Embracing Warmth: The Timeless Elegance of Ancient Surfaces Fireplaces

The hearth has always been the heart of the home, a place where flames dance and stories unfold. Ancient surfaces fireplaces, with their intricate stonework and architectural beauty, transform these spaces into cozy sanctuaries, blending functionality with timeless charm. Let’s kindle our appreciation for these magnificent centerpieces in varied living spaces.

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antique vintage mantle design
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Antique limestone mantle
Old stone fireplace

Imagine a living room where natural light streams in through open glass and wood doors, illuminating the ancient stonework of a grand fireplace standing proudly in the background. The sunlight reflects off the polished surfaces, highlighting the intricate patterns etched into the fireplace’s facade. It’s a place where modernity meets tradition, and light meets the enduring strength of stone.

Classic fireplace design
Vintage limestone fireplace
Old world fireplace
Limestone fireplace
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Vintage stone mantle

Within the dining room’s white ambiance, a fireplace adds a soft undertone of warmth. Here, the fireplace isn’t just a source of heat; it’s an integral part of the dining experience, inviting guests to linger longer as the flames cast a gentle glow on the pristine surroundings. The antique stone of the fireplace reflect purity and elegance, perfectly complementing the sophisticated dining area.

Spacious dining table situated adjacent to an ornate limestone fireplace.
Classic fireplace design
Vintage limestone fireplace
Old world fireplace
Limestone fireplace
Ancient surfaces
Vintage stone mantle

Moving into another living space, an old but expertly crafted fireplace stands as a testament to skilled artisanship. Its design is not only functional but also a piece of art, with a mantel that displays the finesse of sculptural work. This fireplace is the room’s focal point, a storied piece that marries the past’s design ethos with the present’s sensibilities.

Antique limestone fireplace
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Vintage stone mantle
reclaimed stone fireplace

Outdoor seating area
Limestone glowing fireplace
intricately designed furnishings
Antique limestone fireplace
Stone mantle
French farmhouse fireplace
old limestone fireplace
ancient surfaces
old stone fireplace
Vintage stone mantle
reclaimed stone fireplace

Old world vintage stone fireplace

Antique Limestone Fireplaces by Ancient Surfaces are more than just architectural features; they are the soul of a home, offering warmth, light, and a connection to history. Whether set against the backdrop of a lively living room, nestled in a cozy nook, or standing sentinel in a dining room, these fireplaces carry the legacy of ancient craftsmanship into the modern world.

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Call us at: 212-461-0245 // 212-913-9588

Sales@AncientSurfaces.com

The Warmth of Elegance: Limestone Fireplaces and the Italian Design Legacy

In the grand tapestry of design, certain threads stand out for their timeless appeal and enduring elegance. Today, we weave together these threads to explore the beauty of limestone fireplaces for villas, inspired by the rich legacy of Italian design and architecture.

Classic design of an antique limestone fireplace mantle, a masterpiece by Ancient Surfaces
Family Room Mantles

The fireplace, often the heart of a villa, is more than a source of warmth. It is a focal point, a gathering place, a storyteller. And when crafted from limestone, it becomes a piece of art, a testament to the timeless beauty of natural stone. Ancient Surfaces, with their unparalleled craftsmanship, brings this art to life in their collection of limestone fireplaces.

Handcrafted ancient limestone fireplace mantle showcasing timeless beauty by Ancient Surfaces
Reclaimed Limestone Mantles
Old Stone Mantles
Salvaged Architectural Elements

Imagine a fireplace, its surface adorned with the intricate patterns of the Georgian Style. The symmetry and balance of this design style, inspired by the classical architecture of ancient Greece and Rome, lends a sense of harmony and order to the space. The limestone’s natural variations in color and texture add depth and character, creating a visual narrative that captivates the senses.

Exquisite detailing on this antique limestone fireplace mantle, a gem from Ancient Surfaces
Reclaimed Limestone Mantles
Old Stone Mantles
Salvaged Architectural Elements
Maritime Hotel NYC

Now, picture a fireplace that embodies the elegance of Neo-classical design. The clean lines and simple forms of this style contrast beautifully with the rugged beauty of the limestone. The result is a fireplace that is both modern and timeless, a fusion of the past and the present.

Majestic ancient limestone fireplace mantle, a testament to time by Ancient Surfaces
Reclaimed Limestone Mantles
Old Stone Mantles
Salvaged Architectural Elements

But the beauty of limestone fireplaces extends beyond the confines of the villa. They transition seamlessly to outdoor spaces, their charm enhanced by the natural surroundings. The limestone coping, with its durability and versatility, makes it an ideal choice for outdoor fireplaces. Whether it’s a cozy patio or a grand outdoor living room, these Antique Limestone Mantles add a touch of rustic elegance that blends effortlessly with the natural landscape.

