A Symphony of Stone and Flame


In the realm of design, where trends ebb and flow like the tides, there’s one element that remains timeless – the embrace of nature. And at the heart of this embrace lies limestone, a material as old as time, yet as versatile as tomorrow. When crafted into fireplaces by the artisans at Ancient Surfaces, limestone transforms from mere rock to a storyteller, narrating tales of warmth, gatherings, and memories.

Cozy living room ambiance with a roaring fire illuminating the fireplace, casting a warm glow on the surrounding furnishings

Imagine a balmy evening, the sky painted in hues of twilight. Amidst this canvas, there stands a fireplace, its limestone facade kissed by the setting sun. This isn’t just any outdoor space; it’s a sanctuary crafted by Ancient Surfaces. The Antique Limestone fireplace, with its rugged texture and earthy tones, seems to rise from the ground, as if it has always been a part of the landscape. As flames dance and shadows play, this outdoor limestone fireplace becomes the heart of every gathering, echoing laughter, secrets, and dreams.

An outdoor setting at dusk, with a limestone fireplace standing tall, its facade illuminated by the soft glow of the setting sun, capturing the essence of gatherings crafted by Ancient Surfaces

Venture indoors, and the narrative of limestone continues. In the heart of the living room, a reclaimed fireplace stands tall, its limestone mantle exuding an elegance that’s both regal and rustic. But this isn’t just about aesthetics. As the fire crackles and warmth envelops the room, the fireplace becomes a bridge between eras. It speaks of ancient quarries, of hands that have lovingly shaped it, and of modern homes where it finds its place. With every flicker of the flame, this Antique limestone mantle by Ancient Surfaces tells tales of homes and hearts.

Elegant living room interior, dominated by a grand limestone fireplace, its mantle reflecting the intricate craftsmanship of Ancient Surfaces

In the hands of Ancient Surfaces, limestone isn’t just a material; it’s a muse. Whether gracing outdoor living spaces or adding charm to cozy indoor nooks, limestone fireplaces are more than functional elements. They are storytellers, keepers of memories, and testaments to the timeless dance between nature and design.

An outdoor setting at dusk, with an Ancient limestone fireplace standing tall, its facade illuminated by the soft glow of the setting sun, capturing the essence of gatherings

Close-up of the detailed work on a limestone fireplace, showcasing the passion and artistry of Ancient Surfaces

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The Warmth of Elegance: Limestone Fireplaces and the Italian Design Legacy


In the grand tapestry of design, certain threads stand out for their timeless appeal and enduring elegance. Today, we weave together these threads to explore the beauty of limestone fireplaces for villas, inspired by the rich legacy of Italian design and architecture.

Classic design of an antique limestone fireplace mantle, a masterpiece by Ancient Surfaces
Family Room Mantles

The fireplace, often the heart of a villa, is more than a source of warmth. It is a focal point, a gathering place, a storyteller. And when crafted from limestone, it becomes a piece of art, a testament to the timeless beauty of natural stone. Ancient Surfaces, with their unparalleled craftsmanship, brings this art to life in their collection of limestone fireplaces.

Handcrafted ancient limestone fireplace mantle showcasing timeless beauty by Ancient Surfaces
Reclaimed Limestone Mantles 
Old Stone Mantles
Salvaged Architectural Elements

Imagine a fireplace, its surface adorned with the intricate patterns of the Georgian Style. The symmetry and balance of this design style, inspired by the classical architecture of ancient Greece and Rome, lends a sense of harmony and order to the space. The limestone’s natural variations in color and texture add depth and character, creating a visual narrative that captivates the senses.

Exquisite detailing on this antique limestone fireplace mantle, a gem from Ancient Surfaces
Reclaimed Limestone Mantles 
Old Stone Mantles
Salvaged Architectural Elements
Maritime Hotel NYC

Now, picture a fireplace that embodies the elegance of Neo-classical design. The clean lines and simple forms of this style contrast beautifully with the rugged beauty of the limestone. The result is a fireplace that is both modern and timeless, a fusion of the past and the present.

