A kitchen hood isn’t just a cover for a fan. When it’s carved in reclaimed limestone by Ancient Surfaces, it becomes structure, performance gear, and design language in one move. Here’s a fresh, non-generic take on why a limestone range hood surround earns its footprint in serious kitchens.
Our stone canopies are sculpted with a deeper throat and gentle bell that guide rising plumes toward your insert. That geometry boosts capture efficiency, so you can run a quieter setting on the blower and still clear steam, oils, and odors. Less noise, same clean air.
Limestone’s thermal mass buffers radiant heat from sauté pans and stockpots. By projecting the stone forward and down, the hood shadows adjacent cabinets and plaster, reducing warping and paint fatigue where most kitchens fail first.
A properly scaled stone hood gives the kitchen a true center line. We size projection and leg width to align with the island and walk aisles, making the cook’s path feel natural, less sidestep, more flow. Because we also craft limestone countertops, sinks, backsplashes, mantels, and floors, your hood completes a single material story the same tone, hand tooling, and patina repeating from room to room.
Ready to design yours?
Send us your range size, ceiling height, and a quick sketch. Ancient Surfaces will propose a reclaimed limestone hood that lifts performance, protects your kitchen, and gives the room its headline. One piece, many wins.
Long before modern radiators and designer mantels, the fireback was the silent heart of the hearth catching embers, radiating warmth, and often telling a story in forged iron. Today, these antique cast iron firebacks are more than historical relics; they’re powerful architectural statements, each one steeped in symbolism, craftsmanship, and decorative richness. Let’s step into the glow of five handpicked firebacks that remind us why this functional fireplace element has become a sought-after piece in reclaimed interior design.
This commanding fireback, adorned with crossed spears, evokes a regal sense of order and protection. The delicate scrollwork framing the military motif hints at a time when even utilitarian objects were crafted with ornate attention. Ideal as a reclaimed fireplace centerpiece or a bold wall-hung accent, this antique fireback bridges classical European defense symbolism with high design. It’s a conversation starter with historic backbone, literally forged to guard the hearth and now resurrected to elevate contemporary interiors.
Moving from strength to serenity, this floral-themed fireback blooms with botanical reliefs. Sunflowers, tulips, and climbing vines burst from a pedestal in a romantic explosion of cast iron artistry. This piece radiates warmth—both literal and emotional, perfect for softening the look of a stone fireplace or standing as a decorative fire screen. As a reclaimed fireback, it embodies the duality of iron: sturdy yet delicate, functional yet poetic. Florals may fade in vases, but here, they live eternally in iron.
A blend of ecclesiastical and heraldic elements defines this intricately symbolic fireback. Two lions flank a central emblem, watched over by crosses and ornamental columns. Whether you interpret it as a coat of arms or a spiritual talisman, the craftsmanship speaks volumes about its noble origins. As a decorative fireplace element, it lends gravitas to modern spaces. This piece doesn’t just warm the room; it anchors it with a sense of history reclaimed.
Few firebacks are as visually captivating as this maritime themed masterpiece. Twin anchors, stylized waves, and symbolic flora tell a tale of sea trade and protection. Perhaps once part of a coastal manor or merchant’s estate, this antique fireback now calls to design lovers who appreciate both nautical and folkloric influences. It’s perfect for bridging Old World craftsmanship with coastal decor trends. Every detail feels hand-forged with purpose.
Antique cast iron firebacks are more than just historical heating tools, they are sculpted steel storytellers. Each reclaimed fireback featured here carries with it the essence of its era, waiting to be reignited in a new home. Whether your style leans rustic, classical, or eclectic, there’s a fireback with the right motif and presence to transform your fireplace into a work of historic art. In the world of decorative fireplace elements, few pieces offer such authenticity, symbolism, and soul.
In the realm of architectural ornamentation, antique metal gates hold a place of honor as both guardians and storytellers of the spaces they protect. Each of these intricate pieces showcases the artistry of a bygone era, where metal was not merely functional but also a canvas for human imagination, history, and craftsmanship.
