning our attention to fireplaces and expanding on some of the tips Minnie shared in Keep it or rip it out?
Decorative accent
If you’re faced with a fireplace that you can’t remove or simply want to give it a refresh, this is one of the easiest ways to make a big impact. Don’t be afraid to go bold and make your fireplace a focal point by adding a large vase filled with seasonal flowers. This instantly brings layers of texture through both the foliage and the vase itself, whether it’s ceramic or marble, as shown below.
Another simple and effective way to give your fireplace purpose is by adding a screen. In these examples, we had the screens hand-painted to complement the atmosphere of each room. A small detail like this shows that every element has been carefully considered.
Club fenders
Originating in the 18th century, club fenders were designed to frame a fireplace while offering extra seating on colder days when the fire is lit. They’re also a wonderful way to introduce custom craftsmanship and comfort. In the second example below, the fender is upholstered in our Ruby Lost and Found Weave, picking up the accent colours from the surrounding seating area.
Symmetry
A fireplace naturally creates a focal point in a room, influencing both the layout and the atmosphere. Use this to your advantage by introducing a sense of symmetry around it. In this drawing room, we placed a chest of drawers beside the fireplace and hung a large piece of artwork above it. Antique mirrors at the back help the space feel larger, while two ceramic lamps with playful lampshades complete the arrangement.
An oversized mirror or artwork above the fireplace can also enhance its importance and make it the central feature of the room.
Feature element
Sometimes the fireplace itself is the artwork. In this home, we highlighted its sculptural form by creating a feature wall with engraved ceramic candles set in niches, telling a story as you enter the space.
For Kips Bay, we took a different approach by painting the wall around the fireplace to create a striking focal point that complemented the overall scheme. To complete the look, we collaborated with artist Tom Faulkner to design a bespoke club fender, upholstered in our Little Weed fabric. This modern interpretation of a traditional piece added a sculptural quality and an inviting sense of comfort, blending craftsmanship and contemporary design in perfect harmony.
We hope you’ve found inspiration in these creative ways to make your fireplace stand out. For more design ideas and behind-the-scenes stories, follow us on Instagram at @kitkempdesignthread.