Majestic ancient limestone fireplace mantle, a testament to time by Ancient Surfaces
Reclaimed Limestone Mantles 
Old Stone Mantles
Salvaged Architectural Elements

But the beauty of limestone fireplaces extends beyond the confines of the villa. They transition seamlessly to outdoor spaces, their charm enhanced by the natural surroundings. The limestone coping, with its durability and versatility, makes it an ideal choice for outdoor fireplaces. Whether it’s a cozy patio or a grand outdoor living room, these Antique Limestone Mantles add a touch of rustic elegance that blends effortlessly with the natural landscape.

Rustic charm of an antique limestone fireplace mantle, a signature piece by Ancient Surfaces
Reclaimed Limestone Mantles 
Old Stone Mantles
Salvaged Architectural Elements

In the realm of design, certain styles have a unique ability to transport us to a different time and place. The Baroque and Gothic design styles, with their ornate details and dramatic forms, evoke a sense of history and grandeur. The Versailles patterns, with their intricate geometric designs, add a layer of sophistication and complexity. And the Sarrasine fireplaces, with their distinctive French charm, bring a touch of romance and elegance.

Historical and ornate ancient limestone fireplace mantle curated by Ancient Surfaces
Reclaimed Limestone Mantles 
Old Stone Mantles
Salvaged Architectural Elements
Jeff Andrews

Elegant antique limestone fireplace mantle by Ancient Surfaces
Custom Carved Limestone Mantles
Hand Carved Mantles
Intricately Carved Architectural Elements

A piece of history- antique limestone fireplace mantle, beautifully preserved by Ancient Surfaces
Custom Carved Limestone Mantles
Hand Carved Mantles
Intricately Carved Architectural Elements

Time-worn beauty of an ancient limestone fireplace mantle, handpicked by Ancient Surfaces

Reclaimed Limestone Mantles 
Old Stone Mantles
Salvaged Architectural Elements
Maritime Hotel NYC

Intricate carvings on ancient limestone fireplace mantle from Ancient Surfaces collection

Custom Carved Limestone Mantles
Hand Carved Mantles
Intricately Carved Architectural Elements

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The Warmth of Elegance: Discovering the Charm of Limestone Mantles


In the realm of interior design, the fireplace often takes center stage, serving as the heart of the home. And when it comes to fireplace design, limestone mantles offer a unique blend of timeless elegance and enduring charm.

Antique limestone mantles
Salon décor
Vintage limestone fireplace mantels
Period mantelpieces
Timeless fireplace surrounds
Rustic limestone hearths
Historic fireplace designs
Salon interior design
Classic mantel styles
Antique home furnishings
Aged limestone mantels
Old-world fireplace mantles
Vintage architectural features
Restored fireplace surrounds

Crafted from earthy limestone, these mantles bring a touch of nature into your home. The unique patina of limestone, developed over hundreds of years, adds a depth and richness that is simply unmatched, making each mantle a one-of-a-kind piece.

Antique limestone mantles
Salon décor
Vintage limestone fireplace mantels
Period mantelpieces
Timeless fireplace surrounds
Rustic limestone hearths
Historic fireplace designs
Salon interior design
Classic mantel styles
Antique home furnishings
Aged limestone mantels
Old-world fireplace mantles
Vintage architectural features
Restored fireplace surrounds

From grand, ornate fireplace that echo the splendor of European palaces, to simple, rustic ones that exude a farmhouse charm, limestone mantles come in a variety of styles and sizes, each with its unique character and appeal.

Antique limestone mantles
Salon décor
Vintage limestone fireplace mantels
Period mantelpieces
Timeless fireplace surrounds
Rustic limestone hearths
Historic fireplace designs
Salon interior design
Classic mantel styles
Antique home furnishings
Aged limestone mantels
Old-world fireplace mantles
Vintage architectural features
Restored fireplace surrounds

Antique limestone mantles
Salon décor
Vintage limestone fireplace mantels
Period mantelpieces
Timeless fireplace surrounds
Rustic limestone hearths
Historic fireplace designs
Salon interior design
Classic mantel styles
Antique home furnishings
Aged limestone mantels
Old-world fireplace mantles
Vintage architectural features
Restored fireplace surrounds

In a modern setting, a limestone chimney serves as a bridge between the past and the present. It’s a statement piece that stands out, yet blends seamlessly with contemporary decor, adding a touch of history and character to your living space.

