Lena Rivera
Kiva fireplaces, inspired by the traditional underground meeting places of the Pueblo Indians, are a common feature in Northern New Mexican homes. They are usually situated in the corner of a room and traditionally made using adobe bricks covered with hand-applied plaster. While some homeowners opt to paint their kiva fireplaces, it is unclear if there are painters that specialize in this type of fireplace. Homeowners seeking to paint their kiva fireplaces may consider consulting with local artists or painters with experience in fireplace painting for advice on colour choices and techniques.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | American Southwestern desert region |
| Inspired by | Traditional underground meeting places used for religious rituals and spiritual ceremonies by Pueblo Indians |
| Traditional shape | Inverted cone or beehive |
| Traditional material | Adobe |
| Modern materials | Plaster, stucco, metal wire frame |
| Placement | Corner of a room |
| Firebox | Traditionally on the ground, modern versions may be elevated with a bench in front |
| Location | Inside or outside the home |
| Decoration ideas | Animal skull/antlers, tapestry, macrame hanging, colourful vase, floor plant |
| Paint colour | One shade darker than the wall colour |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Kiva fireplace colour options
Kiva fireplaces are a common feature in Northern New Mexican homes, inspired by the traditional underground meeting places of the Pueblo Indians. They are usually situated in the corner of a room and traditionally made using adobe bricks covered with hand-applied plaster.
While the traditional beehive shape remains popular, there are now a variety of exciting colour options and design variations available for Kiva fireplaces. Modern prefab Kiva fireplaces are often faced with plaster or stucco over a metal wire frame, allowing for a wide array of colour options.
For a more traditional look, you can opt for the classic adobe brick construction, which can be left in its natural earthy tone or painted in a colour of your choice. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even add a splash of colour with vibrant ceramic tiles, drawing on the influence of Spanish Colonial design.
Another option is to paint the walls around the fireplace while leaving the fireplace itself white, creating a clean and modern look. You can also decorate the area around the fireplace with colourful vases, plants, or knick-knacks to add a pop of colour to the space without altering the fireplace itself.
Ultimately, the colour options for your Kiva fireplace are endless, allowing you to customise it to fit your unique style and the overall aesthetic of your home.
Easy Ways to Find Your Paint Number Online
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Painting a Kiva fireplace
When it comes to painting your Kiva fireplace, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, decide on the colour scheme you want to create in your space. Do you want the fireplace to stand out as a focal point, or do you prefer it to blend in with the surrounding walls? For example, if your walls are peach-coloured, you might choose to paint the fireplace a shade of apricot, as this will create a subtle contrast while still maintaining a cohesive look.
Another option is to bring in an artist to faux paint tiles around the fireplace in colours that complement the overall palette of the room. This can add a unique and artistic touch to your space. Alternatively, you could consider painting the walls and leaving the fireplace white, especially if you have eclectic tastes and want to create a focal point for the room.
If you're feeling adventurous, you could explore avant-garde designs by adding a splash of colour to your Kiva fireplace with vibrant ceramic tiles. This approach pays homage to the Spanish Colonial influence on Kiva design, showcasing a bit of imagination and creativity.
Remember, painting a Kiva fireplace is a chance to express your style and get creative. Whether you decide to keep it simple or go for a bold statement, the choice is yours!
Wagner Power Paint Plus: Painting Your Deck Effortlessly
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Kiva fireplace history
Kiva fireplaces, also known as "'beehive fireplaces' or 'pueblo fireplaces', are a common feature in Northern New Mexican homes and are especially associated with Santa Fe. The name "kiva" is derived from the round ceremonial and meeting chambers used by many Ancestral Pueblo Peoples, specifically the male Pueblo Indians of the Southwest. The Native American-style kiva fireplace was inspired by the round, pit-like adobe homes of the descendants of the Pueblo Indians, with the broad base of the fireplace allowing heat to radiate around the bottom of the room.
Kiva fireplaces are usually situated in the corner of a room and traditionally made using adobe bricks covered with hand-applied plaster. The broad base, narrow top, arched firebox door and top flue opening are typical features of a kiva fireplace. The narrow top allows fumes to exit through the upper flume opening. Kiva fireplaces can be found inside or outside a home, with outdoor kiva fireplaces designed to endure the elements while still providing comfort and aesthetic appeal.
