A Stylish Approach to Fireplace Maintenance and Safety

           Many homeowners have made the switch from wood-burning fireplaces to a more modern gas based system because of safety issues or simply due to their appearance. However, what if there was a way to have it all?

            Wood-burning fireplaces provide a cozy, comforting environment and should not be dismissed due to safety issues, maintenance, or style concerns. The first tip to achieve optimal fireplace safety is to burn only these recommended types of wood: oak, ash, birch, and if you must use manufactured logs, burn only 100% compressed sawdust. These types of wood will produce little ash, thus preventing flammable content build up and making your routine cleanings that much easier. It is crucial to regularly tidy up your wood-burning fireplace, and it is easiest to keep a fire tool set nearby to reduce cleaning efforts and increase convenience. Stylish wrought iron fire tool sets can be the perfect solution to a balance of both style and easy upkeep.

The easiest way to avoid compensating safety for style is to incorporate an elegant, unique iron fire screen into the design of the room. The use of fire screens dates back to the 18^th century and began as a shield between homeowners and the flames. It was soon discovered that they served a dual function: first for safety and then as a stylish fireplace cover. It is important to have a fire screen in place whenever you are not openly tending to the fire in order to protect yourself from the open flames and possible embers. If you own a more modern, gas-lit fireplace, fire screens are an essential safety precaution to protect yourself from the heat of the fire as well.

Wrought iron fire screens incorporate the original look of the 18th-century iron fire screens with their antique, timeless finish, but the structure of the screens have evolved. Instead of a basic rectangle-shaped iron screen, Steven Handelman Studios produces custom made, wrought iron fire screens that come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Any style can be manufactured into a 3 panel, single panel, or 2 door design. Each custom structure can also be transformed to compliment the tailor of the room as a variety of finishes are available for order.

Avoid stacking piles of wood near the fireplace as they can be an eyesore and a sure way to

trip an unfamiliar guest. Continue the trend of safety and style by placing a wrought iron log basket near the fireplace to organize your wood and keep it off the floor space. These iron log baskets are available in several customizable options ranging from racks to pot-shaped baskets.

You can have it all – keep the traditional feel of a wood-burning fireplace while still maintaining a safe environment. Iron fire screens are an added touch of elegance to the interior design of your home.

A Personal Touch on Historical Design: Custom Iron Products

The 21^st century is known to be an era of rebirth. Although many new trends and styles have been created as a representation of our generation several of these new trends are a revival of historical trends. Fashion gurus have recreated vintage looks, and the same can be said for interior design.

 Modern designs are popular among décor enthusiasts, but it is the designs of the past that we crave to embellish our home with. Our generation has put our own tasteful twist on the styles of the past while still preserving their antiquity.

Due to this revival of past trends, it is necessary to offer a product within the realm of interior and exterior design to be customizable in all aspects of production. At Handelman studios, several different historical time periods represent the various categories of custom iron products that are offered. From chandeliers to outdoor lanterns, each piece is hand crafted to ensure high quality, original designs. We pride ourselves on the unique touch of our team of craftsman and their ability to achieve your vision through a variety of customizable aspects for the production process.

It is important to capture the essence and history of an era, but being able to add a personal touch is crucial. Customization is key when undergoing interior design.  Every home is different and has different color schemes, and styles. When choosing lighting for your home, our custom iron products offer a wide array of sizes, finishes, glass choices, and shade styles to compliment each space. It may be that a certain finish works in one room and not the next, or a certain type of glass already exists throughout your home. Our website now makes it as easy as possible to get the exact custom iron products that you desire to accomplish your desired theme at the click of a button. When placing your order you will have the option to choose from several different glass designs and finish colors to create your product. Keep in mind when custom designing your products that some customizations may require special considerations, such as size for placement or glass choices for outdoor and indoor areas. See the Order Info page of our website for help in the customization process: http://www.stevenhandelmanstudios.com/order-info/ .

Achieve your vision and be the designer behind the production of your custom iron products. Decorate your home exactly the way you’ve always desired.

Match the Mood of the Room with Proper Light Fixtures

You don’t entertain your friends in the bathroom or cook in the bedroom. Each room of your home has a different purpose. Thus, you need to capture the mood of each individual space with interior light fixtures that are unique throughout the house.  There are many different types of lighting accents that can be added to bring in the perfect ambiance such as chandeliers, wall sconces, stand up lighting, table lighting, lanterns, and much more. To achieve a chic, yet elegant flare to your home, wrought iron light fixtures are the perfect addition.

Kitchen: Brighter is Better

Don’t get close to making spaghetti with a hint of sliced finger for your next family dinner. The kitchen is probably the most important room of the house to achieve bright, quality lighting. Incorporate overhead lighting, usually in the center of the kitchen, by hanging a chandelier. This type of light fixture often fits perfectly over a kitchen island or utility table. It is crucial to have excellent lighting over this space, as it is where majority of the food preparation takes place. Light fixtures that are combined with hanging pot racks are a favorite amongst interior decorating trends. A beautiful wrought iron pot rack chandelier is the perfect addition to an antique style kitchen.

Living/Dining Room: The Entertainment Zone

As probably the most used spaces in the house, by both you and your guests, it is important to create an inviting, comfortable atmosphere in the living and dining rooms. These rooms are the most flexible when it comes to the options of lighting to achieve the appropriate mood. Light fixtures that give off a subtle, yet warm feel are the best choice for these spaces. Floor lamps that are placed in the corners of the room can achieve this goal. The light from the lamp directs upward and bounces off the ceiling and cornering walls to reflect just the right amount of light toward the center of the room. In the living room specifically, overhanging floor lamps are a good source of light next to seating areas for optimal visibility during activities such as reading, board games, paperwork, etc. The dinner table is usually the centerpiece of the dining room, hang a wrought iron chandelier with tinted shade covers above it to get the best lighting for intimate gatherings.

Bedroom: Relax and Recharge

This is the most important room in the house to maintain calming, peaceful mood lighting. The most common light fixtures used in the bedroom are typically wall sconces and table lamps. A series of matching sconces can be added along a wall to reflect light off the ceiling, dispersing a dim lit glow. This way, as you lie in bed reflecting on your day, you are not blinded by bright overhead lighting. Table lamps are also a common light fixtures in the bedroom as a small source of light on bedside furniture for late night reading.

Be sure to decorate with the idea in mind that each room in your home has a mood unique to its use. Along with incorporating the right type of light fixtures to produce the desired mood, it is crucial to maintain style and design. Wrought iron light fixtures are the perfect addition to any home to achieve both appropriate mood lighting and stunning décor.