Antique limestone mantles
Salon décor
Vintage limestone fireplace mantels
Period mantelpieces
Timeless fireplace surrounds
Rustic limestone hearths
Historic fireplace designs
Salon interior design
Classic mantel styles
Antique home furnishings
Aged limestone mantels
Old-world fireplace mantles
Vintage architectural features
Restored fireplace surrounds

But a limestone fireplace is more than just a design element – it’s a functional piece that enhances the ambiance of your living room. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening by the fire or hosting a gathering of friends, a limestone mantle adds warmth and charm to your daily routine.

Elegant living room mantelpieces
Heritage limestone mantles
Artisanal fireplace designs
Antique salvage mantels
Traditional salon décor
Reclaimed limestone hearths
Time-honored fireplace craftsmanship
Charming antique mantles
Antique limestone mantles
Salon décor
Vintage limestone fireplace mantels
Period mantelpieces
Timeless fireplace surrounds
Rustic limestone hearths
Historic fireplace designs
Salon interior design
Classic mantel styles
Antique home furnishings
Aged limestone mantels
Old-world fireplace mantles
Vintage architectural features
Restored fireplace surrounds

The beauty of a limestone mantle lies in its details – the intricate carvings, the weathered patina, the sturdy craftsmanship. These details are a testament to the skill of the artisans of the past and the timeless appeal of their creations.

Hand-carved limestone mantelpieces
Antique elegance for salons
Vintage focal points
Historical fireplace accents
Salon interior enhancements
Antique limestone mantels for sale
Artistic salon fireplace surrounds.
Historic fireplace designs
Salon interior design
Classic mantel styles
Antique home furnishings
Aged limestone mantels
Old-world fireplace mantles
Vintage architectural features
Restored fireplace surrounds
Elegant salon mantelpieces

Historic fireplace designs
Salon interior design
Classic mantel styles
Antique home furnishings
Aged limestone mantels
Old-world fireplace mantles
Vintage architectural features
Restored fireplace surrounds
Elegant salon mantelpieces
Hand-carved limestone mantelpieces
Antique elegance for salons
Vintage focal points
Historical fireplace accents
Salon interior enhancements
Antique limestone mantels for sale
Artistic salon fireplace surrounds.

Historic fireplace designs
Salon interior design
Classic mantel styles
Antique home furnishings
Aged limestone mantels
Old-world fireplace mantles
Vintage architectural features
Restored fireplace surrounds
Elegant salon mantelpieces
Hand-carved limestone mantelpieces
Antique elegance for salons
Vintage focal points
Historical fireplace accents
Salon interior enhancements
Antique limestone mantels for sale
Artistic salon fireplace surrounds.

Imagine yourself curled up in front of the fireplace, the warmth radiating from the flames, the soft glow illuminating the room. A limestone mantle enhances this experience, adding a touch of elegance to these cozy moments.

Antique limestone mantles
living room décor
Vintage limestone fireplace mantels
Period mantelpieces
Timeless fireplace surrounds
Rustic limestone hearths
Historic fireplace designs
Salon interior design
Classic mantel styles
Antique home furnishings
Aged limestone mantels
Old-world fireplace mantles
Vintage architectural features
Restored fireplace surrounds

As you embark on the design or remodeling of your living room, take into account the allure and sophistication of a limestone mantle. Far from being merely ornamental, it conveys a sense of fashion, embodies comfort, and highlights the perpetual attractiveness of organic substances.

Elegant limestone fireplace mantle in a luxurious villa salon
Close-up view of a beautifully crafted limestone mantle in a villa salon
Detailed craftsmanship of a limestone mantle in a high-end villa salon
Stunning villa salon featuring a limestone fireplace mantle
Villa salon interior showcasing a limestone fireplace mantle
Traditional salon décor
Reclaimed limestone hearths
Time-honored fireplace craftsmanship
Charming antique mantles
Salon fireplace restoration
Hand-carved limestone mantelpieces
Antique elegance for salons
Vintage focal points
Historical fireplace accents

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The Warmth of History: Limestone Fire Pits by Ancient Surfaces Inspired by Mediterranean Italian Villas


In a villa nestled in the heart of Florida, a transformation was about to unfold. The homeowners had a vision: to bring the charm of Mediterranean Italian villas to their backyard. They sought the help of Ancient Surfaces, a company renowned for its commitment to preserving historical beauty and crafting magnificent structures.

