A hearth can create conversation areas, comfortable living
Stop thinking about fireplaces as square or rectangular brick objects built into the family room wall. Start thinking of sleek pieces of architecture that showcase a panoramic view of flames anywhere in the house.
Modern fireplaces have come off the wall and into the room to create an entirely different ambiance. And they are no longer always on the floor — sometimes they’re at eye level.
Multisided fireplaces are popular between bedrooms and baths. A three-sided fireplace can serve as a room divider in an open main-floor concept as well, distinguishing, for example between the living room and the dining room. Fireplaces create conversation areas and comfortable living.
“A new thing in the industry is the linear gas fireplace,” said Margaret Laurenson, co-owner of Woodburners Two. “It’s long, narrow and offers a clean, contemporary look.”
While that comforting orange glow and warm crackling may not be top of mind during these dog days of summer, forward-thinking folks are shopping for fireplaces now, said Rich Cartlidge, owner of Bromwells.
“Fireplace doors, for example, have three- to six-week lead times and you don’t want to find that out the first week of October,” he said.
Basic installation for a gas-burning unit comprises several steps, Cartlidge explained. The proposed site must be assessed to see if it is suitable and then a permit secured. Installation involves running a gas line, installing and connecting the wall unit, and passing inspection.
Gas fireplaces are popular because they produce heat, whereas a wood fireplace does not always do that. In fact, the latter are notorious for losing heat up the chimney, though people covet them for their aroma and the ambiance created by crackling logs.
But when it comes to ease of use, there’s nothing quite like gas. “They’re convenient. Just flip a switch. No fuss, no muss,” Cartlidge said.
Gas fireplaces are self-contained appliance units that don’t interact with the air in your home except to provide additional heat. They are vented through an outside wall instead of through a chimney and can be placed almost anywhere in the home.
Fireplaces typically go into living and family rooms, but “no room is off limits,” Cartlidge said. Small-scale nook fireplaces can even be set in kitchen corners.
Once you’ve got the fireplace, you can shop for a mantel. Mantels now come in an array of designs and materials.
“They can be made of wood, marble or slate; and be ornately carved, columnar or clean-lined,” said Donetta George, owner of the Brass Knob.
Whatever your preference, “now is the best time to plan your fireplace so that it’ll be ready when you need it,” Laurenson said.
