Just thinking about a fireplace conjures up feelings of warmth, cosiness and a sense of peace. With Canada’s long winters and hectic pace, it’s no wonder these elements are as popular as ever.
As demand for fireplaces grows, so do expectations for style and functionality. Today’s fireplaces have evolved in recent years to reflect more modern and sophisticated tastes. Discover the best ways to make your home’s fireplace hot in more ways than one.
See-through fireplaces
A sure-fire way to impress your guests is with a see-through fireplace. They exude that sensation of comfort while allowing homeowners to ramp up the style factor. These varieties are built into a wall (two sided) or jut out from (three sided or “floating”) to provide a more open feel to a living space.
See-through fireplaces are not appropriate for every space. They make great features between bedrooms and en suite bathrooms, living rooms and dining rooms and even living rooms and outdoor spaces. However, building one between two spaces that require different privacy levels is not ideal. You wouldn’t want your guests to be able to get a peek into your bedroom from the living room, would you?
Two- and three-sided fireplaces tend to provide a more transitional and chic look. Some factors to consider are glass size, louvers (design elements that provide ventilation), inserts (e.g. glass, logs, rocks, etc.) and whether or not the fireplace will be built in a wall or extend out perpendicularly. From there, selecting the surrounding materials and design layout play a huge factor in swaying the overall appearance of your element.
Focal features by design
A fireplace is typically the focal point of any room. It sets the character and tone of the space.
When incorporating a fireplace into a room’s design, consider a contrast in colour, scale and textures. For instance, use large-format slate tiles paired with a grainy wood mantel to invoke a modern-yet-rustic feel. Try a simple white tile with a solid brown mantel. The options are nearly endless.
Stone, wood and tile – in patterns like herringbone – are among the most popular materials. However, glass, marble and other materials can be used as well. Try to avoid big trends and choose materials you like – this way it will stand the test of time.
Determine the appropriate dimensions of your fireplace and consider its placement in the room. Traditionally, fireplaces are symmetrical with the firebox balanced in the centre of the surround and mantle. A cutting-edge, asymmetrical fireplace generally moves the firebox to one side.
Professional support
Consult an interior designer or professional contractor when required. There are specific building codes related to clearances of combustibles, venting, placement requirements, framing and mantel information. A chimney vent, out the side of the house or up through the roof, is required on every fireplace except electric and ethanol varieties.
In the end, a fireplace is a reflection of your home’s overall style and individuality. With the right tools and support, creating the perfect fireplace that’s tailored to you and your home will be worth your time and effort that will pay dividends on those cold nights.
