Ideas for Decorating (Non-Functional) Fireplaces

Image via Room for Tuesday

During the cold months of winter, a fireplace often becomes a focal décor element of a space. But, for those who live in warmer climates or have fireplaces that don’t actually work, there are still ways to utilize and highlight your fireplace as an architectural element. A non-functional fireplace can be styled to fit any type of space whether it be contemporary or traditional. You can use sleek lanterns to bring a modern edge to a fireplace or decorate it with candles to create a more cozy and intimate setting. Whatever concept you are trying to achieve in your own home, it can be done using some of the decorating tips below!

CANDLES:

Filling a fireplace with candles instantly creates a cozy, comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. Layering different shapes of monochrome candles is chic and adds a subtle architectural element. Not to mention, burning candles create a beautiful, naturally dimmed light similar to the light traditional working fireplaces give off. To take an extra step, you can also put candles in lanterns in the fireplace to add more structure.

Design by Sarah Gibson and Jacqueline Brown of Room for Tuesday

VASES:

Combining different shapes and sizes of similar vases makes an area look less calculated and more organic. While the use of vases in a fireplace is unconventional, it creates a special elegance that usually the mantle of a fireplace would provide rather than the inside of a fireplace. 

Photo from Decorpad

WOOD:

If you want to keep with the traditional use of fireplaces, there are multiple ways wood can be used to fill the empty space. One way that always looks great is meticulously stacking logs to create a beautiful and natural architectural element. 

Design by Kate Strickland, photo for mydomain.com

SCULPTURES:

Putting a sculpture or piece of art in a fireplace space is completely unexpected. This is the perfect idea for someone with eclectic taste that isn’t afraid to take design risks. If you are up for the risk, the final design result is artistic and unique!

Photo from homeinspiration.net

FRESH FLOWERS AND GREENERY:

Adding a fresh floral arrangement or greenery is a quick and easy way to add a design element to an open fireplace. It is important to make sure the scale of the arrangement is large enough so it doesn’t get swallowed by the space of the open fireplace. For greens, you can combine an assortment of different sized plants.

Photo for Homedit

Which one of these fireplace decor ideas would you try? 

Article by Layne Wolfington, Interiors by Jacquin intern.

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The Design Lovers Gift Guide

I've collaborated with the Interiors by Jacquin team to compile the best gift ideas for Design Lovers of all backgrounds. You will love these gift suggestions! We have 3 distinct categories of gifts to entice you: Creative gifts, Luxury gifts, and Budget-Friendly gifts. Read on for our top recommendations for the picky design-lover in your life!

1. Michael Aram Palm Frame

2. Tourer Bright Cross-Body Bag

3. Broste Copenhagen 'Haldan' Candlestick Set

JACQUIN'S TOP CHOICE:

Michael Aram Gold 'Palm' Frame

Designer Michael Aram never fails to create impressive luxury home decor & gift items. This gilded 'Palm' frame is one of my favorites! This frame, which I own personally, catches the light and shines when displayed making it the perfect showstopper gift for the Design Lover!

BONUS: 

Koa Wood & Rose Gold Watch - JORD Watch

1. Origami Folded Vase

2. Creative Lettering & Beyond Art Kit

3. 'Well-Wishing' Travel Mug

STEPHANIE'S TOP CHOICE:

Creative Lettering Art & Stationery Kit

Now this gift is definitely my favorite gift of the season! It's no secret that the art of calligraphy has made a glorious comeback in these past few years, and if you're anything like me, it has seriously peaked your creative interest. If you know someone (or maybe you are someone) who is dying to learn this skill but can't afford to take a professional course, then this lovely hand-lettering kit teaches the magic of calligraphy and hand-lettering for only $14.77! 

1. Filix Lambswool Blanket

2. Dragonfly Napkin Ring Set in Violet

3. BYOB Scented Candle DIY Workshop

LAYNE'S TOP CHOICE:

BYOB Scented Candle Making Workshop

During one of my recent trips to Atlanta, I stopped into the store Candlefish. Not only do they have hundreds of handcrafted candles in stock, with the option of choosing your own scents to put into a unique candle, they also offer candle and essential oil making workshops! Candle making workshops are a great gift to give/plan for a girls night out or a date night! It is definitely an unexpected yet extremely pleasant surprise of a gift. 

Save this gift guide onto Pinterest to have gift ideas on-hand throughout the year! Happy shopping!

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5 Creative Ways to Use Wall Sconces

Photo via Brabbu featuring Newton Wall Sconces 

The impact that light fixtures have on a space is often underrated! Sconces are a particularly an underappreciated hero of lighting. They are diverse, and can be dramatic or subtle. The symmetry created by sconces can completely refine a space. Using sconces as a light fixture can frame, highlight, or be its own piece of art in any space. This blog post will show five (creative) ways to use sconces in your own home! 

Alaina Kaczmarski’s bedroom via of The Every Girl 

#1 - Use wall sconces in the bedroom: 
There is a sconce for every style bedroom. Sconces can be feminine and elegant like the ones in Alaina Kaczmarski’s bedroom above. In contrast, sconces can also fit a modern and industrial space like the ones pictured below by Restoration Hardware. A sconce on each side of the bed elevates the typical bedside table aesthetic, introducing great symmetry while working well as reading light also! 

Counterpoise Swing-Arm Sconce by Restoration Hardware 

#2 - Use wall sconces outdoors:
Sconces can be used in various different outdoor contexts. Two sconces in an entryway add a symmetrical lighting and decorative element to a front door. Sconces can also create ambiance in a backyard outdoor entertaining space. A great way to add detail to a garage area is through sconces. The fixtures are decorative and practical in outdoor spaces. 

Photo via Ronique Gibson of Stagetecture

#3 - Use wall sconces to frame artwork:
Sconces can add dimension to wall art and gallery walls! Your sconces can even pull together the colors around the art to create a cohesive space. For example, the scones below pick up the gold accents of the room, making the photograph pop! 

Photo via Décor Pad featuring Jonathan Adler Pill Capsule Wall Sconces

#4 - Use wall sconces for bathroom lighting:
Sconces in a bathroom can either be very fluid and subtle, or they can make a statement. Brass sconces create a bold and modern look in a bathroom, especially against the usual clean colors of a bathroom such as blues, grays and whites. They bring life and a contemporary touch to a neutral space.

Photo via of Blog Lovin’

Image via New Ravenna Mosaics

#5 - Use statement wall sconces as their own works of art:
There are so many amazing sconces out there that can hold their own as a statement decorative element in a room. With creative variations of sconces available like the Jonathan Adler Puzzle Sconce below, you can easily bring an art-deco elements to your space or go for another statement making sconce design. 

Design by Kelly Wearstler

Photo of Jonathan Adler Puzzle Scones in Actress Shay Mitchell’s Home in Architectural Digest

OPTIONS FOR STATEMENT MAKING WALL SCONCES:
1. Art Craft Bronze Wall Sconce - Jasper Park
2. Rio Indoor/Outdoor Wall Sconce - Jonathan Adler for Robert Abbey
3. Puzzle Sconce - Jonathan Adler
4. Silver "Twig" 2-Light Wall Sconce - Global Views

Puzzle Sconce by Jonathan Adler - $695

Article by Layne Wolfington, Interiors by Jacquin intern.

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