It has become a bad habit to assume that granite has a limited number of functions. This assumption stems from the vast popularity that granite has achieved both as a countertop and as a flooring material. Although these are two areas where granite has solidified its worth, there are many other ways in which it can be used, including as a material intended for the mantel.
Interior designers have come to focus on the mantel as being, in many ways, the hearth of the home. The living room mantel brings families and friends together as a meeting point that encourages rest and relaxation. With this in mind, using granite as a material for your mantel is an excellent option when remodelling your living room. To follow are three exceptional ideas for putting this idea into action.
1-Modern Meets Traditional
Traditional homeowners often avoid using granite in their homes. This is because they feel that granite is too modern a material for their traditional living spaces. Of course, this assumption is entirely false.
If your room is traditional in aesthetic, it likely houses a good range of oversized furniture. Leather couches, ample reading chairs, and ottomans are all staple features of the traditional living space. In addition, traditionalists like to keep their spaces neutral in tone. Fortunately, this proves highly advantageous to you. Maintaining a neutral color palette throughout your space allows you to choose almost any color of granite for your mantel. Perhaps you want to use a rich-colored granite mantel to add a sense of depth and dimension to your space. Or maybe you want to introduce a creamy granite mantel in Bianco Romano. Either way, granite allows you to subtly update your space in a striking way.
2-Modern Farmhouse
Many homeowners are drawn to the idea of remodelling their living rooms in a rustic, country aesthetic. It is important to keep in mind that this aesthetic is wholly achievable, and need not be at all antiquated. To achieve a modern farmhouse look in your living room, start by focusing on the floors. Thick slats of wood, in slightly varied widths, creates an authentic and nature-inspired aesthetic. Make the effort to bring in rustic accessories wherever possible. These might take the form of ceiling beams or prints of nature. A great way of gleaning inspiration for your modern farmhouse space is to frequent auctions, flea markets and garage sales. You might find a selection of glass mason jars that will look beautiful on your granite mantel.
After this, you might want to direct your attention to the lighting. Glass pendant lights are a simple yet effective way of illuminating your space in a way that is reminiscent of a modern farmhouse. To pull the whole look together, you might want to use a dark hue of granite to envelope your fireplace. This dark tone will keep the feel of your space thoroughly modern: Allowing you to embellish smaller aspects of the room in a more creative manner.
3-Studious Space
The default position is that if we are dealing with a fireplace, we are dealing with a living room. But, many homeowners are fortunate enough to have a fireplace in their home study. If so, you will want to introduce a mantel that perfectly enhances the character of this studious space.
A home study will often center on the rows and rows of books that it contains. In addition, you will want to frame your work space and desk in such a way that lends it the sense of importance it deserves. To do so, keep your desk clutter-free and use accessories that highlight the type of work that you perform in this space. In sum, home studies are best when they are kept minimalistic in nature. This is because too much clutter, or decorative flourish, will inhibit your productivity. On this note, the same minimalist aesthetic should be applied to your granite mantel. Interior designers suggest choosing a cut of granite with minimal veining, in a neutral tone. This way, your granite mantel will lend a sense of calm and cohesion to your home study.
When remodeling your living space, it is important to keep granite at the forefront of your mind. Do not buy into the misconception that granite only works well as a countertop or flooring material. While these are wonderful uses of granite, do not neglect the possibility of using this natural stone as a material for you mantel. If you are working within a traditional living space, consider using a cut of granite in either a bright or dark hue. As long as the pattern remains subtle, it will instantly modernize the aesthetic of your room. Alternatively, go bold in your modern meets rustic living room.