The first piece, with its lavish circular design framed by scrolling acanthus leaves, speaks to the Baroque tradition of bold ornamentation. The elaborate curves, floral motifs, and careful symmetry reveal the artisan’s mastery over iron, turning cold metal into a flourish of botanical wonder. Such pieces once adorned grand estate gates, heralding both beauty and strength to any visitor.
The second shows a heroic figure on horseback, surrounded by heraldic flourishes and crowned by a banner of text. This panel would have likely been part of a stately entryway, reminding all who passed beneath it of the power, lineage, and martial prowess of the family within. The imagery reflects centuries of European tradition, where metal panels were often used to convey status and identity.
Another panel features spiraling columns and a central medallion, framed by intricate vine-like patterns. This type of decoration points to a Renaissance influence, where architecture embraced symmetry, classical motifs, and balanced geometry. Such a gate would have belonged to a noble household eager to display both sophistication and cultural refinement.
The lion panel exudes regal strength, its stylized mane, muscular form, and accompanying crowned floral emblems suggesting ties to royal or aristocratic heraldry. In the 17th and 18th centuries, gates like these served as symbols of protection, announcing to visitors that the house within was both fortified and noble.
Lastly, the shield panel adorned with crowned scrollwork and heraldic stars speaks to the importance of family crest and heritage. These decorative gate elements were not just protective barriers; they were statements of lineage and legacy, each swirl and symbol meticulously chosen to honor generations past.
At Ancient Surfaces, we believe that these antique metal gates are more than relics; they are enduring pieces of art. They echo the voices of artisans who poured their skill into every swirl and flourish, ensuring their work would guard homes and welcome guests for centuries to come.
In a world where modern designs often feel transient and disposable, have you ever wondered how a simple detail like a fireplace mantle could transform a living space into a timeless sanctuary? At Ancient Surfaces, we believe that genuine character lies within the quiet elegance of history, seamlessly brought into your home through our reclaimed antique limestone mantles.
Take a step into the serene luxury of a room framed by textured limestone walls, crowned by an impressive antique mantle. Here, Ancient Surfaces combines rustic charm with sophisticated simplicity, creating an ambiance that speaks volumes without uttering a single word. This mantle, with its subtly distressed patina, complements the wooden beams overhead, turning your living area into a peaceful retreat reminiscent of classic European country homes.
For those who cherish refinement, our intricately carved antique limestone mantles capture the essence of regal sophistication. The precise detailing of floral patterns and ornate scrollwork infuses an air of graceful formality, adding depth and dimension to your interior. At Ancient Surfaces, each mantle tells a distinct story; becoming the focal point that invites both conversation and admiration.
If your design preference leans toward minimalistic elegance, the smooth yet sturdy lines of our antique limestone mantles provide an ideal balance between modern and traditional styles. Set in a clean, contemporary space, these mantles bring warmth and visual interest, softly anchoring minimalist décor in subtle antiquity without overwhelming the surroundings.
In spaces designed for gathering, like dining rooms and open-plan interiors, an antique limestone mantle can serve as both a centerpiece and a connector between different living areas. Imagine dining with family and friends, the gentle flicker of firelight accentuating the sophisticated carvings and architectural beauty of your mantle. At Ancient Surfaces, our fireplaces are more than decorative accents; they cultivate intimacy and create cherished moments.
Finally, our antique limestone mantles are unparalleled in their ability to harmonize with diverse textures; from rustic brickwork and polished wood to contemporary art and decorative accents. They lend a sense of permanence to any interior, turning your home into a canvas that beautifully showcases your personal style and history. Whether your aesthetic is classical or contemporary, Ancient Surfaces’ mantles subtly enhance every environment, reminding you that true beauty never fades.
A kitchen is not just a place where meals are prepared it’s the heart of a home, a space where families gather, and memories are created. One of the most captivating features of a well-designed kitchen is the hood above the stove. At Ancient Surfaces, we offer exquisite reclaimed antique limestone kitchen hoods that are not only functional but also serve as stunning focal points. These hoods combine the beauty of historic craftsmanship with modern utility, offering an alternative to conventional, commercial kitchen hoods.
