Today we are featuring winter design insights with Kim Williams. Having the right fireplace in your home can bring an elemental warmth that not only heats your home but comforts the soul. Choosing which fireplace will work best for your needs will depend on aesthetics, the ambience and the size size of the space.
With the help of Kim Williams, she shares her top insights on selecting the perfect heating solution.
Aesthetics and Ambiance
Fire brings such energy into a space because it represents passion. With so many options from gas-oil hybrids, to ergonomic pellet fireplaces, there is sure to be one that fits your ideal aesthetic. Considering the style and ambience you want to create will determine which option will work best for you.
Go high quality
The final fireplace you choose should fit with your lifestyle requirements . The longevity of your design choice is also paramount on both essential materials such as fire bricks and in terms of style. I always recommend clients go for what they truly love, not just what is on-trend because fireplaces are expensive to repair or replace.
Size up your space
There are many experts whose main focus is understanding the science behind space and airflow, and how sunlight and energy interact in a space.
Follow the sun
The sun is often overlooked when home builders collaborate with architects and yet light is the most fundamental factor. Having a sunny space will make an enormous difference. If you are buying a home that doesn’t get a lot of sun, before installing heating systems, try to open it up with windows or skylights. The sun will always be the most efficient way to heat a home because after all, it is free.
Keep it connected
If a home is cold we tend to retreat to the warm embrace of our duvets rather than gathering in a communal area. A fireplace creates a warm social hub and the perfect ambience to bond as a family. When building your fireplace, consider how space will be used and use furniture that makes it easy to gather safely around the fire and facilitates being together.
Remember all the elements in the room
Making a space warm is also psychological. By considering elements such as the floors, wall coverings, lighting, colour and textures you can make even the darkest room feel cosy. To find balance among all these elements I often look to nature and incorporate earth, air, water and fire. Vibrant plants in open spaces infuse a home with life and cool ocean blues make the perfect inky backdrop for warm colours and earthy tones. Lush rugs and dim candles as well as rich wallpaper also help to add psychological warmth and insulation.
Take the fun Outside
Using your outdoor space with the kind of weather we have in South Africa is also very much an option. With us spending much more time outdoors we are seeing a huge resurgence of the fire pit. I personally love them and adore how versatile they can be – from a simple cost effective metal pit to grand sunken landscaped arenas there really is something for every budget. If a fire is not your preference, or perhaps you have a smaller courtyard garden, outdoor heaters are a lovely alternative.
Coldness can make us retreat into our spaces to cocoon away from the harshness of the world. Building a fireplace is so much more than a heating solution, it is a way to draw us together to find comfort in the bonds we share with family and help us revive our souls after the haste and confusion of a busy day.
For more tips from Kim Williams, sign-up for her blog at www.kimwilliams.co.za or follow her on Facebook and Instagram