The Fireplace Book (Hardcover)

by Miranda Innes (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
A lavish guide to the many design effects of the home's most traditional feature

"Hearth and home"are not proverbially paired for nothing. Yet the fireplace, with all its symbolism and drama, has been strangely neglected in the annals of decorating. Now, in a lush, informative volume brimming with creative and practical ideas, noted design author Miranda Innes surveys a wide variety of fireplace styles both modern and historical. Decorators and renovators will find invaluable guidance in choosing one that complements their vision, the room's other features, and their pocketbook. The Fireplace Book features hundreds of fireplaces, in close-up and in a whole-room context. From cottage hearths to French rococo, it traces their evolution in fashion and function. With tips on subtle accessorizing, and a resource directory, here is the ultimate inspiration for any house professional or homeowner who ever thought of adding, refurbishing, replacing, or simply redecorating a fireplace.

About the Author
Miranda Innes's books include the international bestsellers The Country Home Decorating Book, Ethnic Style, and The Country Living Country Decorator.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Studio (November 2, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0670893803
• ISBN-13: 978-0670893805
• Product Dimensions: 19 x 10.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,298,652 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Good photography but little factual detail, November 4, 2001

By A Customer

A well presented book with a wide variety of photographs making it a good source of ideas for interior designers. Beyond that there is little to commend it. Most of the pictures are not referenced, even those of grand or unique designs of fireplace. The commentary is lacking in technical and historical detail and the organisation into historical periods is only loosely adhered to. Not a bad coffee table book but not much good if you want information on designing, building or choosing a fireplace.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A nice picture book with a few words, June 20, 2004

By	Joseph Biskup (Sunnyvale, ca United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

In The Fireplace Book there are lots of beautiful pictures and a short introduction for each topic (approximately a few pages per topic); however, there is no depth. The author talks about a lot of designers, periods, and parts of fireplace design. She talks about historical changes and adaptations. What this book could really use is twice the information and an improved index (the existing one is VERY weak). It absolutely needs a section for sources and further reading, along with a glossary of terms and people. If you are looking for a coffee table or idea book and know all the design terms, this could be the one for you. If you are looking for information on designers, periods, historical development, etc. or don't already know all the terms this book could be interesting, but you will need to a more wordy book to complement it.

10 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SPRUCING UP HEARTH AND HOME, December 17, 2000

By	Dorothy Weiss (ORLANDO, FLORIDA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Photographs of hundreds of fireplaces worldwide offer options for giving your fireplace a different look. What's your preference? Art Deco? Something reminiscent of the Renaissance period or more Contemporary? Included in this book is a directory. Detailed information is presented covering salvaged fireplace parts, antique and reproduction mantels. Miranda Innes has provided a timely book to enrich the beauty of the home and hearth. There's no place like home for the holidays sitting before a warm fire or the glowing embers emanating from a classic fireplace.