The importance of fireplaces in our Burton homes
It doesn’t matter what style of home you walk into in Burton-on-Trent, one thing we can always be certain of is that when you walk into the living space your eye will be drawn to the fireplace.
Whether it’s a grand chimneypiece, one of the incredibly popular multi-fuel stoves, or a beautiful period feature, we must understand the importance, significance and value that a fireplace can bring to our homes.
A brief history
For thousands of years we have been using fire to provide us with a means of staying warm and cooking food. The firsts fireplace were ancient fire pits, which were usually placed in the centre of huts to allow smoke to rise through a hole in the roof. If you have ever visited a medieval property you will know that the fireplaces in their kitchens were huge, this was to accommodate cooking spits and large logs. They were found on outside walls, and it was during this period that the biggest innovation in fireplace technology was invented, the chimney. Many of these ingle-nook fireplaces remain and their beauty and awe never diminishes.
Just like many us, Georgians designed rooms to make their fireplace the complete focal point; they were of grand proportions with solid wood surrounds. The Adams brothers’ marble fireplaces set a style which can still be found today. During the Victoria era, there were two distinctive styles; during the early to middle years, fireplaces were extremely ornate with floral patterns and intricate designs, in the later years of that period, design became simpler and cleaner, with styles that were more geometric. During the 1900s, fireplaces were installed not just as a source of heat but also for their beautiful design.
In more recent years, design and functionality remain incredibly important to us all, but we’ve also seen an increase in more environmentally friendly options. There was a great deal of development in the 1980s and into the ‘90s with living flame-effect gas fires and then, in 1995, the first electric fire was introduced. Technology continues to play a significant role in the performance and energy efficiency of our fireplaces.
Their importance
One of the most heartbreaking things we see as estate agents at Sure is when we enter a period property and see that the soul of a room has been ripped out – there is no fireplace and, sadly, the character and personality of the home seems to have disappeared with it. A fireplace can change the feel of an entire room; not only that, it can enhance the room’s interior design. A fireplace makes a statement for anyone who visits, and creates cohesion between your home’s architectural style and décor.
Many people select a fireplace after deciding on the aesthetics of the room they are designing, when really this should be their first consideration, as it will be the focal point of the room. If your fireplace has colours in the detailing, you may wish to pick this shade out in your room’s design, or even make it the main accent colour. Depending on the heat source, you may need to think of additional practicalities too, such as wood storage and tools for cleaning.
There is no doubt that having a fireplace in your home makes it more appealing, and cosy. If you’re thinking of selling in the future, never underestimate the power that the right fireplace can have. Your home’s features should always be cherished and never ignored.
Do you have a beautiful fireplace? We would love to see it!
All the best
