There aren’t many things in life more cozy than sipping hot cocoa by the fireplace during the cold Midwest months. It’s the perfect spot to curl up with a good book, lounge with a glass of red, or gather with loved ones to celebrate the holiday season.
The best fireplaces aren’t only functional, but also beautiful and unique! In addition to providing much needed warmth in the winter, a gorgeous fireplace can also add to a room’s aesthetic and even serve as the focal point of your living room.
With all the attention and use your fireplace will get from your family and guests, it’s not something to overlook! Imagine taking family photos in front of the fireplace and festive decorations along the mantle – let’s make sure it’s Instagram worthy!
Whether you’re embarking on a new custom build or luxury home renovations, don’t forget about the fireplace. There are many things to consider when adding a fireplace to your home project, such as the placement, size, shape, style, materials, and heat source. And when you partner with Tom Len Custom Homes, the possibilities are endless!
No matter what your home project may be, it’s our goal to make sure you love every inch of your dream home, from the inside out. To help you get started thinking about unique fireplace designs, we’ve compiled expert ideas and guidance for making sure your home is warm and inviting…
Creating Your Custom Fireplace Design
Modern fireplace designs are trending, but not every style of fireplace will work for your home. You need one that adds to the decor and style of your house. The best custom fireplace is one that blends in smoothly, but also stands out as a statement of your unique taste.
When designing your very own luxury fireplace, there are many details to consider. But don’t worry, that’s what we’re here for! Clients share their vision and what they like, and from there our expert interior designers lead the way in choosing the materials, fuel type, placement, size, design, aesthetic, and more. Now the fun begins! Let’s get started building your perfect fireplace…
Placement Matters
The location of your fireplace will influence your fireplace design, as well as the functionality of the room. The most common placement for a fireplace is the living room; other popular choices are the dining room or an outdoor fireplace for backyard entertaining. Think about the layout of your room and how the fireplace may affect airflow, breathability, and temperature of the space. You’ll also want to consider any existing windows, doors and potential obstacles like furniture or built-in shelving that may get in the way.
Once you’ve considered these factors, narrow down your options and choose the perfect spot for your fireplace. Keep in mind the location of your fireplace will also affect things like the size and type of mantel you can use. There are clearly a lot of logistics to consider, but that’s what TLCH does best! With some careful planning, we can help you find the perfect spot for your fireplace to enhance the overall look and feel of your living space.
Selecting the Best Materials
A fireplace affects the depth and character of the house. When choosing materials for your fireplace, pay attention to the aesthetics of the room and the space around it. What other materials are you planning to use in your custom home build or renovations? You’ll want to make sure your fireplace matches and enhances current plans for your home project.
For a minimalist and sleek interior, stone or marble may be the best option. It will stand out while effortlessly enhancing the modern outlook of the house. You can contrast and mix colors to suit your scheme, emphasizing the warm or cool tones of the house. Wooden fireplaces are regal and timeless, and go well with classic interiors and vintage furniture. They also augment warmer schemes featuring both light and dark colors.
Keep in mind that you aren’t only limited to one material! A blend of materials can make your fireplace look more exclusive and unique, setting it apart from popularly trending styles that most people choose. The idea of creating a custom fireplace is to truly make your home your way. Other materials to consider: stone, wood, tile, marble, brick, granite, or porcelain.
Choosing the Your Fuel
Here are some of the most common fuel options for fireplaces:
Wood – Wood burns hot and long, giving you traditional fireplace vibes. However, wood fireplaces create a lot of smoke and require chimneys for the smoke and gasses to escape the house. You must clean the chimney often and sweep the ashes away as soon as they cool down. So if you’re not up for that, wood should not be your go-to choice.
Gas – If you want a traditional look without the effort of a wooden fireplace, gas is your best option. Gas fireplaces do not require chimneys or vents; only a gas line installation. Gas fireplaces are cleaner and function with a remote. The dancing flames bring that traditional style without the smoke and the smell of burning wood. Low maintenance is why gas fireplaces are in use more than wood ones.
Electric – Electric fireplaces are the easiest to install and maintain. All you need to do is plug it in, and you are ready to go. They are mobile, so you can test them around the house until you find the perfect place. The 3D technology ensures it looks like a live fire and sounds like one too. The electric fireplace is the safest option if you have young kids or pets. It is also low-maintenance as it doesn’t require cleaning. Electric fireplaces are also scent- and emission-free.
Accessories and Decorations
Now that you have the fireplace in the right spot, selected your fuel, and have chosen the best materials, it’s time to consider decor! Most homeowners like to install a mantel or opt for a surround design. The mantel material will depend on the material you’ve chosen for the fireplace. Granite and marble go best with wooden and stone fireplaces, giving them a finished look.
Consider accessorizing your mantelpiece according to the look you want for the room. For a homely vibe, add family pictures or pottery vases. If you’re going for a minimal but sophisticated vibe, opt for golden-toned vases with minimal photo frames or sculptures.
You may even want to hang a mirror in the middle and a sconce on either side. And let’s not forget to leave room for candlesticks, art pieces, decorative plates, or even your favorite books. This is where our design expertise will come in handy!
Trending Fireplace Designs
The best fireplace for you is the one that compliments your home and its interior. What aesthetic are you going for? Do you want a modern, minimal design? Industrial, transitional or contemporary? Maybe something vintage and antique-inspired? Or go for the ultimate look of elegance and luxury: solid black lined with gold. Considering going with a large veined marble fireplace as your focal point?
There are many directions you can go in! Whether you want a cozy, homely vibe or an elegant look, we can make it happen. If you’re looking for more inspiration, here are some of the hottest fireplace trends that will keep you warm all season long:
- Don’t limit yourself – fusion is in, so mix traditional and modern styles into a unique fireplace with unconventional dimensions and a mix of materials.
- Choose a pop of color – do away with neutrals or dark tones and add bold colors to your home by choosing a bright color that stands out.
- Clean minimal finish – bringing the glamor of a fireplace in the most minimal and subtle style, paired with tasteful nuances.
- Smaller fireplaces – in smaller houses or spaces, compact square fireplaces fit perfectly without taking up much space or having a large carbon footprint.
Your Unique, Luxury Fireplace Awaits…
The winter season is already tough with colder, darker days. We’d love to help bring some warmth and brightness into your home! Fireplaces can be built-into the wall, used as a divider to section off two rooms, or even double sided to see through it – adding an extra touch of magic to your home. With the many design choices and decor possibilities when designing a fireplace, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or confused.
The key is finding the perfect combination of materials and colors that enhance the luxury features and aesthetic of your home. What’s your goal, are you looking for functionality, a statement piece, purely decorational, or a combination?
Partner with the North Shore’s premier custom home builder and interior designers at Tom Len Custom Homes. Whether you’re working on a complete remodel, luxury room renovations, or creating a brand new custom home from the ground up – we’ll happily guide you every step of the way in making your dream home come true!
Thinking of adding a fireplace to your living room for a cozy spot to read or cuddle with the kids? Or maybe you’ve been planning an outdoor space for entertaining and need the fire for warmth in any season? We can do it all! One of the many benefits of working with a professional home builder is that we can customize anything you want – it’s truly your home, your way.
Start planning now for next season’s enjoyment! Check out our Houzz or Pinterest for inspiration. Our team is always up to date on the latest design trends and breathtaking elements that will last the test of time.
