Recently, from different sources, opposing viewpoints on the uses of existing residential fireplaces have become more prominent.

Existing fireplaces should be used because they are there, that’s their purpose, and their being used is more authentic and aesthetic where as closing them off is dead spacing them and destroying their use, reality, and authenticity.

Proponents delight in the ambiance of real wood with it”s smells, sounds, and lighting.

Opponents point out the lacks of providing actual heat, the negatives of cleaning and disposing ashes, and the challenges of obtaining, bringing in, and the storage of fire wood.

Fireplaces are definitely a part of the architectural background in spaces where they are used and such has to be considered is the designing of such spaces.

There are many factors to be considered here, as well as in all intelligent residential interior design situations, for choosing.

As grandma said, “there is more than one way to cook chicken”, and there is rarely, if ever, a situation where there is only one design solution.

The major factor to be considered is what is the ultimate design completed goal of the spaces and who makes that decision?

Other factors can be evaluated according to their contribution to the whole of the design composition.

This principle can be used in any residential interior design situation, as well as for many other aspects in life, in making intelligent and quality decisions.

Food for thought.