Stunning limestone fire pit by Ancient Surfaces, showcasing intricate carvings and a weathered texture.

The transformation began with the arrival of a stunning limestone fire pit. As the fire pit was carefully placed in the heart of the backyard, the space began to change. The intricate carvings and weathered texture of the fire pit breathed life into the villa, telling a story of time and craftsmanship.

Ancient Surfaces' limestone fire pit taking center stage in a beautiful villa, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

As the sun set, the fire pit took center stage. Its robust form and warm glow created a cozy and inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of the grand structures that adorn the streets of Rome and Florence. The fire pit was more than just a functional element; it was a tangible link to Italy’s rich architectural heritage

Limestone fire pit by Ancient Surfaces, evoking the timeless elegance of Mediterranean Italian architecture

The transformation didn’t stop there. The backyard was further adorned with elements that echoed the charm of Mediterranean Italian architecture. Each piece, meticulously crafted by Ancient Surfaces, played a crucial role in evoking the timeless elegance of Italy.

Rustic limestone fire pit by Ancient Surfaces, capturing the essence of outdoor living and the company's commitment to preserving the beauty of ancient surfaces.

As the moon rose, the backyard was no longer just a space. It was a testament to the allure of ancient surfaces, a piece of art that told a story of history and beauty. The homeowners looked around at the limestone fire pit and the transformed space, and they knew they had achieved their vision.

Stunning limestone fire pit by Ancient Surfaces, showcasing intricate carvings and a weathered texture.

Ancient Surfaces’ dedication to quality and authenticity is evident in every limestone fire pit they create. Each piece is meticulously crafted, ensuring it not only meets but exceeds their clients’ expectations. Whether it’s a villa reminiscent of Italian architecture or a home inspired by Mediterranean European design, Ancient Surfaces ensures their products enhance the beauty and functionality of any space.

Ancient Surfaces' limestone fire pit taking center stage in a beautiful villa, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Rustic limestone fire pit by Ancient Surfaces, capturing the essence of outdoor living and the company's commitment to preserving the beauty of ancient surfaces.
Handcrafted limestone fire pit by Ancient Surfaces, a testament to the company's dedication to quality and authenticity.
Italian-inspired villa enhanced by a limestone fire pit from Ancient Surfaces, showcasing the company's ability to transform spaces.
Outdoor living space transformed by a rustic limestone fire pit from Ancient Surfaces, capturing the warmth of ancient surfaces.

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30 Inspiring Cottage Ideas in Stone


Cottage are usually well known in several countries European nations and are a homier version of a farmhouse is such a thing was even possible in the first place!

An exhaustive number of Cottage comes in various locations in France, Italy and even Eastern Europe and Russia. A cottage is frequently as spacious or small as you desire but typically is under 1,500 sqft. Cottage provide a house abroad experience if you ever decided to build one on a spacious multi-acreage parcel of land.

The preferred cottage style is one you imagine out of natural ecological material such as wood or stone, with some contemporary furniture pieces thrown into the interior design. Whether a Montana style mountain fishing lodge or a warm Mexican hacienda adobe, all cottage share some basic common element focusing on simplicity and wabi-sabi.

If your house is reminiscent of an outdated European villa, you wouldn’t wish to choose something like concrete Decking that is more appropriate for a modern soho gallery setting.

Cottage furniture is normally envisioned with a washed off light painted and finding the proper furniture can be well worth the effort.

Stone and wood dominates the interiors of Cottages and the ideal flooring for a cottage is a big sized antique limestone flooring pavers coupled with ancient reclaimed stone fireplace the end up working off of each other in making the cottage even more lived-in and homie.

