When designing or renovating a luxury home, the fireplace serves as a stylish focal point and cozy gathering place. Whether you’re looking at installing a fireplace for functional or aesthetic reasons, there are a variety of options available in different materials, styles, and from different brands. This guide covers the key selection criteria, leading luxury brands, material choices, and contemporary fireplace styles to make an informed decision ahead of hiring a contractor or renovator. With the right fireplace design, you can not only elevate your living space, but also add functionality, comfort, and value to your home.
Key Factors for Selecting a Modern Fireplace
Top Fireplace Brands + Styles
When approaching a fireplace install, or when refinishing, one of the largest decisions to make will be between buying a pre-made mantle and surface, or having one custom built. Depending on the layout of your room, especially when refinishing a vintage fireplace, some styles of construction may make it necessary to have a custom-built, bespoke surface created to house the fireplace.
When approaching custom fireplaces, we recommend working with a contractor that is able to connect you with an interior designer or otherwise provide tips on making material selections, drawing up plans, and deciding on designs. It is extremely dangerous to DIY a fireplace install, and depending on your locale may even be illegal without correct permitting.
At Fine Home Contracting, we partner with a number of stone surface suppliers, and are able to offer a wide variety of finishings for fireplaces from vendors such as Genrose Stone + Tile. These purpose-built, custom fireplaces offer much more customizability, varying aesthetic options, and tend to have longer lifespans than prebuilt options. As expected, they also tend to be more expensive.
Some design options and brands to consider are listed below.
Material Options for Luxury Fireplaces
When building a custom fireplace, the fireplace surround material heavily impacts the overall look, durability, construction, and cost. The most common choices for materials range from natural stone and ceramic tile to concrete and metal options.
Our preferred surface vendor is Genrose Stone + Tile. Genrose has a wide variety of ceramic tile, natural stone surfaces, glass mosaics, and other tile in a variety of colors and styles. Listed below are some of our favorite material options for mantles and fireplaces.
Design Considerations
Sleek Linear Fireplaces
Slim, wall-mounted linear fireplaces feature panoramic horizontal views of the flames. Built-in screens slide open for a minimalist look. Linear fireplaces work in any decor.
Corner Fireplaces
Make use of unused corner space with contemporary wedge-shaped corner fireplace units. Angled glass panes provide a 180-degree fire view.
See-Through and Two-Sided Fireplaces
Our favorite option: Add drama and excitement to any room with see-through and two-sided fireplaces. These are usually built into a partition wall to enjoy the fire from adjoining rooms. Adding sleek, floating fireboxes is a great way to accompany these modern statement pieces.
When designing an elegant, state-of-the-art home, the fireplace serves as a crown jewel. By selecting a luxury fireplace from leading brands, incorporating high-end materials, and choosing a contemporary style, you can create a breathtaking focal point that embodies modern refinement. Collaborate with an expert designer to bring your unique fireplace visions to life. With quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, your dream fireplace can upgrade your home for years of lasting beauty and joy.
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About the Author: David Perrotti
