Nexterior: Indoor and Outdoor Living

How To Design a Contemporary Style Fireplace Mantle

Using a little math and planning, it's easy to design a modernized or contemporary fireplace mantel.

When designing a mantel, proportion is key, so that each element doesn't appear too tall, wide, thin or short. Here's a list of steps you can take to design your fireplace mantel.

Step A: Figure out how much of a reveal you would like to see of the fireplace- the reveal is usually made of brick.

In some cases, the reveal will be the same around the top and sides of the fireplace, in other cases, there might be more of a reveal on the top than on the sides.

Step B: Figure out the width of the pilaster

Measure from the edge of fireplace base (usually made of stone tiles or a stone slab) to the edge of the reveal.

Step C: Calculate the height of the pilaster

Use an approximate ratio of 5.3, so the height of the pilaster should be 5.3 times the width.

Step D: Determine the height of the architrave

Use an approximate ratio of 6.17, so the length of the architrave should be 6.17 times longer than the height.

Step E: Determine the size of your mantel top.

Mantel Tops are usually 1" thick with about a 2" overhang, however, the overhang should be adjusted visually before you do any cutting.

Step F: Choose a moulding to go underneath the mantel top- they are usually at least 3" tall

Step F: Build a mock-up from foamcore

Foamcore is sold art stores. It is a stiff material that is very easy to cut with an exacto knife. You will also need a cutting surface- a cutting matt or a piece of cardboard will work. It's always best to create a mock-up so that you can visualize the final product and make adjustments.

Extend you Living Space with Modern Porches & Patios

A great example of design elements that help extend the perceived living space- large picture windows, unobtrusive railings, and a deck that surrounds the exterior.

This railing does not obstruct the view, which helps extend the perceived living area from both inside and outside the house.

A patio that surrounds house helps extend the perceived living space.

Folding doors enable seamless connection between the interior and exterior of the house

Industrial & Nautical Lighting to Refresh a Home's Exterior

Nautical, Industrial & Barn Lighting - a quick way to update most exteriors

The look of any home can get a fresh update with new lighting. The best lighting styles for an updated look are nautical, industrial, or barn lighting. The simple volumetric shapes of these styles work well with most homes- whether modern or colonial.

Match the exterior hardware when possible

It's important that the exterior hardware matches. In most cases, it's best for all of the exterior hardware to be the same color or close: lighting, house numbers, mailbox, door handles, locks and door knockers.