Style your Fireplace with these Helpful Tips

As the temperatures rise and fireplaces take a backseat from their primary role, they can still be a stylish centrepiece in your home. Whether you’re decorating for the season or looking to celebrate a summer Christmas, here are some creative tips to transform your fireplace into a statement piece during the warmer months. 

Style with Native Flora

Embrace the beauty of Australian nature by arranging native plants and flowers within your fireplace. Consider using eucalyptus branches, kangaroo paw, or banksia flowers to create a vibrant display. These natural elements not only add texture and colour but also celebrate the unique flora of the region. To elevate the look, place the arrangements in decorative pots, baskets, or woven trays. When it’s time to fire it back up for winter, many of these decorations can stay in the fireplace to simply be burnt off.

Transform It into a Herb Garden

For a practical and visually appealing option, repurpose your fireplace into a small herb garden. Plant aromatic herbs such as basil, parsley, and mint and arrange them neatly within the fireplace. Ensure the area receives adequate sunlight to support growth. This green touch brings life into your space while providing fresh ingredients for summer recipes. 

Add an Ethanol Burner for Ambiance

If you’re missing the cosy glow of a fire, consider adding an ethanol burner to your fireplace. These burners offer the beauty of real flames without the intense heat of a wood-burning fire, making them ideal for summer evenings. They’re also clean-burning, stylish, and easy to install, allowing you to enjoy the ambiance of flickering flames all year round. 

Style with Seasonal and Festive Decorations

Take advantage of an Australian summer Christmas. This time of year offers a unique opportunity to blend festive cheer with seasonal decor. Fill your fireplace with Christmas decorations, such as light-coloured ornaments, Christmas lights in or around the fireplace, or pinecones accented with gold or silver. For a non-festive option, decorate with lanterns, fairy lights, or beach-themed items like driftwood and seashells.
A favourite with young families, an unused fireplace through summer is a great opportunity for a cheeky elf or Santa Clause to find themselves with their legs dangling from the chimney into the fireplace! 

Illuminate with Candles

A simple yet elegant way to style your fireplace is by filling it with candles. opt for varying heights and widths, and use pillar candles or LED versions for safety. Arrange them in clusters or on candle holders to create a warm and inviting glow in the evenings. If mosquitoes are a problem, try a citronella option to ward them away from your home. 

Play with Textures

Add depth to your fireplace by incorporating different textures. Stack decorative logs neatly for a rustic touch, or use woven baskets filled with books or rolled-up blankets for a cozy look. These additions bring charm and functionality to your space. 

Style the Mantel for Summer

Don’t forget the mantel! Lighten it up with summer-inspired decorations like fresh flowers in vases, seashell arrangements, or framed botanical prints. Keep the palette airy with whites, pastels, or natural tones to complement the season’s vibe. 

Your fireplace doesn’t have to go unnoticed during the summer months. With these styling tips, you can turn it into a stunning focal point that celebrates the warmth and beauty of summer. Whether it’s filled with native plants, transformed into a herb garden, or adorned with festive decorations, your fireplace can radiate style and charm all year long. 

Wood fireplaces are more than just a source of warmth; they create a cozy atmosphere in any home. However, to keep them operating efficiently and safely, regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial. Neglecting these tasks can lead to decreased performance, potential fire hazards, and costly repairs. Here’s how to keep your fireplace in prime condition, along with signs that it may need servicing. 

The Importance of Regular Cleaning 

Cleaning your fireplace is essential for removing by-products like ash, soot, and creosote, which can accumulate in the firebox, glass doors, and flue. If left unaddressed, these residues can obstruct airflow and create safety risks. A routine cleaning schedule should include weekly maintenance during peak use and thorough inspections at least twice a year. 

The Need for Professional Inspections 

While homeowners can handle routine cleaning, a professional inspection is essential for ensuring your fireplace’s safety and efficiency. Trained technicians can identify hidden issues that may not be apparent during regular cleaning, such as structural damage to the flue and the integrity of the firebox. Routinely scheduling a professional inspection helps catch problems early, preventing costly repairs and ensuring compliance with safety standards. 