Rustic charm of an antique limestone fireplace mantle, a signature piece by Ancient Surfaces
Reclaimed Limestone Mantles
Old Stone Mantles
Salvaged Architectural Elements

In the realm of design, certain styles have a unique ability to transport us to a different time and place. The Baroque and Gothic design styles, with their ornate details and dramatic forms, evoke a sense of history and grandeur. The Versailles patterns, with their intricate geometric designs, add a layer of sophistication and complexity. And the Sarrasine fireplaces, with their distinctive French charm, bring a touch of romance and elegance.

Historical and ornate ancient limestone fireplace mantle curated by Ancient Surfaces
Reclaimed Limestone Mantles
Old Stone Mantles
Salvaged Architectural Elements
Jeff Andrews

Elegant antique limestone fireplace mantle by Ancient Surfaces
Custom Carved Limestone Mantles
Hand Carved Mantles
Intricately Carved Architectural Elements

A piece of history- antique limestone fireplace mantle, beautifully preserved by Ancient Surfaces
Custom Carved Limestone Mantles
Hand Carved Mantles
Intricately Carved Architectural Elements

Time-worn beauty of an ancient limestone fireplace mantle, handpicked by Ancient Surfaces

Reclaimed Limestone Mantles
Old Stone Mantles
Salvaged Architectural Elements
Maritime Hotel NYC

Intricate carvings on ancient limestone fireplace mantle from Ancient Surfaces collection

Custom Carved Limestone Mantles
Hand Carved Mantles
Intricately Carved Architectural Elements

Come visit our interactive digital online catalog

Call us at: 212-461-0245 // 212-913-9588

Sales@AncientSurfaces.com

30 Inspiring Cottage Ideas in Stone

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.

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Chahaignes - Chateau de la Jaille (10) (w)

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

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Call us at: 212-461-0245 // 212-913-9588

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Unlock the English Countryside Garden to its Full Potential

Many people outside of the UK think that the Georgian Style refers to one single ‘King George’ mainly ‘George The V’. Georgian style however encompasses a full century long spanning the rule of the 3 consecutive Georges that have helped defined that time period in so many diverse ways.

The entire Georgian period is divided into the Paladin phase, Early Georgian and finally the Late Georgian period. The style started as a Neo-classical rebellion against the ‘gaudiness’ or the previous dominating Baroque and Gothic design styles that the British monarchy saw itself surrounded with. George I despised those styles and embarked on a journey of change that ended up spanning 100 years and several rulers.

The three phases complete one another stylistically. As the 19th century rolled by and progress ensued, and the style lessened in terms of carving and intensity reflecting the societal change that the world was going through. Near its tail-end, the style morphed completely into the Regency style.

English cottage and French Farmhouse inspired outdoor closed top Pergola with a Stone Fireplace

The entire Empire took an interest in styling and interior/exterior designs becoming the order of the day; Interiors became more popular as it became somewhat obtainable economically thanks to the new economy of scale and to a booming need to stay ‘stylish’ and ‘up to date’ on matters of design. Georgian became more popular thanks to wide spread of fancy coffee table print books containing architectural rendering and drawings of Decorative Stone Elements that were becoming available to the public for the first time.

Nothing is more soothing than the sound of water and it’s a plus that it masks street noise! Pool and wall fountains come in so many styles allowing you to bring in the charm of different cities and eras into your garden whether Provincial, Tuscan, Arabesque or Rustic to name a few.

Reclaimed limestone flooring, stepping stones and stair steps are slip resistant, need minimal maintenance, withstand extreme climate and heavy use due to their hard molecular structure and are absolutely gorgeous. They are a work of art in themselves with their warm earth tones, striking veins, varying sizes and the possibility of installing them in running bond formation or random ‘Versailles’ patterns.

A swimming pool means you are going to spend a great deal of time outdoors so your pool’s style and personality are key. Using natural limestone coping and flooring for the poolscape spurs superiority and elegance while maintaining a much needed laid back relaxing atmosphere. Their slip-resistant features and earth tone patina are perfect for this setting.

We at Ancient Surfaces have for many years procured some of the finest and most sought after period Gregorian and Victorian Marble surrounds and limestone hearths from Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales through direct salvaging, estate auction sales and from our trusted network of our local dealers that are eager to barter with us their finds in exchange of our Southern French and Italian masterpieces.

Come visit our interactive digital online catalog

Call us at: 212-461-0245 // 212-913-9588

Sales@AncientSurfaces.com

Picking a French Provence Fireplace Mantle? a task easier said than done!

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In a recent discussion with a custom home builder and his client the question of picking the right French style antique limestone fireplace mantle has proven to be much tough to answer than previously though!

There was some focused around whether they should construct all seven full masonry fireplaces or have some antique stone mantle sit on top fire box inserts. As with anything there are pro’s and con’s. The builder thinks that solid masonry fireplaces will work much better with the antique fireplaces when an insert firebox is his preference for the master bedroom. As the debate went on we shared several past projects photos with the builder and client of both cases and near the end they were able to select that firebox type went where.

