Fireplace Design Guide
Captured by Miranda Estes Photography
Fireplace Design Guide: Choose the Perfect Style for Your Home
As temperatures drop, the fireplace becomes an inviting focal piece in the home. Whether you’re designing a custom home or remodeling an existing space, selecting the right fireplace(s) for your house involves considering factors like aesthetic preferences, environmental impact, and heat output. From modern electric fireplaces with color changing flames to classic wood-burning hearths, we’re here to help you better understand how to navigate the many options to create a fireplace design that enhances your home.
Step 1: Design a Cohesive Look
Since the fireplace often becomes the visual centerpiece of a living space (and sometimes is the literal!), it should align with the architectural style. We recommend you start gathering information, inspiration images and high-level concepts to get the ball rolling, Houzz or Pinterest are great places to begin your search!
Key Design Elements to Consider
Pros + Cons of Fireplace Types: electric, gas, or wood-burning
Surrounding Materials + Textures: stone, brick, tile, concrete, plaster, metal, glass
Additional Built-Ins, Mantels, or Hearth Designs
Step 2: Choose the Right Fireplace Type for your Needs
Choose a fireplace unit type that best suits your needs, options to consider include heat output, energy efficiency, and regular maintenance needs.
Captured by Nathan Mullet
Electric Fireplaces
Positives
Most sustainable choice, with easy installation
Highly energy efficient with nearly 99% energy to heat conversion
Low maintenance – no chimney or ventilation required
Customizable flame effects
Negatives
Lower heat output vs wood or gas options
Not a reliable emergency heat source during power outages
The most energy efficient and low maintenance option. Electric fireplaces are the most eco-conscious choice and are continuing to improve in design and efficiency. They’re the top recommendation for sustainable, eco-friendly passive homes.
Captured by Chrisopher Nelson Photography
Gas Fireplaces
Positives
Instant + consistent heat at the flip of a switch (or push of a button)
Great heat output
Doesn’t require a chimney
Available in a variety of styles, including built-in and freestanding designs
Negatives
A fossil fuel source, contributes to carbon emissions
Requires proper ventilation + maintenance to keep them working efficiently
Gas usage is becoming less common in new construction
The convenient and consistent option. Gas fireplaces offer instant warmth and are a popular choice among homeowners, however due to their environmental impact experts anticipate potential future restrictions. If sustainability is a priority – an electric option would be a better fit.
Captured by Stéphane Juban
Wood-Burning Fireplaces (Built-In or Freestanding)
Positives
Great choice for a traditional, rustic, farmhouse, or contemporary look
Traditional aesthetic with crackling flames
Cozy ambiance
Negatives
Inefficient heat output compared to modern options
Many code restrictions to consider
Contributes to air pollution, high maintenance + requires regular cleaning
Requires proper ventilation and a chimney stack
The classic fireplace. While the traditional wood-burning fireplaces evoke a feeling of nostalgia, they are the least environmentally friendly choice of all options and require consistent upkeep to keep the fire burning. Due to pollution concerns and strict code restrictions to meet, we suggest homeowners consider alterative and more environmentally friendly options.
Selecting the right fireplace during the early stages of your project allows for optimal planning, especially if you want a fireplace that requires proper ventilation and structural integration. However, other cases that can arise include adding a two-sided fireplace for a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces, or between a primary bedroom and ensuite bathroom. It's beneficial to consider this during the schematic design stage of your project, so you can position the fireplace where it makes the most sense, instead of trying to make it fit a space that wasn’t designed for it. Considering the ventilation requirements and structural considerations early on ensures a much smoother installation.
Step 3: Designing the Fireplace Surrounding Areas
Once you’ve selected your fireplace type, it’s now time to focus on design elements and the surrounding areas that will all interact with the focal fireplace unit. These surrounding material plays a role in defining the character and style of the space and should complement the home’s architectural style.
Fireplace Surrounding Materials + Styles
Stone + Brick: Perfect for rustic, traditional, modern, or farmhouse homes. These materials are timeless and durable – natural stone or brick gives a classic look.
Tile + Concrete: Great option for a modern, decorative, or industrial aesthetic. These materials are sleek and customizable and also provide heat resistance and durability.
Plaster + Drywall: A nice choice for traditional, contemporary, or modern spaces. These materials add an organic elegance to the fireplace and allow it to smoothly blend into the architecture.
Metal + Glass: Ideal for ultra-modern homes. The metal and glass surrounds create a striking + sophisticated focal point.
Incorporate Built-Ins, Mantels + Hearths
Integrating built-in storage, a custom fireplace mantel, or hearth can elevate the entire design of a fireplace:
Built In Cabinetry / Shelving: This is a great option for those looking to provide additional storage or display space for decor
Fireplace Mantel: A mantel adds the finishing touch and can be crafted from a variety of materials (wood, stone, plaster, tile, metal, etc.) to complement the design style of the home.
Raised or Flushed Hearth: A hearth, the floor section of fireplace in front of firebox, enhances the fireplace visual impact and also offers functional seating or a display area.
Captured by Christopher Nelson Photography
Transform Your Home with a Curated Fireplace
A well-designed fireplace can serve as a striking focal piece and a functional heat source in your home. As sustainability continues to influence design choices, opting for an eco-friendly solution like electric fireplaces can safely reduce environmental impact while providing warmth to your space.
Whether you find yourself drawn to the sleek appeal of a modern electric fireplace or charm of a classic stone hearth, careful planning can ensure your fireplace complements your home’s architecture and energy goals. When selecting your fireplace type, choosing materials and add-ons that complement your home’s architecture; remember every decision plays a role in the final product – contact us today to work with our designers!