Signs Your Fireplace Needs Servicing 

Recognising the signs that your fireplace requires maintenance is crucial for preventing potential hazards: 

• 1. Diminished Heat Output: If your fireplace isn’t producing as much heat as it used to, it could indicate blockages or inefficiencies. 
• 2. Excessive Smoke: Increased smoke inside the home may signal a blockage in the flue. 
• 3. Odors: A persistent odor of smoke or burning could suggest creosote build-up or other issues requiring immediate attention. 
• 4. Glass Discoloration: If the glass doors are consistently dirty or discoloured, it may indicate improper combustion or the need for better-quality fuel. 
• 5. Cracks or Damage: Noticeable cracks in the firebox or flue can compromise the fireplace’s safety and efficiency. 

Cleaning the Glass 

The glass doors of a fireplace help regulate heat and maintain efficiency. However, soot and creosote can obscure the view over time. 

1. Let the Glass Cool Completely: Always allow the glass to cool before cleaning to avoid thermal shock to the glass and prevent burning yourself.

2. Use Appropriate Cleaning Methods: Avoid harsh cleaners that could scratch the glass or damage special coatings. Consider:

3. Ruco Fireplace Glass Cleaner – This specially formulated product effectively removes soot and creosote without damaging the glass.

4. A vinegar-water mixture for lighter cleaning tasks.

5. Damp newspaper dipped in fine ash, followed by rinsing with water for an eco-friendly solution.

6. Prevent Creosote Build-up: Burn only well-seasoned hardwood with moisture content below 15%. Burning wet or green wood produces more smoke, increasing creosote accumulation.

Removing Ash 

Ash can build up quickly, affecting airflow and efficiency. 

1. Empty the Ash Pan Regularly: Remove ash when it reaches about one-third of the pan’s capacity. Leaving a thin layer can help insulate the coals for better heat retention. 

2. Use Proper Tools: A metal container with a secure lid is best for collecting and storing ash. Keep it outside and away from flammable materials. 

3. Recycling Ash: Wood ash can be used in gardens as a mineral supplement but should be applied sparingly as to not negatively alter PH levels. 

Flue Care 

A clean flue is vital for safe fireplace operation. 

1. Schedule Professional Cleaning Twice a Year: Have your flue swept before the heating season and again during peak use to ensure it’s clear of debris. 

2. Inspect for Damage: Regularly check for cracks or deterioration in the flue and firebox. Address issues promptly to maintain safety. 

3. Ensure your Cowl is in place and working correctly: These keep out rain, debris, and animals while allowing smoke to exit, minimising creosote build-up. 

Maintaining the Firebox 

The firebox contains the burning wood and faces extreme temperatures. 

1. Check Fire Bricks for Damage: Inspect fire bricks for cracks or wear. Damaged bricks should be replaced to maintain heat efficiency. 

2. Replace Worn Gaskets and Seals: Door gaskets help maintain an airtight environment. Replace them if they show signs of wear. 

3. Monitor the Baffle Plate: This component helps direct heat back into the room. Regularly check for damage and replace if necessary. 

Reducing Creosote Build-up 

Creosote can lead to dangerous flue fires if not managed. 

1. Burn Seasoned Hardwood Only: Using dry wood minimises smoke and creosote formation. 

2. Avoid Overloading the Firebox: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for fuel load to prevent overheating and excessive creosote. 

3. Ensure Adequate Airflow: Proper airflow is essential for efficient combustion. Address any airflow issues immediately. 

Seasonal Maintenance and Pre-Use Preparations 

Before using your fireplace for the first time each season, conduct a thorough inspection. 

1. Clean the Convection Grates and Appliance Top: Remove dust that has accumulated during inactivity to prevent carbonised build-up. 