A well crafted kitchen hood is an essential component for any cooking space, as it helps to filter out smoke, steam, and odors while keeping the kitchen air clean. Unlike typical commercial metal kitchen hoods, limestone hoods offer a combination of utility and unparalleled elegance. Reclaimed antique limestone kitchen hoods bring warmth and history into the kitchen, transforming a utilitarian feature into a work of art. The natural properties of limestone make it an excellent material for kitchen hoods it is durable, heat-resistant, and easy to maintain.
In the second image, the kitchen hood is adorned with intricate carvings that speak of its storied past. This hood, made from reclaimed antique limestone, features ornate detailing that highlights the craftsmanship of artisans from centuries ago. The craftsmanship captures the essence of a bygone era, allowing homeowners to bring a piece of history into their kitchens. The delicate floral motifs and decorative elements give this hood an aura of sophistication and make it a true focal point in any kitchen.
The third image showcases another exquisite limestone kitchen hood, one that features bold carvings and an impressive structure. The scrolled corbels and the elaborate detailing on the frieze demonstrate the artistry involved in its creation. This kitchen hood exudes a sense of grandeur, making it a perfect addition to a kitchen that seeks to combine elegance with functionality. The scrolled brackets provide support while adding visual interest, and the intricate floral motifs are characteristic of the European styles that influenced the original artisans.
This image highlights a reclaimed antique limestone hood in a modern kitchen setting. The beauty of these kitchen hoods lies in their versatility they can complement both rustic and contemporary kitchen designs. The hood’s simple, yet elegant lines provide a subtle focal point that draws attention without overwhelming the space. It works harmoniously with the exposed wooden beams and the sleek countertops, bridging the gap between rustic warmth and modern minimalism.
Choosing a reclaimed antique limestone kitchen hood from Ancient Surfaces means investing in a piece of history that will enrich your home for generations. These hoods are not only beautiful but also practical, providing all the benefits of a modern kitchen hood while adding an unmatched element of character and craftsmanship.
Whether your kitchen is traditional or modern, a reclaimed limestone hood from Ancient Surfaces can provide the perfect blend of utility and elegance a stunning focal point that embodies both form and function.
Bring a touch of history and artistry into your kitchen with an antique limestone hood. Let your kitchen be more than just a cooking space make it a place where history, craftsmanship, and beauty come together in perfect harmony.
Within the intricate composition of home design, where every detail contributes to a harmonious aesthetic, antique limestone mantels shine as the standout solo performers. Brought to you by Ancient Surfaces, these reclaimed stone fireplaces surpass the ordinary, serving as vessels of history and craftsmanship. They don’t just add to the decor; they infuse our living spaces with a sense of continuity and depth, connecting us to the artistry and dedication of the past.
Each antique limestone mantel is a rich tapestry of history, bearing silent testimony to the skilled artisans whose dreams and efforts are immortalized in stone. In their presence, one feels a profound link to the past, a connection to those who, through their craft, left a lasting legacy. These old world limestone fireplaces act as conduits between the ancient and the modern, bringing the rustic charm of old-world firesides into the heart of our contemporary homes.
Imagine a stone mantel that has stood as a guardian of family history, echoing with the laughter, tears, and cherished moments of generations. These limestone treasures are not merely structural pieces but repositories of life’s fleeting moments. They invite the creation of new memories, becoming the nucleus of a home where past and present merge, fostering an environment of warmth and shared experiences.
The allure of natural stone, particularly limestone, in a living space is undeniable. Its soft hues and textures offer a unique warmth that is both tactile and visual, connecting us to the natural world. This warmth is not just physical; it’s emotional, grounding us and providing a haven of tranquility and reflection amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. The mantel, in this context, transforms into more than an aesthetic feature; it becomes a focal point for introspection and serenity.
