FIREPLACES

While the notion of fireplaces started as a necessity for survival, they have evolved to become a major feature within a home, often epitomising the period in which it was built, or showing the change in fashions. There is a relaxing ambiance to a room with an open fireplace; it provides a focal point and a source of comfort. However, it’s not just the feel-good factor that makes them an asset, as they are widely regarded as adding value to a house. Even where a fireplace has been previously removed, reinstating it can prove a sound investment.

Design evolution

From their most humble beginnings, fires have been a key element – in medieval halls they lay in the centre of the open, singular space, providing heat and, especially in the houses of lower society, a