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Top 10 most beautiful ancient fireplace


Sometimes functional items are designed so beautifully that they blur the line between architecture and art. The stone fireplace surrounds in our collection are beautifully hand carved ancient works of art.
As the evenings growing colder, no wonder many of us start turning on the glow of their beloved fireplaces. Many of us think that it might be a little too late to remodel their fireplaces and replace them with the real deal. Well, think again! With some extra motivation fueled by your desire to enjoy your winter season in a European flair, you can have your own masterpiece.

Here are the top 10 most beautiful, inspiring, ancient and cozy fireplaces that maybe still within your grasp:

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Our primal connection to art and fire have gone hand-in-hand ever since cavemen created art on the walls of caves by firelight. This mantel fireplace gives a feeling to be simultaneously ancient and modern.

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The sculptural elements of this classic fireplace rival anything I saw in the castles of Europe or France! It makes you want to relax in front of the fire while listening to Bach’s “Brandenburg Concerto Number 3 in G Major.” That music always makes me feel uplifted in spirit, and I think it fits the fireplace.

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This splendid Italian 16th century stone fireplace mantle has been restored sold and shipped to the Americas were it was installed by a team of professional master masons that have perfected to installation process down to a science

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This amazing fireplace was custom designed for the client and hand carved from stone. I would listen to Bach again, but this time it would have to be “Tocata and Fugue in D Minor,” a much heavier piece.

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This stunning French limestone fireplace mantel was realized in the Provence style and was the main feature of this frugal French farmhouse in Provence.

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This stunning French limestone fireplace mantel was realized in the Provence style and was the main feature of this frugal French farmhouse in Provence.

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This simply designed French fireplace making tradition of the 18th and 17th centuries. Its classical simplicity speaks volumes about the period in which it was conceived.

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Selecting the right piece of stone and choosing the direction of placement shows off a stunningly beautiful natural work of art. It’s an ancient piece of stone, yet it reads like a contemporary abstract painting with all the artistic carvings.

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This is a unique Louis XV limestone fireplace from Provence dating back to the 17th century.

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Baroque and Medieval inspired bedroom fireplace with a modern flair.

 

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Deck your fireplace during Christmas


A fireplace is often a focal point already, but when holidays come, it takes on added significance —with Santa coming down the chimney and all. Encircle your Christmas stockings with mantel decorations to suit the holiday spirit. Once your fireplace is cheerful, it’s time to light a fire, sit back with a glass of wine and soak up that heart-warming feeling of the holidays at home.
A fireplace is always on display, but this time of year it’s especially under the spot lights, with friends and family warming up in front of a roaring fire or huddling in the living room for an evening of games or movies. The stone mantel, which usually is an added value actor throughout the year, lands a starring role around the holidays, with beautiful, stockings and string lights draped across it.
Here’s few of Ancient surfaces mantel fireplaces decorated in a very stunning way to add Christmas spirit into the room

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A mostly white color palette with pottery, tea lights and snowflakes contrasts dark foliage and garlands. Looks beautifully matched with the Christmas tree. Gives feeling of warmth.

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The stone fireplace shown in here follows a Romanesque Revival or, more specifically, Romanesque style. Located in the home’s formal living room, it has a very robust and masculine look.

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A French Provence Antique Limestone Fireplace adorned by Garlands, flanked by stockings and decorated with Mistletoe, Red Roses and Christmas shrubbery.

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Natural greenery, wreaths, candles, silver, gold and white … white bee lights covers this beautifully cared mantel stone fireplace that sets a truly Christmas spirit for this room.

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Very simple and clean fireplace, very warm yellow lights are dispersed around the fireplace and on the stove along with reindeer and a tiny Christmas tree to create a special mood and get into the Christmas holiday feeling.

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A traditional Southern Italian Fireplace with a Baroque Puglia Style Christmas Decoration focused on Angelic Cherub decoration and Sicilian ceramic in the Majolica Melograno style

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An Authentic French Pyrénée mountains Fireplace carved in the style known locally as the “Cheminee Montagnard Des Pyrénées” finished with a minimalist natural garlands, wine flasks, organic homemade Bees wax candles and an antique Candelabrum.

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Simple vs. Classical Beauties. which fireplaces will you choose?


