Sitting around the fireplace on a cold winter's evening is simply wonderful. The roaring blaze helps take the chill out of the room while begetting a special atmosphere. For many decades, fireplaces have supplied warmth and a place to prepare meals as well. They have never lost their attraction and, in fact, have made significant 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 advances have been made in climate control for our homes, fireplaces persist in being stylish.

With developments in home heating the reason for fireplaces has clearly changed. Fireplaces are no longer simply for providing warmth. Nor is it about cooking. Stoves have been around for many decades. So why do we have this ever increasing fondness for fireplaces? My spectulation is that fireplaces provide mood when they're aglow. 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, for some time, one of the distinctive architectural elements that adorn our homes like embellished stairs, arched doorways, or decorative range hoods. In these examples, there is a wonderful marriage of function and art.

"Wonderful marriage" is a conditional statement because not all marriages of art and function are blessed marriages. I lately had the occasion to observe a home that was about 80 percent finished and saw some mighty awful unions. There was an island cabinet that had incredibly large and ornate brackets supporting the counter top. The fireplace also had oversized stone columns undergirding the mantel counter. The most gracious thing that could be said is: "More is not necessarily better". Thankfully, there are many beautiful examples of form and function-just not in that home.

Over the years millworks companies have become adept at building mantel shelves and surrounds. 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 molding supported by ornate corbels and fluted legs are a widespread form for many cabinet makers. Hand carved mantels fashioned in other parts of the world are not as ordinary but are still available. The distinction of these carved gems is unparalleled by the latest 21st century technological marvels. The slight nuance and minor defects are a signature that says "hand carved" and adds a special charm and unique character. Mass production techniques will, never attain to the methods of the masters. These artisans can undercut and form sharp interior cuts that are presently not possible with high tech tooling.

Certainly fireplaces and the mantels that frame them are here for a long time. Like a marriage made in heaven, mantels and fireplaces have 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.