If you own a piece of period property ? an Edwardian home, a Victorian row house, a delectable Art Deco masterpiece ? restoration may be much on your mind. There are a number of ways and degrees to go about restoring your property, from unflinching historical restoration to simply adding a touch or two from its original period to bring out the character of its era. Contemporary homes also can benefit from the addition of a little period character ? often just the addition of one or two details can add charm and warmth to a cool modern style.

Paula Robinson of the Paula Robinson Design Group wrote in the Telegraph that complete restoration can be extremely pricey. At times, it can be outright impossible. When budget is a consideration, she suggests, choose one or two period pieces for ?maximum visual impact? ? something to make a statement and immediately evoke that period that you?re trying to recapture.

One of the most effective ways to evoke the period atmosphere is with an antique or reproduction antique fireplace and hearth. Fireplaces have always been the central focal point of any room, and they have often reflected the style and design of the period in which they were built. From the simplest brick hearths to ornate cast iron fireplace inserts and surrounds, antique fireplaces can imbue the entire house with the essence of a bygone age.

If your home features an existing antique fireplace that needs repair and restoration, you?re among the lucky ones. You won?t have to go traipsing through salvage yards and showrooms to find your accent ? it?s right there in your living room. Restoration and replacement of a period fireplace is really not a do-it-yourself proposition though. The dangers of carbon monoxide and fire make this a job for a professional who can inspect the grate, hobs and chimney for safety as well as style.

If you?re in the market for an antique fireplace, you?ll find a healthy handful of salvage yards that specialise in the removal and preservation of period fireplaces, fireplace surrounds, hearths, mantelpieces, inserts and accessories. A complete period fireplace can set you back as much as ?2,500, depending on materials, rarity and condition. The budget conscious can make a large statement simply by replacing a modern surround with a salvaged or reproduction antique fireplace surround from the period of their choice.

It?s possible to bring a hint of antique warmth to even the most modern rooms without replacing the entire fireplace. A set of antique andirons or fireplace tools by the side of the hearth can add a visual touchstone to anchor the design and meld other smaller touches throughout the room into a cohesive homage to the Art Deco, Georgian, Elizabethan or any other design style that tickles your fancy.

Richard Billington is part of Westland London, a UK based company specialising in antique & victorian fireplaces and mantels. Westland London offer a wide range of antiques from various periods of history.

For more information visit Westland London

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