Podcast Summary: Dear Alice | Interior Design Episode: Fireplaces | Next Time on Dear Alice Release Date: November 15, 2024

Introduction

In the latest episode of Dear Alice, hosts Jessica Bennett and Suzanne Hall delve into the nuanced world of interior design, focusing specifically on fireplaces and mantel surrounds. With their signature blend of expertise, wit, and a keen eye for aesthetics, Jessica and Suzanne explore the practical and stylistic choices that can transform a fireplace into a stunning focal point within a home.

Main Discussion Points

The Popularity of Precast Mantles

Jessica begins the conversation by expressing a long-standing preference for precast mantles, highlighting their versatility and enduring appeal in interior design.

“We love a precast mantle. I think we've been specifying them in homes for at least a decade, if not more. It's been kind of a favorite.” ([00:05])

Precast mantles offer the look of stone or a solid, unified surface, making them adaptable to both contemporary and traditional design schemes. This flexibility makes them especially suitable for transitional homes that blend different styles.

Advantages Over Marble Surrounds

While Jessica acknowledges the beauty of marble surrounds, she points out the practicality and cost-effectiveness of precast alternatives.

“If you're not doing marble. We do love a marble surround, but precast has been a way to kind of get the look of stone or just like one solid, big surface... it’s a good price point to kind of get this really, really big, grand look.” ([00:20])

Precast mantles provide a grand and cohesive appearance without the high price tag associated with marble, making upscale design more accessible.

Design Considerations for Mantel Surrounds

Suzanne adds to the discussion by emphasizing the importance of depth and functionality in mantel design. She advises maintaining a depth of at least 10 inches to accommodate decorative elements such as candles, books, and holiday decorations.

“We usually like this about 10 inches deep, at least, because you want to be able to put your big hurricanes, your candles, books, all of that on top.” ([00:45])

She warns against using shallow shelves, which can make the mantel feel incomplete and less versatile for decorating.

“When you do a shelf, that's going to really lessen the depth of it. And that's probably one of the biggest reasons why the top shelf kind of feels like an accent wall when you're decorating a room.” ([01:10])

Customization and Color Options

Jessica discusses the customization options available with precast mantles, particularly regarding color selection. She mentions that the color is integrated into the concrete mix during the casting process, allowing for a wide range of shades.

“You can choose what color of concrete... you can make it look more like limestone and have it look more natural.” ([01:35])

Suzanne shares their current preference for a biscuit color from their favored supplier, Stone Mountain Castings, highlighting how this choice complements their new showroom.

“They're a really beautiful kind of biscuit color, and it looks great. We kind of went through a gray period, and we've come out of a gray period.” ([02:00])

Current Design Trends

Jessica cautions against overusing gray tones unless aiming for a specific industrial or contemporary look. She notes that trends in color can shift, and it's essential to choose hues that align with the desired aesthetic and current market preferences.

“I would not recommend doing anything like that right now, unless you're really industrial and you're very contemporary.” ([02:20])

Notable Quotes

• Jessica Bennett ([00:05]): “We love a precast mantle. I think we've been specifying them in homes for at least a decade, if not more. It's been kind of a favorite.”

• Suzanne Hall ([00:45]): “We usually like this about 10 inches deep, at least, because you want to be able to put your big hurricanes, your candles, books, all of that on top.”

• Jessica Bennett ([01:35]): “You can choose what color of concrete... you can make it look more like limestone and have it look more natural.”

• Suzanne Hall ([02:00]): “They're a really beautiful kind of biscuit color, and it looks great. We kind of went through a gray period, and we've come out of a gray period.”

Conclusion

In this episode of Dear Alice, Jessica and Suzanne provide invaluable insights into selecting and customizing mantels to enhance the beauty and functionality of fireplaces. Their discussion underscores the importance of choosing versatile materials like precast mantles, considering practical dimensions, and staying attuned to color trends to create timeless and elegant interior spaces. Whether you're embarking on a home renovation or simply looking to update a room, their expert advice offers a roadmap to achieving a sophisticated and personalized design.

Stay Tuned: Make sure to like and subscribe to Dear Alice for more expert tips and inspiring conversations on interior design.