2. Check Smoke Detectors: Ensure these detectors are functioning to maintain household safety. 

3. Perform a flue Sweep Before Winter: Even if the flue was cleaned recently, a pre-winter sweep ensures it’s clear of any new debris. 

Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for the safe and efficient operation of your fireplace. Routine tasks like cleaning the glass, removing ash, and having the flue swept can significantly reduce fire risks and extend your fireplace’s lifespan. Products like Ruco Fireplace Glass Cleaner offer effective cleaning solutions for maintaining a clear view of the flames. Additionally, scheduling routine professional inspections is vital for identifying and addressing hidden issues before they become costly problems. By being vigilant for signs of needed servicing and adhering to a routine maintenance schedule, you can enjoy the warmth and comfort of your fireplace while ensuring safety for years to come. 

Royd Clan’s Autonomous House x Sculpt Fireplace Collection

Both off-the-grid and autonomous, this striking family farmhouse near Geelong in Victoria connects its occupants with nature and each other.
When the owners first bought – sight unseen – the 89-acre farm on which their home now sits, the rolling hills were covered in noxious boxthorn weed and the original stone farmhouse was in ruins.
With the help of Landcare, they set about clearing the invasive spiny shrubs and planted 2500 native trees in their place. Regenerating the land was important for homeowners Cam and Sally, who had both grown up in the country.

“I remember planting trees with my mother when I was a kid, and I just loved that you could create nature and a reserve over time and watch it grow; I’ve always loved that,” says Cam, an agricultural scientist.
He and Sally set aside 30 acres to do just that. “It’s been awesome watching the spotted gums grow, and actually quite quickly, really. It doesn’t take that long to change the landscape,” says Cam.

Inspirational project

When it came time to design a house for the farm, they turned to an architect they’d worked with before on a house in North Melbourne: Nadine Samaha from level architekture>konstrukt.

Drawing inspiration from the ruins, boulders and mythology of the picturesque property overlooking the Barrabool Hills near Geelong, Nadine got creative in designing an autonomous, off-the-grid home. The five pavilions making up the home emulate the boulders on the site, the clustered design welcoming natural light and cross-ventilation into all of them.

“It really integrates well with the land,” says Nadine. “With its shimmering cladding reflecting the trunks of the surrounding gum trees, it almost vanishes into the landscape.”

Nadine is passionate about creating spaces and forms that seamlessly connect with the natural world and support wellbeing. An advocate of biophilic design, Nadine mentors graduate architects, teaches Environmental Sustainable Design at RMIT, and chairs the Australian Institute of Architects’ Sustainable Architecture Forum – when she’s not designing incredible houses, that is.

Axis I1000FS SS

Handmade in the Rhone Alps region of France, the Axis I1000FS Single Sided wood fireplace is a display of geometric versatility and artisan engineered construction. The wood fireplace exudes a mesmerising display of flames and unsurpassed design excellence. With a heating capacity of up to 300m2 and an average efficiency of 66%, this unit is sure to stun in any space.

Fitted with DAFS (Double Air Flow System), this technology works by injecting oxygen at a determined level inside of the combustion chamber. The supply of new oxygen will burn the gases and smoke that has not yet been burnt and prevent them from being released into the flu system. The additional self-washing glass system feature, provides less CO2 emissions, creating longer fire term/burn time, cleaner glass and bricks and total combustion of the firewood.

To view the stunning French handcrafted Axis I1000FS Single Sided Fireplace, click here.

To view the original article by “ArchiPro”, please click here.

The Local Project x Park View House

A home previously bearing the name the ‘ugly duckling’ was transformed and lovingly re-named “Parkview House” after 8 months of hard work.  

The original plans were to renovate the circa 1950’s Art Deco home, however the owners and designer of this Thornbury, VIC home quickly discovered that the house was originally build with weatherboard. Adding to the drama, the facade was bricked over with an extremely questionable backyard extension, so the team pivoted and decided to work with an architect, an interior designer and a builder collaboratively, to design a new home which would look like it was never out of place!

