by the fire - Rector’s Residence

Julie Rector, a Foxtail Studio LLC client, takes the opportunity to write about the choices that went into considering, selecting, and approving the elements that went into the fire feature at their new home.

Julie Rector: Our Journey to the Perfect Fireplace

When it comes to designing our dream home, one element stood out as essential: the fireplace. We envisioned the fireplace as a central anchor for our family to gather around on holidays and long weekends, as it was at our previous home. Our property had beautiful views of a neighboring lake and our fireplace needed to compliment those views. This vision set us on a journey to design the perfect fireplace, and we wanted to share our experience with you.

Choosing the Right Fireplace

The first decision was the type of fireplace that would best suit our needs. We weighed our options—wood burning, gas, or electric. After careful consideration, we opted for a gas fireplace. It provided the cleanest and most realistic experience, aligning perfectly with our desire for both aesthetics and practicality.

Wood-burning fireplaces, while charming, required more maintenance than we were willing to commit to, and safety was a concern. Electric fireplaces were the most cost-effective option, but we craved a more authentic look and feel. Ultimately, gas emerged as the clear winner, combining aesthetic appeal with low maintenance.

Selecting the Surround and Hearth

Next, we turned our attention to the fireplace surround. A glossy neutral tile was selected for our fireplace surround. The color, scale, and finish will pick up the light from the room and adds to the ambient atmosphere. The details are simple intentionally not to distract from the beautiful scenes that backdrop the moment.

For the hearth, we selected a beautiful natural stone in a cream tone, adding a touch of elegance and warmth to the design. Both tile and stone choices were selected and carried into the primary ensuite, ensuring continuity throughout our home.

A Personal Touch: The Walnut Mantel

The highlight of our fireplace is undoubtedly the stunning walnut mantel crafted by my husband. He made it from a tree on the family farm we moved from after 25 years. This personal touch adds a rich history and sentimental value to our home.

We loved the walnut wood tone and character so much that we chose to carry it throughout the house, incorporating it at special moments like the beams, kitchen island, and coffee bar. This repetition enhances the overall aesthetic and connects different areas of our home in a meaningful way.

Julie’s grandson plays with the material samples at our final review.

Looking Forward

As we settle into our new space, we eagerly anticipate many cozy winter nights spent in front of our fireplace. The warm glow and inviting ambiance will surely become the heart of our home. We are incredibly grateful for the guidance and support from Foxtail Studios LLC, which helped us navigate this design journey smoothly.

In conclusion, designing a fireplace is more than just choosing materials; it’s about creating a space that reflects your style and serves as a gathering place for family and friends. We hope our experience inspires you in your design endeavors!

Snapshot example from client review.