Mobile Homes Guide...

The charm of resting around a hot fire in the fireplace on a chilly evening in winter is enchanting. The roaring fire helps take the nip out of the room while creating a special atmosphere. For many decades, fireplaces have supplied warmth and,for years before that, a place to cook as well. Fireplaces have never lost their celebrity and, in fact, have made significant gains. In my short life, fireplaces have been strolling southward where winter seasons are punctuation marks and summers are overextended sentences. Though home heating technologies have (evolved over the years, fireplaces are still in vogue|Although the latest enhancements have been made in climate control for our homes, fireplaces persist in being fashionable.

With enhancements in home heating the reason for fireplaces has clearly changed. They are definitely not about simply heating your home. Nor is it about cooking. There has been no shortage of cook tops or ovens for years So why do we have this ever growing fondness for fireplaces? My guess is that fireplaces offer that special ambience when they're lit. And when they are not, they maintain interest, focus and character to a room as well as charm. Fireplaces and the mantels that surround them, have been one of the definitive architectural details that adorn our homes like embellished stairs, arched doorways, or decorative range hoods. These are good examples of a marriage between function and art.

"Wonderful marriage" is a conditional statement because not all marriages of art and function are made in heaven. I recently had the opportunity to observe a home that was probably 80 percent done and saw some mighty ugly marriages. There was a kitchen island that had incredibly oversize and ornate corbels supporting the counter . The fireplace also had oversized stone pillars undergirding the mantel counter. The most gracious thing that could be said is: "More is not necessarily better". Thankfully, there are many decent examples of form and function-just not in that home.

For many years millworks suppliers have specialized in mantel shelves and surrounds. Necessity is the mother of invention. Because most cabinet makers build with wood, most mantels are fashioned from wood. Thick wooden slabs, undergirded with crown molding supported by ornate brackets and fluted pilasters are a widespread form for many cabinet makers. Hand carved mantels fashioned in other parts of the world are not as widesread but are still accessible. The quality of these carved gems is unequaled by the latest 21st century technological marvels. The slight nuance and minor defects are a signature that says "hand carved" and ehances the charm and unique quality. Mass production techniques will in my humble opinion, never match the methods of the masters. These artisans can undercut and form sharp interior cuts that are not possible with modern tooling.

It is obvious that fireplaces and the mantels that frame them are here to stay. This is a marriage made in heaven. As long as there are homeowners and designers that can appreciate the charm and homey pleasure afforded by them, we should not expect their demise. More likely they will continue to grace the homes in the cold North as well as the hot and humid South.