The craftsmanship evident in an antique limestone mantel is a testament to the artisan’s pursuit of beauty and perfection. The elegance of its curves, the intricacy of its carvings, each detail narrates a story of skill, passion, and the artisanal heritage. These elements are not merely decorative; they are the embodiment of the craftsman’s legacy, a celebration of human ingenuity and the enduring quest for artistic expression.
Choosing an antique limestone fireplace means embracing a legacy of sophistication and timeless beauty. It is a declaration of appreciation for the enduring, for pieces that not only enhance the aesthetic of a home but also enrich its story. In a world constantly chasing the new, these mantels stand as reminders of the lasting value of history and craftsmanship, ensuring that the essence of elegance remains a cornerstone of our homes. As they grace our living spaces, these mantels invite us to weave our narratives into their storied existence, allowing us to become part of a continuing tradition of warmth, beauty, and shared human experience.
Cottage are usually well known in several countries European nations and are a homier version of a farmhouse is such a thing was even possible in the first place!
An exhaustive number of Cottage comes in various locations in France, Italy and even Eastern Europe and Russia. A cottage is frequently as spacious or small as you desire but typically is under 1,500 sqft. Cottage provide a house abroad experience if you ever decided to build one on a spacious multi-acreage parcel of land.
The preferred cottage style is one you imagine out of natural ecological material such as wood or stone, with some contemporary furniture pieces thrown into the interior design. Whether a Montana style mountain fishing lodge or a warm Mexican hacienda adobe, all cottage share some basic common element focusing on simplicity and wabi-sabi.
If your house is reminiscent of an outdated European villa, you wouldn’t wish to choose something like concrete Decking that is more appropriate for a modern soho gallery setting.
Cottage furniture is normally envisioned with a washed off light painted and finding the proper furniture can be well worth the effort.
Stone and wood dominates the interiors of Cottages and the ideal flooring for a cottage is a big sized antique limestone flooring pavers coupled with ancient reclaimed stone fireplace the end up working off of each other in making the cottage even more lived-in and homie.
-Kelso Dining Chairs-Kelso Lounge Chairs-Kelso Square Folding Dining Tablein the terrace of aCountry House in Sonoma;Designer: The Wiseman GroupLandscape: Marta Fry
A fireplace is often a focal point already, but when holidays come, it takes on added significance —with Santa coming down the chimney and all. Encircle your Christmas stockings with mantel decorations to suit the holiday spirit. Once your fireplace is cheerful, it’s time to light a fire, sit back with a glass of wine and soak up that heart-warming feeling of the holidays at home.
A fireplace is always on display, but this time of year it’s especially under the spot lights, with friends and family warming up in front of a roaring fire or huddling in the living room for an evening of games or movies. The stone mantel, which usually is an added value actor throughout the year, lands a starring role around the holidays, with beautiful, stockings and string lights draped across it.
Here’s few of Ancient surfaces mantel fireplaces decorated in a very stunning way to add Christmas spirit into the room
A mostly white color palette with pottery, tea lights and snowflakes contrasts dark foliage and garlands. Looks beautifully matched with the Christmas tree. Gives feeling of warmth.
The stone fireplace shown in here follows a Romanesque Revival or, more specifically, Romanesque style. Located in the home’s formal living room, it has a very robust and masculine look.
A French Provence Antique Limestone Fireplace adorned by Garlands, flanked by stockings and decorated with Mistletoe, Red Roses and Christmas shrubbery.
Natural greenery, wreaths, candles, silver, gold and white … white bee lights covers this beautifully cared mantel stone fireplace that sets a truly Christmas spirit for this room.
Very simple and clean fireplace, very warm yellow lights are dispersed around the fireplace and on the stove along with reindeer and a tiny Christmas tree to create a special mood and get into the Christmas holiday feeling.
A traditional Southern Italian Fireplace with a Baroque Puglia Style Christmas Decoration focused on Angelic Cherub decoration and Sicilian ceramic in the Majolica Melograno style
An Authentic French Pyrénée mountains Fireplace carved in the style known locally as the “Cheminee Montagnard Des Pyrénées” finished with a minimalist natural garlands, wine flasks, organic homemade Bees wax candles and an antique Candelabrum.
