Creative ways to decorate your fireplace for summer

Rather than building a full-scale fire in your fireplace (that’s what the bonfire pit is for), light a few pillar candles instead—you get all of the atmosphere and none of the hassle. Don't want to heat up the cottage? Even unlit candles look great.

Why keep wood outside during the summer when you can stack it in the fireplace? Rustic, textured logs make a neat addition to an inactive fireplace—plus, you’ve taken care of one of the chores you might have to tackle in the fall.

Wicker and other natural fibres are perfect for the laid-back, rustic atmosphere at the cottage, and if you have a pretty basket that could stand a little showing off, the fireplace is an ideal place. Even better if you can use the basket to get things like toys, magazines, or beach shoes out of the way.

If your fireplace is less than pretty without a fire in it, use a decorative screen to get it out of sight and add a splash of colour to your room.

If you have antique or unusual furniture, placing them in front of the fireplace makes them the automatic focal point of your room.

Using your fireplace as a place to highlight a dramatic plant both shows off the plant and frees up some space in the room.

Instead of one dramatic plant, group a collection of plants (in this case, succulents) in similar pots for an impressive display. Use logs and plant stands to create high and low levels, which will increase the visual impact.

Add visual interest and get new use out of an old window frame—just add simple feet to the bottom, add glass (or not), and you’ve got a creative fireplace screen.