| The word Inglenook translates literally as "chimney | | | | rustic setting or modern barn conversion, an Inglenook |
| corner". Invented during mid to late fifteenth century, | | | | brings so much charm and homeliness that you will |
| this particular type of fireplace was originally limited in | | | | wonder how you could have lived such a cold and |
| use to the very wealthy and would only have been | | | | chilly existence before you had one. |
| seen in castles, monasteries and ecclesiastical buildings | | | | In a country cottage set up you should situate your |
| Their popularisation amongst the rest of society did not | | | | Inglenook in the kitchen- which will be the heart of the |
| come about until a full century later. The open fireplace | | | | house. The rustic kitchen should have open shelves, |
| was the only means of heating, cooking and damp | | | | hutches, buffets, plate racks and cupboards for |
| control within a house right up until the 19th Century, | | | | storage. Often, country kitchen storage is crammed |
| which is why they are so large and prominent features | | | | with stoneware pots, plain glazed earthenware and |
| in the homes they occupy- they really were the centre | | | | glass jars. Kitchen pots should be made of copper, |
| point of family activity. After temporarily dying out- due | | | | steel or cast iron and cookware tends to be large and |
| to the introduction of more advanced methods of | | | | plain. Use the open shelving to display plates, dishes |
| heating and cooking, the Arts and Craft movement- in | | | | and dinnerware collections. Natural woods, light colours |
| its mission to reinstall tradition and workmanship back | | | | and bright fabrics work great for window treatments. |
| into British design- bought back the medieval style | | | | Adding a rustic butcher's block kitchen island adds |
| inglenook fireplaces. | | | | authentic rugged functionality. |
| If you are unfamiliar with the Inglenook, chances are | | | | If you are including your Inglenook in a modern style |
| you have sat right next to, or even inside one and not | | | | barn conversion you need to decorate in a manner |
| noticed. If you have ever enjoyed an afternoon in a | | | | that is sympathetic to both old English design and |
| traditional country pub- the type that still serves stout | | | | contemporary trends. To do this without creating a |
| with a name like "Gentleman's Foot" or "Badgers | | | | look that is forced or overly themed it is best to make |
| Candle", and you remember the wide, brick build | | | | the Inglenook the central focus of an open plan space |
| chimneybreast with a corner missing and a seating | | | | and apply proper restraint when finishing the room to |
| area set within the frame and a freestanding dog | | | | create a classy minimal look that has warmth and |
| grate that held the traditional log fire, then you have | | | | character. Plain plastered white walls should sit next to |
| indeed bore witness to the rustic charm of an | | | | bare brick and stone and panes of glass should be |
| Inglenook fireplace. | | | | allowed to create simple contrast next to untreated |
| Including an Inglenook fireplace in your new living room | | | | wood and steel. |
| scheme is definitely a great a great idea. Perfect in a | | | | |