During Santa Fe's Colonial period, kitchen kivas were economical as they only required a few short logs for both cooking and heating. The Revival period introduced a variety of styles and designs, including fireboxes elevated off the floor with a shelf or bench seat (known as a banco) in front. Contemporary forms often raise the firebox and surround it with a bench, with newer designs being lightweight, pre-fabricated, and easy to install.
Kiva fireplaces have a long history in the Southwest, with notable examples built by Doña Carmen Romero Velarde, one of the last traditional enjarradoras or women plasterers. Throughout her 50-year career, Velarde built signature fireplaces in Taos, as well as in Colorado, California, Texas, Alaska, Hawaii, Japan, and other places. Her style included the addition of shelves, nichos (recessed openings), and bancos (adobe benches) to her fireplaces, with no two fireplaces alike.
How to Paint Soffit, Fascia, and Drip Edge?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Kiva fireplace design
Kiva fireplaces are a common feature in Northern New Mexican homes, particularly in Santa Fe. They derive their name from the round ceremonial chambers of many Ancestral Pueblo Peoples. Traditionally, kiva fireplaces were made using adobe bricks covered with hand-applied plaster, and the firebox was situated directly on the ground. Today, kiva fireplaces can be constructed using pre-cast lightweight concrete and real hand-laid firebrick, with a tubular steel and diamond-mesh frame forming the exterior facade.
In terms of design, kiva fireplaces are typically situated in the corner of a room, with an arched firebox that follows the organic curve of the smoothed face. The form often tapers as it extends upward. Contemporary designs often raise the firebox off the ground and include a bench seat or shelf in front of the fireplace. These fireplaces can be found both inside and outside the home, and they are known for their ability to quickly heat a space.
When it comes to decorating a kiva fireplace, there are several options to consider. Some people choose to paint the fireplace, while others prefer to leave it in its natural state. Accessories such as an animal skull or antlers can be placed above the fireplace to add interest and texture. A macrame hanging can also be used to add texture and warmth to the space. Plants, colourful vases, and other decorative items can be placed on either side of the fireplace to create a balanced and inviting atmosphere.
The design of a kiva fireplace can be customized to fit the style and preferences of the homeowner. Whether choosing to paint or decorate the fireplace, or selecting the type of bench or shelf to include, the fireplace can be tailored to complement the surrounding architecture and interior design. Kiva fireplaces are a unique and iconic feature that can add character and a sense of regional tradition to a home.
Repairing Paint Chips on Your Ultrasabers Hilt
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Kiva fireplace location
The Kiva fireplace originates from the American southwestern desert region, inspired by the traditional underground meeting places of the Pueblo Indians. Traditionally, Kiva fireplaces were constructed in the corner of a room, featuring an arched firebox and an inverted cone or beehive shape. They were typically built using adobe bricks covered in hand-applied plaster. Today, Kiva fireplaces are evolving beyond their traditional design, with some featuring elevated fireboxes and surrounding bench seats. These fireplaces can be found both inside and outside homes in Northern New Mexico, particularly in Santa Fe, where they are a prominent feature in many rooms, from hotel rooms to living rooms.
The traditional design of a Kiva fireplace placed it in the corner of a room, with the firebox directly against the ground. This design is still prevalent in many spaces, especially in historic bungalows, where the fireplace can quickly heat the entire living room. The corner placement allows for efficient heating and a cosy atmosphere.
However, modern interpretations of the Kiva fireplace are seeing it move away from its traditional location. Contemporary designs are bringing the Kiva out of the corner and into centre stage. These avant-garde Kivas showcase a wide array of exciting variations, adding a bit of flair to the traditional design. The influence of Spanish ancestry in the American Southwest has also played a significant role in evolving Kiva fireplace design, with modifications to the shape and the addition of vibrant ceramic tiles.
The location of a Kiva fireplace can vary depending on the specific style and design chosen. While the traditional corner placement is still common, especially for more classic or historic homes, modern interpretations allow for more flexibility. Contemporary Kiva fireplaces can be found in more central locations within a room, becoming a focal point and adding a unique touch to the space.
The versatility of the Kiva fireplace allows it to adapt to different settings and design preferences. Whether tucked into the corner or taking centre stage, the Kiva fireplace remains a distinctive feature that pays homage to the cultural heritage of the American Southwest. Its evolution showcases the creativity and innovation that can be applied to this unique fireplace style, offering a range of options for those seeking a piece of history with a modern twist.
Michael Godfrey's Paintings: Sold for Millions?
You may want to see also
