Relaxing around the fireside on a cold winter's evening is purely wonderful. The hypnotic fire helps take the bite out of the air while begetting a special atmosphere. For centruries, fireplaces have furnished heat and,for years before that, a place to prepare meals as well. They have never lost their attraction and, in fact, have made substantial gains. During my 50 plus years, their popularity has steadily traveled south though winters are stunted and summers are gargantuan. improved over the years, fireplaces are still in vogue|Although the latest enhancements have been made in climate control for our living spaces, fireplaces persist in being stylish.

With developments in home heating the purpose for fireplaces has clearly diverged. Fireplaces are no longer simply for providing heat. They are no longer used for preparing meals There has been no shortage of cook tops or ovens for years So why do we have this ever increasing love for fireplaces? My spectulation is that fireplaces impart that special ambience when they're ablaze. And when they are not, they continue to add interest, focus and character to a room as well as charm. It would seem that fireplaces, and the mantels that frame them, have been one of the discrete architectural forms that add to the flavor of our homes much like embellished stairs, arched entry ways, or decorative range hoods. In these examples, there is a wonderful marriage of function and art.

"Wonderful marriage" has to be qualified because not all marriages of art and function are made in heaven. I lately had the occasion to observe a home that was about eighty percent completed and witnessed some mighty ugly unions. There was a kitchen island that had incredibly oversize and ornate corbels supporting the counter top. The fireplace also had magnanimous stone pillars supporting the mantel counter. The best thing that could be said is: "More is not necessarily better". Thankfully, there are many decent examples of form and function-just not in that home.

For many years millworks suppliers have specialized in fireplace mantels. Need is always jogging ahead of supply. And since the "media" of cabinetmakers is wood, most mantels are made of wood-which is OK by me since wood is my "media". Thick wooden slabs, undergirded with crown mold supported by ornate brackets and fluted pilasters are a familiar form for many cabinet makers. Not so common are the hand fashioned variety still made available by artisan carvers in foreign lands. The quality of these carved gems is unequaled by the latest 21st century technological marvels. The small variations and minor defects are a signature that says "hand carved" and ehances the charm and unique character. Mass production methodology will in my humble opinion, never attain to the techniques of the masters. Carvers can undercut and form sharp interior cuts that are presently not possible with high tech tooling.

Certainly fireplaces and the mantels them are here to stay. This is a marriage that has passed the test of time. As long as there are homeowners and designers that can appreciate the charm and homey pleasure afforded by them, we should not expect their demise. More likely they will continue to grace the homes in the cold North as well as the hot and humid South.