They say nothing lasts forever, but we all know that one can own a few items that may last for generations to come. No, we’re not talking about a girl’s best friend to quote Marline Monroe. Even though our stones can’t be worn on your wrists or fingers, they still can be a crowd pleaser none the less. Installing an antique limestone fireplace in your family room can be the one design element that everyone in your family agrees with and is comforted by especially when it starts raining or snowing outside.

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Pedigree (History and Provenance) of the fireplace aside, what design elements one should consider when selecting a fireplace that may last you a lifetime in some cases?

You always need to keep in mind that your fireplace selection will have to be a permanent fixture in your home and is supposed to live through any design change your room or home will be going through in the future. What would you rather go for? A well carved fireplace or a simply hand carved one? Let’s consider the positive aspects of both choices and see how they may pertain to your taste buds.

 

Fully carved stone mantles:

 

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When considering a fully hand carved limestone fireplace close your eyes and think of a complex and rich multi-layered ‘Taurasi’ wine blend from ‘Campania’ that’s been well aged in oak barrels.

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What nuances would your eyes savor? Can you envision tasting the Southern Italian Baroque acanthus leaves free flowing on this mantle corbeled sides or the rich and velvety pallet of the sprawling and spiraling vined foliage that can grace the front face of your unique fireplace?

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Can you imagine the glowing heat radiating from inside the stone built firebox of such a captivating mantle? The reflected shadow of the flame dancing on the medieval carved limestone coupled with the intoxicating sound on the flickering burning wood becoming one with the melody of slowly decanted bottle of Barolo from Piedmont…

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If you picture yourself in that frame, allow yourself to be captured by an antique well carved limestone fireplace that’s been salvaged from centuries old Renaissance or Baroque castles by Ancient Surfaces.

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A fully carved fireplace of that era will define the look of your entire room and anchor your whole house with an authentic design persona.

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Simple carved Fireplace:

 

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Simply carved fireplaces allow visual evenhandedness between styles, finish patina and shade of the room and the stone of the fireplace. In a simple fireplace the design focus shifts from the carving to the actual antique limestone itself as it becomes the predominant design feature of the mantel instead of its minimal carved elements.

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When it’s simple it goes with everything else right? Well yes that is true, but one has to be careful that going with everything doesn’t turn into a disappearing act where the mantle itself totally blends with its environment in the same way a window frame blends with the wall.

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Simple architectural fireplaces when realized symmetrically and when created and carved under the golden ratio and the golden mean will carry more of a creative punch than most of its other ornately carved counterparts. Minimalism when portrayed in well-defined and harmonic ratios, guarantees you a powerful visual output and a soothing organic feel that will satisfy your design vision for that space.

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With a simple yet elegant antique hand carved fireplace you’ll be looking more at the architecture, structure and patina of the fireplace and how its various component simply integrate together with your space.

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As a wise man once said: “the simplest explanation is usually the correct one.” William of Ockham (c. 1287–1347)

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Top 5 tips to choosing your Outdoor Fireplace


Only second to an outdoor limestone fountain, a fireplace is an architectural element that’s guaranteed to make your backyard the place where everyone wants to be. It easily becomes the focal point of an outdoor living space, drawing both friends and family together around its warm glitter.

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An outdoor fireplace that’s hand carved out of limestone can turn a regular yard to an ‘Al Fresco’ living room. Adding a harmonious and exciting space for kids to hover over as they roast marshmallows over a rustic wood burning flame or relaxing with a glass of wine in the evening with friends and loved ones are some of the numerous mood and climate altering applications of any outdoor antique limestone fireplaces you’ll find at Ancient Surfaces.

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Choosing a fireplace may seems like a daunting task until you contact us. It pays to work with a company that has 50 years of field experience in the art of fireplace design, making, reclaiming and installation. So if you’re dreaming of adding an outdoor fireplace to your yard here are the top 5 key things to consider beforehand:

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Increase resale price: Studies like the CV report have shown the RIO or return on investment on both, outdoor and indoor fireplaces are the highest out of all other remodeling projects you can undertake in your home. If you are considering selling your home sometime in the future, an outdoor fireplace can be very beneficial at sale time. Accented with comfy outdoor living furniture, it will help potential buyers to easily imagine themselves in that space.

