As the temperature drops outside, we all come in and gather around the fireplace.

A fireplace is a natural draw for warmth and comfort, and if there is a fireplace in the room it is undoubtedly the focal point of that space. Sustaining the all-important status of room's focal point requires careful planning, attention to detail and perhaps a little updating.

Stripe the mantel and hearth naked- take a good look at the fireplace. Perhaps we should be looking at installing a more substantial mantel (I have noted that many of today's fireplaces are dressed with mantels that are not properly scaled for the size of the fireplace itself). Ready-made mantels are available at most "Do It" centres and local wood working shops. If your fireplace is dressed in red brick consider painting it. Painting outdated brick a black (works best in contemporary or Asian-inspired settings) or off-white (works to pull the in-your-face red brick back into the wall, creating a softer effect where the eye will focus on the accessories hung above the mantel as opposed to the brick itself) will give new life and style to an otherwise outdated fireplace. Is your metal surround detailed with brass trim? Perhaps we should be painting "out" the brass trim, especially if we prefer other metals such as pewter (If you have no other brass accents in your room, simply remove all brass trim and paint with a fire rated matte black paint, such as Tremclad). A few minor tweaks can give the fireplace a whole new and much deserved face-lift. After all, it is important to remember that this architectural feature is the room's focal point – all eyes gather here.

Let's tackle the decorating above the mantel. Think triangular. Good design stems from basic geometry. Our decorations on and above the mantel should be placed in a triangular fashion either symmetrical or asymmetrical – which ever you prefer. Start with a large mirror or framed picture; this is the largest item on the mantel and can either be hung or set on the mantel in the centre, or slightly off to one side (asymmetrical). If the mantel is especially high, consider hanging the mirror with a slight tilt downward so that it does not reflect the ceiling.

To warm up the mantel for the winter season remember, our homes should be seasonally appropriate, consider laying a garland or cashmere scarf along the mantel under the picture or mirror. Next, set two candle sticks to one side, slightly overlapping the mirror. On the other side of the mirror place a sculpture ornamental box or similarly sized item. Amongst the scarf and ornaments you can scatter small Christmas balls, string lights or crystal snowflakes. Use your imagination; I always try to put some season or holiday specific items here.

For the final touch, flank the base of the fireplace with a pair of potted plants or ornamental sculptures. Now you're ready to light up and enjoy the warmth and beauty of your fireplace.

THIS AND THAT

When you pack up the summer clothes to store them until next season remember that dirt attracts pests and encourages mildew. Be sure to clean or dry clean your summer wardrobe before packing it away. Use muslin or canvas bags to store expensive garments or fold into clean white sheets- it is important that the clothes can breathe- never leave your garments in the plastic dry clean bags. Never starch items that will be stored as the starch attracts silverfish.

COLOUR NOTES

Avoid the doom and gloom of long dark winter months by getting rid of dark corners. Add a mirror, lamp or pot lamp in any such space to lose and avoid the gloom of the seasons. Fresh flowers on a small table in such a corner will also help to brighten up the space.

HOME SPA

Feet take a beating in the dry cold month’s to come so this weekend give them a treat.  Add 10 drops of peppermint essential oil (available at any health food or craft store) to your footbath; soak for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from the bath a towel dry. Using an equal mixture of sea salt and Vaseline scrub feet to remove dry skin, return to bath water for an additional 5 minutes. Dry feet and rub feet with a heavy foot cream, place feet in clean cotton soak and off you go.