In today’s post we want to chow everyone the various design ideas and portfolio of images presented to the couple and their builder. There are so many great choices, but we want to know which firebox options and which fireplace mantle design ideas would be your pick.

antique-stone-fireplace-reclaimed — A beautiful majestic limestone fireplace in the center of an old renovated French farmhouse

classic-french-farmhouse-antique-limestone-fireplace — Reclaimed limestone fireplace with an over mantel

This limestone fireplace is the focal point of this small cottage living room — classic-Neolithic-living-room-antique-limestone-fireplace

Limestone-fireplace-reclaimed-stone-wall-cladding — The limestone wall cladding, fireplace and wood beams create an old world look into this living room

modern-living-room-area-with-a-relcimaed-antique-limestone-fireplace — Beautiful mixture between the Old and The new in this French style living room

french-limestone-antique-fireplace — Simple carved antique fireplace in an authentic Provencal kitchen

french-country-house-country-house-antique-limestone-fireplace — French country house with an antique limestone fireplace

Elegant-old-french-house-with-antique-limestone-fireplace-simple-carved — Beautiful interior design of an old restored castle with a majestic reclaimed limestone fireplace

Come visit our interactive digital online catalog

Call us at: 212-461-0245 // 212-913-9588

Sales@AncientSurfaces.com

Featured

Top 5 tips to choosing your Outdoor Fireplace

Only second to an outdoor limestone fountain, a fireplace is an architectural element that’s guaranteed to make your backyard the place where everyone wants to be. It easily becomes the focal point of an outdoor living space, drawing both friends and family together around its warm glitter.

An outdoor fireplace that’s hand carved out of limestone can turn a regular yard to an ‘Al Fresco’ living room. Adding a harmonious and exciting space for kids to hover over as they roast marshmallows over a rustic wood burning flame or relaxing with a glass of wine in the evening with friends and loved ones are some of the numerous mood and climate altering applications of any outdoor antique limestone fireplaces you’ll find at Ancient Surfaces.

Choosing a fireplace may seems like a daunting task until you contact us. It pays to work with a company that has 50 years of field experience in the art of fireplace design, making, reclaiming and installation. So if you’re dreaming of adding an outdoor fireplace to your yard here are the top 5 key things to consider beforehand:

Increase resale price: Studies like the CV report have shown the RIO or return on investment on both, outdoor and indoor fireplaces are the highest out of all other remodeling projects you can undertake in your home. If you are considering selling your home sometime in the future, an outdoor fireplace can be very beneficial at sale time. Accented with comfy outdoor living furniture, it will help potential buyers to easily imagine themselves in that space.

Select your burn- fireplace vs. fire pit: Built-in fire pit can be either contemporary or old world looking. Ironically, on many occasions, we’ve converted ancient rounded and rectangular wellheads into fire pits. Their lower height 20 to 22 inches allow them to be placed virtually anywhere in your backyard as they embrace your open space without any visual interruption.

Stone fireplaces are more majestic and monumental in nature. They’ll help you add an architectural presence to any given outdoor location. Offset your fireplace a few feet from a neighbor’s property wall will help you turn a major outdoor design minus into a plus. The fireplaces can be the same as the ones you are used to seeing inside villa style homes in Europe.

Wood vs Gas burning: You can always purchase a prefabricated firebox that range in price from a couple thousand dollars to brand name boxes that are double that figure. Your other option is to have a mason build you a wood/gas burning box from scratch. In both cases you’ll still need to stone clad or stone tile the return and chimney stack in a stone element that complement the stone fireplace mantle you are after.

Without going into your city ordinances and local construction codes on wood vs. gas burning fireplaces or debating the environmental impact of each option, we believe that from an aesthetic and design standpoint a wood burning fireplace offers a unique source of heat that warms people on so many levels while providing you with a mesmerizing audio-visual show that is like no other. In most cases, people settle for a dual Wood/gas burning firebox that offers its users a flexible solution, that is both, romantic and practical as the flames continue to burst out heat long after the logs has turned into cider.

Built-in versus freestanding: Installing an outdoor fireplace is a big architectural plus no matter how you look at it. However, before settling on a plan, think about how you envision yourself using the space. Do you have an open or roofed patio? Do you have an expanded opened-air space just a few step away from your pool of Jacuzzi that can be complemented with a freestanding fire pit?

Consider, but don’t be narrowed by your home’s architecture: The fire pit shown here from ancient surfaces has a lustrous, modern look yet fits in charmingly with any traditional old world looking home.

If you are having trouble imagining how a certain fireplace would look with your home, consider taking your search into the digital realm by starting a free Houzz profile and a Houzz idea book. Start piling in some of the hundreds of photo ideas we have parked in our Houzz database.

One good advice we could give you though, is to choose a stone chimney-piece you really enjoy looking at. Whether it’s the focus of your pool patio or centered on a side property wall, chances are you’ll hopefully live with it for a long time.