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Select your burn- fireplace vs. fire pit: Built-in fire pit can be either contemporary or old world looking. Ironically, on many occasions, we’ve converted ancient rounded and rectangular wellheads into fire pits. Their lower height 20 to 22 inches allow them to be placed virtually anywhere in your backyard as they embrace your open space without any visual interruption.IMG_1802 copy

Stone fireplaces are more majestic and monumental in nature. They’ll help you add an architectural presence to any given outdoor location. Offset your fireplace a few feet from a neighbor’s property wall will help you turn a major outdoor design minus into a plus. The fireplaces can be the same as the ones you are used to seeing inside villa style homes in Europe.

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Wood vs Gas burning: You can always purchase a prefabricated firebox that range in price from a couple thousand dollars to brand name boxes that are double that figure. Your other option is to have a mason build you a wood/gas burning box from scratch. In both cases you’ll still need to stone clad or stone tile the return and chimney stack in a stone element that complement the stone fireplace mantle you are after.DSC_6709-2 copy

Without going into your city ordinances and local construction codes on wood vs. gas burning fireplaces or debating the environmental impact of each option, we believe that from an aesthetic and design standpoint a wood burning fireplace offers a unique source of heat that warms people on so many levels while providing you with a mesmerizing audio-visual show that is like no other. In most cases, people settle for a dual Wood/gas burning firebox that offers its users a flexible solution, that is both, romantic and practical as the flames continue to burst out heat long after the logs has turned into cider.

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Built-in versus freestanding: Installing an outdoor fireplace is a big architectural plus no matter how you look at it. However, before settling on a plan, think about how you envision yourself using the space. Do you have an open or roofed patio? Do you have an expanded opened-air space just a few step away from your pool of Jacuzzi that can be complemented with a freestanding fire pit?3724365353_a5d510ed45_o copy

Consider, but don’t be narrowed by your home’s architecture: The fire pit shown here from ancient surfaces has a lustrous, modern look yet fits in charmingly with any traditional old world looking home.DSC_0589 copy

If you are having trouble imagining how a certain fireplace would look with your home, consider taking your search into the digital realm by starting a free Houzz profile and a Houzz idea book. Start piling in some of the hundreds of photo ideas we have parked in our Houzz database.outdoor-living-spaces-with-fireplace-552dcfd98cb79 copy

One good advice we could give you though, is to choose a stone chimney-piece you really enjoy looking at. Whether it’s the focus of your pool patio or centered on a side property wall, chances are you’ll hopefully live with it for a long time.

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Captivating antique limestone patina hundreds of years in the making.


 

At Antique Surfaces we are humbled by one of the most extensive stock of mesmerizing  architectural antiques  ever to be assembled under one roof. As a first tier reclaimer of various stone elements we have been lucky to work directly on unique reclamation and restoration projects from around the world. We help bring into our clientele homes a much needed connoisseur-ship backed by a solid 40 years old field expertise.

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The restoration process of any original carved stone element is undertaken with extreme care and is focused on meticulous attention to details. Salvaging and restoring limestone from privately owned ruined villas, farmhouses, manors and even castles gives us an unobstructed birdseye view and insight into the boutique European stone reclamation business.

Old traditional living room centered by a fireplace

Every time we reclaim a never seen before antique limestone fireplace design, we are quickly reminded of the vast and seemingly unlimited ingenuity of stone carvers and stone designers of past centuries.HAVENS-LAZY-LANE-2010-TERRY-VINE-PHOTOS-014

Being in proximity to antique limestone objects of infinite beauty and character turns anyone into a firm believer in the importance and need to preserve our collective carving traditions from the unforgiving wrecking balls of progress and the unstoppable path of modernization and standardization.

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The patina created by centuries of exposure to natural elemental forces is in its own right an art worthy of preserving and safeguarding. Our Arcane limestone fireplaces don’t even look like they belong to our earthly realm and are considered by many top designers and architects to be the pinnacle of antique fireplaces.

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If you like this current blog entry we invite you to keep on browse the rest of our entries as they contain more images of dreamy, in situ, antique stone fireplaces that are part of our premium Ancient Surfaces stone mantles collection.

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