Fireplaces Create a Fantastic Focal Point

The Art and Science of Fireplace Design

Warm Up a Room with Dramatic Effect

A fireplace is more than just a source of warmth—it’s an anchor for gathering, a visual statement, and a defining element of a home’s character. Whether traditional or contemporary, fireplaces create ambiance and elevate the overall experience of a space. However, designing a fireplace involves much more than selecting materials and aesthetics. Thoughtful consideration must be given to its function, ease of use, and hierarchy within the room including interaction with primary views, room access, and televisions. Is it the heart of the home or a complementary feature? Carefully balancing these elements ensures the fireplace enhances the atmosphere.
 
Beyond style and placement, a fireplace must also function safely and efficiently. Originally essential for heating and cooking, today’s fireplaces are a statement piece and a secondary heat source. Traditional wood-burning options, for example, offer an unmistakable sensory experience, while gas fireplaces provide high-efficiency heating with the convenience of an on-off switch. Regardless of type, proper design is key—proportions, ventilation, and compliance with building codes all contribute to a fireplace that not only looks stunning but also operates safely and efficiently.

Want to experience more? Click on the images!

Traditional: Keep the Home Fires Burning

When working with clients, we begin by asking how they envision their fireplace: Is it a central gathering place, or a secondary feature within the room? Placing the TV next to the fireplace, sometimes tucked within cabinetry, keeps the fireplace as the main feature.

For those who love the ritual of building a wood fire, a masonry fireplace provides an authentic experience with crackling logs and glowing embers. Depending on the home’s style and budget, we design true masonry fireplaces with brick and mortar or use prefabricated inserts that, when properly detailed, achieve the same classic look. Lannon stone surround, a rich wood mantle shelf, and the flush marble hearth play a key role in defining the fireplace’s character.

Timeless: Morning Ritual

Unlike the expansive openness of modern layouts, this French Formal residence emphasizes defined spaces, creating a sense of intimacy and refinement. In the kitchen’s cozy sitting area, a beautifully crafted fireplace serves as the perfect focal point, providing warmth and ambiance to ease into the day.

Framed by a cut stone mantel and a handmade tile surround, the gas fireplace brings the charm of traditional styling with the convenience of modern technology. With the simple turn of a switch, the gas log kit delivers instant warmth—no need for firewood or cleanup. Whether enjoyed with a morning coffee or as a quiet retreat in the evening, this fireplace enhances the home’s sense of comfort and sophistication.

With its rugged fieldstone surround, rough-cut wood mantle, and expanded firebox opening, this fireplace embraces a rustic charm that feels both inviting and timeless. The oversized firebox and raised hearth create generous proportions making it a true statement piece.

Two Sides: Creating Connection

A double-sided fireplace serves as a striking architectural bridge between the great room and home office in this Craftsman-style home. While see-through fireplaces are often associated with contemporary design, this thoughtfully placed hearth maintains a sense of warmth and tradition, seamlessly connecting two distinct spaces. Positioned between rooms the fireplace enhances both areas without compromising privacy.

In the great room, towering stonework frames the fireplace, anchoring the space while complementing the home’s natural surroundings. A flip-frame conceals the TV when not in use, allowing the beauty of the fireplace and its craftsmanship to remain the focal point.

In the home office, the fireplace provides a cozy backdrop for focused work, blending productivity with comfort.

Linear: Light Up the Night

In this contemporary urban condominium, the fireplace is reimagined as a sleek, linear fire feature—stripping away traditional elements and embracing modern minimalism. Without logs, the flame dances across an elongated burner, spreading warmth and ambiance through a sculptural bed of heat-resistant materials such as glass, lava rock, or custom-formed stone. Seamlessly integrated into the space, the fire becomes an artful focal point, enhancing the home’s sophisticated aesthetic while maintaining a sense of warmth and intimacy.

In this Mid-Century Modern home the wraparound two-sided fire feature redefines the traditional hearth with a sleek, architectural presence. Without logs, the fire spreads evenly across a bed of reflective glass, enhancing the clean lines and minimalist aesthetic of the space.

Chimneys: Cap it Off

Fireplaces don’t just shape interiors—they naturally extend upward, defining a home’s exterior through their chimneys. These architectural elements should never be overlooked, as they reinforce a home’s style and create a striking presence. In this Craftsman home, twin chimneys flank the façade, anchoring the elevation with timeless symmetry and a sense of permanence. Built with indigenous stone, they add depth and character, emphasizing the home’s handcrafted charm, and signaling the warmth and comfort found inside.

On this Southwest-inspired home, the chimney cap becomes a striking cultural statement, incorporating a Hopi symbol for rain with vertical sandstone insets, paying homage to the indigenous artistry of the Southwest, enhancing the home’s earthy, natural aesthetic.

The chimney cap serves as a finishing touch that reinforces the architectural language of the home. In this Tuscan-style residence, the chimney is crowned with rounded clay caps, echoing the timeless elegance of traditional Italian design, enhancing the design’s authenticity.

From the rear exterior, the three stately chimneys of this Modern European home stand in rhythmic succession, reinforcing the home’s architectural presence. Their stepped heights thoughtfully scale down as they approach the terrace, creating a harmonious transition between the grandeur of the roofline and the intimacy of outdoor living spaces.

Designing the Vision for 2025