They say nothing lasts forever, but we all know that one can own a few items that may last for generations to come. No, we’re not talking about a girl’s best friend to quote Marline Monroe. Even though our stones can’t be worn on your wrists or fingers, they still can be a crowd pleaser none the less. Installing an antique limestone fireplace in your family room can be the one design element that everyone in your family agrees with and is comforted by especially when it starts raining or snowing outside.
Pedigree (History and Provenance) of the fireplace aside, what design elements one should consider when selecting a fireplace that may last you a lifetime in some cases?
You always need to keep in mind that your fireplace selection will have to be a permanent fixture in your home and is supposed to live through any design change your room or home will be going through in the future. What would you rather go for? A well carved fireplace or a simply hand carved one? Let’s consider the positive aspects of both choices and see how they may pertain to your taste buds.
Fully carved stone mantles:
When considering a fully hand carved limestone fireplace close your eyes and think of a complex and rich multi-layered ‘Taurasi’ wine blend from ‘Campania’ that’s been well aged in oak barrels.
What nuances would your eyes savor? Can you envision tasting the Southern Italian Baroque acanthus leaves free flowing on this mantle corbeled sides or the rich and velvety pallet of the sprawling and spiraling vined foliage that can grace the front face of your unique fireplace?
Can you imagine the glowing heat radiating from inside the stone built firebox of such a captivating mantle? The reflected shadow of the flame dancing on the medieval carved limestone coupled with the intoxicating sound on the flickering burning wood becoming one with the melody of slowly decanted bottle of Barolo from Piedmont…
If you picture yourself in that frame, allow yourself to be captured by an antique well carved limestone fireplace that’s been salvaged from centuries old Renaissance or Baroque castles by Ancient Surfaces.
A fully carved fireplace of that era will define the look of your entire room and anchor your whole house with an authentic design persona.
Simple carved Fireplace:
Simply carved fireplaces allow visual evenhandedness between styles, finish patina and shade of the room and the stone of the fireplace. In a simple fireplace the design focus shifts from the carving to the actual antique limestone itself as it becomes the predominant design feature of the mantel instead of its minimal carved elements.
When it’s simple it goes with everything else right? Well yes that is true, but one has to be careful that going with everything doesn’t turn into a disappearing act where the mantle itself totally blends with its environment in the same way a window frame blends with the wall.
Simple architectural fireplaces when realized symmetrically and when created and carved under the golden ratio and the golden mean will carry more of a creative punch than most of its other ornately carved counterparts. Minimalism when portrayed in well-defined and harmonic ratios, guarantees you a powerful visual output and a soothing organic feel that will satisfy your design vision for that space.
With a simple yet elegant antique hand carved fireplace you’ll be looking more at the architecture, structure and patina of the fireplace and how its various component simply integrate together with your space.
As a wise man once said: “the simplest explanation is usually the correct one.” William of Ockham (c. 1287–1347)
Salvaging isn’t only a happening kinda think that started in the last few years with the rise of the global green conscience… It’s a bit early than that.
Well OK let’s go WAY back here… Back to 3500 B.C. or 5500 years ago to the first recorded human battle: “The Battle for Hamoukar” story has it that an early city army in what is known today as modern-day Iraq invaded the city of Hamoukar in modern-day Syria and took it over. Researchers tell us that clay pots, massive mills and grinding wares from one culture were used by the conquerors far after they’ve won the battle. Evidence shows that cooking utensils from the conquered city kept on being used for at least a few more generations! In essence early reclamation was inseparable from conquest and keeping the spoils of war. Visit our website at: http://www.AncientSurfaces.com/Antique-Fireplaces.html
Reenactment in utilization of ancient cooking tools and techniques. Similar cooking tools were salvaged by humans and reused from one culture to the next.
