Create a smoking hot fireplace with these design tips and tricks.

The fireplace is almost always the focal point of any living room, whether it is during the winter months or the summer. Even a nonworking fireplace can be designed to be an attention grabber. How can you take such an architectural feature and turn it into something that your guests will likely remember? Beautifully patterned wallpaper can help you amp up the look of your fireplace.

Why Use Wallpaper

Wallpaper is an inexpensive update that adds loads of aesthetic value. Modern wallpaper designs are a far cry from seventies floral and animal prints. If you have ever shopped for wallpaper, then you know that the design options are nearly limitless. Wallpaper allows you to create a stunning room without taking up coveted floor space. However, to ensure that your project is a success, you should bring in a contractor to make sure that your fireplace is properly ventilated if its in operation. In addition, you should invest in high-quality wallpaper and have it installed by a professional for the best results.

Here are four different ways you can use wallpaper to emphasize your fireplace:

Flank the Fireplace

Assuming that the fireplace is a piece of artwork that covers the surrounding walls, specifically the walls on each side of the fireplace, you can use a bold patterned wallpaper. By applying wallpaper to the walls and not the chimney itself, the fireplace stands out from the rest of the design. To further emphasize the look, you can paint the rest of the fireplace to tie it in the look. Just be sure to select a hue that harmonizes with the wallpaper design to create a vibrant and curated look.

Apply Wallpaper to the Chimney Wall

Perhaps the easiest way to start decorating is to wallpaper the facing. When it comes to installing wallpaper, the price can easily add up when you are covering a large amount of space. Therefore, showcasing the facing or the nook above the fireplace will make a big statement without breaking the bank.

Consider Wallpaper Panels

If you are afraid of making the space look too busy, use wallpaper panels around the fireplace. You can do this by papering sections of the walls surrounding the chimney and using molding between the panels. This option a great way to frame the fireplace and create an accent wall.

Add a Backdrop

What if you have a freestanding fireplace? You can still add character by using wallpaper to give it a backdrop. You can simply install wallpaper around the fireplace or wallpapering the wall behind it to create a statement piece in your design.

Which of these four options was your favorite? We would love to know your thoughts below in the comment section. Thanks for reading!

How does this room make you feel? For most people, this space offers an invitation to walk in and make yourself comfortable.

The coffered ceiling, window casings, fireplace and built-in cupboard could be overwhelming with their strong presentation. However, gentle buttermilk walls contrast only slightly with the pure white of the architectural details, keeping every element low-key.

The flooring is a light oak. This is a perfect selection for the space’s traditional style. The oversize area rug has a soft tweedy pattern which adds another layer of design without outshining the rest of the room. Wood floors and area rugs are such a classic and inviting look and it works with almost any rug/floor combination.

One important element in creating an inviting space is light. By choosing simple light wood blinds, they can be pulled up during the day to take advantage of the sunshine and pulled down for privacy at night. In the evening, the ceiling light fixture combines with the lamp in the right corner to provide a warmly lighted space in the evening. Brightening up the corners with table lamps makes a room feel more welcoming.

Sofa and chair are of the same light sage green, adding color without taking over the room. The simple solid-color pillows can be requisitioned for a number of uses, but their gentle tones are also consistent with the soft nature of the room. Add in two round ottomans by the fireplace and this room is ready to make you comfortable.

What ideas from this room can you borrow to make your home more comfortable as well as lovely? Remember to design for your own comfort as well as your style preferences.

When it’s time to select an area rug, a little forethought will help you make just the right choice. This rug pulls all of the colors together to create an island in the middle of the room that really suits its style. With a few simple decisions, your rug can be just as integrated and effective as this one.

To start, determine the right size rug for your room. In this case the homeowners chose a rug that would add warmth to the space while still allowing the beautiful hardwood floor to appear. If you want to cover a floor that is not as lovely, consider a rug large enough to cover the entire conversation area. Of course, the larger the rug the more expensive it is, so be sure to factor your budget into your decision.

The second issue is color. This room has a lot of warm tones between the floor, the fireplace and the walls. The rug is primarily warm too, but it grabs the cool colors of the sofa and loveseat as well as the lamp bases and echoes them in the rug’s central design. The grey stripes in particular link the two seating elements together across the room.

Third is design. This room is fairly contemporary and the rug is a style match for that. Its central motif works because the coffee table is airy and simple. Many tables would hide that central design. In those cases, look for rugs with a border pattern or an overall look that won’t be hidden.

An area rug like this one can really pull a room together and provide the final element needed to make a room complete. Spend the time you need to find the perfect rug for your space.