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Designing with Salvaged and Reclaimed Materials
Fireplaces
with MARIA SPEAKE — Reclaimed Materials Interior Designer
Lesson 30 of 34
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Historically fireplaces played a vital part in heating our homes. While this isn’t necessarily the case today, they still remain an important aesthetic feature within a room for many people and a popular item to salvage. Maria discusses what to look out for when sourcing your own.
From the Lesson Workbook
Fireplaces
Historically fireplaces played a vital part in heating our homes. While this isn't necessarily the case today, they still remain an important aesthetic feature within a room for many people.
Different Types of Fireplace Surrounds
When choosing a fireplace surround, there are some key considerations.
- Think about the scale and proportion that you want within a room. There should be a nice gap around the surround on the chimney breast.
- What material will work best in your scheme; surrounds are available in marble, timber and cast iron.
- Different materials have different cost implications when it comes to installation. Marble is often more expensive to install.
- Check the building regulations in your country, as these can differ.
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Interior and exterior confidence
Create Academy has been such a great resource. I'm in the middle of renovating a bungalow with a very large garden and the courses have offered a wealth of information to dive into and explore new ideas. I'm...
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Jun 10, 2026
Absolutely love Create Academy
Absolutely love Create Academy! The instructors are extremely informative, and it is beautifully filmed. Create Academy is great value for money and plan on renewing my subscription yearly because there are ...
SG
May 31, 2026
Magic in small spaces
Butter's creativity is stunning! Her ability to incorporate brilliance in small gardens is magical!
Carla
May 30, 2026
Your Instructor
Maria Speake
Reclaimed Materials Interior Designer
Named interior designer of the year by House & Garden, Maria Speake co-founded Retrouvius in 1993 and leads its award-winning design studio. Her work reimagines salvaged and reclaimed objects from hardwoods to textiles into richly textured, liveable pieces. With three decades of practice, she’s helped put thoughtful reclamation at the centre of contemporary interior design.
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