Owners worked alongside Elevate Building Group to complete this stunning transformation project; James Hardie Linear Cement Sheeting was used instead of timber for the weatherboard cladding, installing a Delos 3-stage Whole Home Water Filtration System that filters all water coming into the home, installing a Tesla Wall Car Charger, double glazing throughout with skylights through our bathrooms. Design was completed with the amazing work from Shaynna Blaze and Allie Harris, alongside Build Her Collective; an empowering online course for women about home renovating, design and styling! 

The use of lots of natural light in the hallway and open plan kitchen/living/dining area made it the perfect place to feature the Sculpt Fireplace Collection Seguin Axis i1000 Freestanding Single Sided fireplace. Axis fireplaces specialise in the manufacturing of designer wood fireplaces in a variety of different styles, shapes and sizes.

Handmade in the Rhone Alps region of France, the Axis i1000FS Single Sided wood fireplace is a display of geometric versatility and artisan engineered construction. The wood fireplace exudes a mesmerising display of flames and unsurpassed design excellence. With a heating capacity of up to 300m2 and an average efficiency of 66%, this unit is sure to stun in any space! 

Fitted with industry leading innovation such as DAFS (Double Air Flow System), this technology works by injecting oxygen at a determined level inside of the combustion chamber. The supply of new oxygen will burn the gases and smoke that has not yet been burnt and prevent them from being released into the flu system. The additional self-washing glass system feature provides less CO2 emissions, creating longer fire term/burn time, cleaner glass and bricks and total combustion of the firewood. 

This project combines a seamless blend between stylish aesthetic and comfortable functionality, creating a family home providing light-filled sophistication, innovative finishes and thoughtful entertaining options. An exquisite project Sculpt Fireplace Collection were proud to be a part of.   

To view this product, please click here

Project Details

Builder: Elevate Building Group

Interior Designer: Shaynna Blaze

Architect: Archiscale

Photography: Space Craft

Click to view original articles:  

The Local Project

Jellis Craig

‘Brighton 6’ x Sculpt Fireplace Collection

Making the most of the Australian summer, Brighton 6 Project by Pleysier Perkins and InForm Design sits on a corner site and is brought to life by subtle injections of greenery.

In the creation of this stunning home, it was obvious to project architect Ross Berger that the clients had an affinity for mid-century modern pavilions. To maintain their desired outcome the design boasts light-filled spaces that engage the landscape in such a way as to intertwine the built environment with the natural one, that ultimately reflects the client’s lifestyle.

The home revolves around the living zones that were designed to meet family needs and ensure that the interior spaces can afford multiple uses.  The creation of the breakfast bar and custom sunken lounge boasts a timeless material palette; making it the perfect place to showcase the Sculpt Fireplace Collection, Axis I1000FS fireplace. Axis fireplaces specialise in the manufacturing of designer wood fireplaces in a variety of different styles, shapes and sizes.

Handmade in the Rhone Alps region of France, the Axis I1000FS Single Sided wood fireplace is a display of geometric versatility and artisan engineered construction. The wood fireplace exudes a mesmerising display of flames and unsurpassed design excellence. With a heating capacity of up to 300m2 and an average efficiency of 66%, this unit is sure to stun in any space.

Fitted with DAFS (Double Air Flow System), this technology works by injecting oxygen at a determined level inside of the combustion chamber. The supply of new oxygen will burn the gases and smoke that has not yet been burnt and prevent them from being released into the flu system. The additional self-washing glass system feature, provides less CO2 emissions, creating longer fire term/burn time, cleaner glass and bricks and total combustion of the firewood.

The neutral tones and various textures reinforce the client’s appreciation for adventure and nature. Brighton 6 embodies a lightness that evokes a sense of joy in every space. A stunning project that Sculpt Fireplace Collection were proud to be part of.

To view the stunning French handcrafted Axis i1000FS Single Sided Wood Fireplace, click here.

The Brighton6 X Sculpt Fireplace Collection

To view the original article by “The Local Project”, please click here.