Designer Layouts, January 1998
Photography: Woody Cady
As well built and as well located in historic Fairfax County, Virginia as this home was, the family room remained a disappointment. Almost as an afterthought, a very ordinary fireplace surround was installed along the outside wall of impressive proportions. The placement of the family room as the hub of the lower level of the house, with the other rooms radiating from it, demanded a fireplace surround in keeping with the grand scale of the room and the tasteful, elegant furnishings selected by the client.
One consideration in the planning was that books and art objects be displayed on the fireplace wall. Another was that the fireplace surround be proportionate with the scale of the room, but not lacking in a feeling of warmth and comfort. Upon viewing the completed project, the client was thrilled. "It exceeded our expectations in every way," they said.
Special Design Features: Pencil
round edge treatment on hearth.
Products Used: Honey Brook Custom Cabinets in cherry, raised panel door,
Fireside finish;
large Carmen Red granite fascia and full width hearth.