Today reclamation and salvaging have undoubtedly become part of our human psyche and daily lives, developing into the skillful art of re-purposing a once neglected and discarded item into a functional and lively ‘ object d’art ‘ of intense beauty and a colorful past. Visit our main website at: http://www.AncientSurfaces.com/Antique-Fireplaces.html
A 200 years old ruined stone farmhouse in the American Midwest
Even though the basic building materials have always been the same: stone, cooked earth and lumber, the items salvaged from two rundown farmhouses in provenance for example could differ vastly in salvaged content. Age and village being the same, style, level of craftsmanship, size, attention to details, color and current condition play major roles in determining the items final public appeal and therefore cost of an old fireplace from another. For more information visit our website at: http://www.AncientSurfaces.com/Antique-Fireplaces.html
Salvaged Twice! one as a fireplace the second as an entryway.
For the reclaimer the fireplaces or what is normally left of them are the “Pièce de résistance ” in an old home. On average only one in five reclaimed structures offers unique original fireplace mantles that are significant enough to be refurbished and restored back to their former glory. This entryway to a private Italian villa shown in the picture above, was once a vibrant fireplace mantle of another structure that was demolished a couple of hundred years ago. Reclamation is no different from coal mining you just never know when you might find a hidden diamond! For more information visit our website at: http://www.AncientSurfaces.com/Antique-Fireplaces.html
Another Architectural gem nestled between overgrown shrubs in Europe
It’s more like a diamond in the rough really. It takes time, skills and passion in locating all the missing pieces and finding out how they all fit into this massive jigsaw puzzles called antique fireplaces. If you like to see more of our reclaimed mantels please visit our website at: http://www.AncientSurfaces.com/Antique-Fireplaces.html
Ancient Reclaimed Medieval Walk-in Mantel
An Antique Stone Fireplace with 3 Layers of Paint, Missing its Top Shelf. Image taken prior to reclamation.
More time then often all the original pieces of a fireplace are not all found so a substitution of a few pieces are deemed necessary to complete the transition from the mount of broken terracotta floors, stone walls and piles of foliage and dirt into a fireplace in a lucky client’s living room! For more information about our reclaimed antique fireplaces please visit our website at: www.AncientSurfaces.com/Antique-Fireplaces.html
A French Antique fireplace mantel getting reclaimed with the help of a hydraulic crane. Step-2-
Eventually everything in this ruined farmhouse gets saved and reused from the old wood beams, the stone walls, the ancient furniture and the limestone floors all get a second chance in other people home. For more information about our reclaimed antique fireplaces please visit our website at: www.AncientSurfaces.com/Antique-Fireplaces.html
A French Antique fireplace mantel getting reclaimed with the help of a hydraulic crane. Step-3-
In a way the memory of this farmhouse, its walls, floors and fireplace will live on for centuries to come giving a new meaning to the term reincarnation. Please visit our website at: www.AncientSurfaces.com/Antique-Fireplaces.html
Installed ancient fireplace mantle in a French Provence style home
A similar fireplace from the same age and provenance as the reclaimed fireplace above shown installed in a French provincial style home. For more information please visit our site at: www.AncientSurfaces.com/Antique-Fireplaces.html
Covered with layers of moss, barnacles and traces of ancient paint every single stone piece is a gem by itself reveling interesting clues of what life looked like just a few hundred years back in farmhouses across the south of Europe and on the Mediterranean coast. To learn more please visit our site at: http://www.AncientSurfaces.com/Antique-Fireplaces.html
This Antique fireplace mantle was showcased in a Malibu house half way across the world from where it was originally reclaimed and restored from. For more information about our reclaimed antique fireplaces please visit our website at: www.AncientSurfaces.com/Antique-Fireplaces.html
Architectural Digest Magazine April 2011. An antique reclaimed fireplace mantel in Malibu, CA
This beauty feels right in home with its surroundings in sunny Malibu, California. For more information about our reclaimed antique fireplaces please visit our website at: www.AncientSurfaces.com/Antique-Fireplaces.html
The Antique Mantle prior to installation as featured in AD 2011 April Edition
To in involved in this reclamation process is nothing short of a spiritual experience were one painstakingly rediscovers the lost and narrow path to redemption and enlightenment trough hard labor, vision and determination.
Antique Fireplaces 
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