In a first round of renovation, she knocked down a wall to create an open fireplace of stone and blasted oak in the drawing room, which she painted pale lemon yellow and filled with sofas upholstered in a geometric print by David Hicks and white-painted rattan furniture.
Place furniture bumpers on hard edges of a fireplace to create a soft landing.
Most of the interior was left to Mrs. Newman, who asked Philip Nimmo, an interior designer based in Los Angeles, to create a screen for the fireplace, among other things.
Alternatively, you could create a fireplace with a trompe l'oeil effect: paint a three-dimensional picture on the wall giving the illusion of a fireplace (you might need to employ an artist for this as, done badly, it looks awful).
Walls were removed and ceilings raised to create a large, bright great room with a fireplace and dining alcove.
A mirrored screen next to a fireplace can reflect the glow and flames when it works, helping to create a cheerful glow and spaciousness at nighttime.
Using your fireplace to emphasize your room height is also a great way to create a focal point.
Additionally, the living room's original black-brick fireplace mantel was outfitted to burn wood, and a breezeway between the house and the garage was enclosed with a cathedral ceiling to create a sitting room.
To create a base, simply find an appropriately-sized coffee table, cut off the legs, paint it to match, and place it beneath the fireplace.
They're often used the way indoor fireplaces are, to create an ambience while most of the heat goes up the chimney.
