The fireplace has been an important part of the home for centuries. Once relied on for cooking and warmth, the fireplace has come a long way from being a necessity to becoming an art piece. While fireplaces these days are less of a formality, there are new trends in both style and performance that continue to make them a focal point in the home.
Customers update their fireplace for many reasons. Some are retrofitting their wood-burning fireplace into a gas fireplace, and others are simply removing dated brass louves. Others are looking to improve their energy efficiency or incorporate a new trend into a larger-scale reno. Modern fireplaces are becoming taller which can mean mantels also require some updating at the same time. In modern or contemporary homes, natural finished oak veneers are the most popular finish for the beam if the wall is not finished with a porcelain slab tile from floor to ceiling.
When tasked with refacing or updating your fireplace, there is more to take into consideration than what materials to use for the project. Napoleon Home Comfort in Barrie recommends that homeowners consider what a finished space will look like, as this can alter the appearance and type of fireplace one chooses. They also highlight that a fireplace shouldn’t be limited to the family room. “A fireplace can be the perfect accent for bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, entrance ways, and living rooms”, they say. Other considerations include hanging artwork or a TV above the mantel, how much heat should come from the fireplace, and how the fireplace design will fit the style of the home.
The Fireplace Family in Barrie adds, “We carefully design each fireplace with your Barrie home in mind to maximize heating efficiency while also making sure the design elements flow with the rest of your home décor.” When it comes to energy-efficient fireplaces, gas options have classic wood-burning fireplaces beat. Gas fireplaces are clean energy-burning and do not rely on electricity to run. They’re also an eco-friendlier way to heat your home and have the ability to function without a chimney, making this a popular option for condo/small space living as well as full-sized dwellings.
As for 2022 trends, the linear fireplace (rectangular in shape) is expected to continue to dominate the renovation scene. We are seeing a trend for traditional homeowners purchasing a linear fireplace and using interior log options to add a traditional touch to their newly purchased modern piece. Choosing the logs, glass embers, and other details for the final project is the fun part of making a fireplace your own. The best part, says The Fireplace Family, is their partnership with Omega Mantels, “With Omega Mantels, you can create a one-of-a-kind design for your space.” They add, “This hand-crafted fireplace mantel is a unique design that mixes the contemporary and classic feel. The lightweight cast stone is elegant and perfect for a renovation or restoration to rejuvenate any room to the feel you desire”.
The other trend for 2022 – large and in charge. Traditional gas fireplaces are expanding in size, adding prestige to the home that smaller fireplaces can’t match. Light stonework is being used to accentuate darker inserts. Woods and stones are also being mixed – whether it’s a light stone and dark wood, or white wood and darker stone. The goal is to brighten the space while also drawing your attention to the frame of the fireplace. In addition, smart remotes are being incorporated into newer fireplace models, which allow temperature control from the click of a button.
For those who may be looking to renovate but are working within a budget, there are many options available. Using new stone facades or tiles to clad an existing fireplace or installing a new mantel using wood materials or pre-cast stone are just a few ideas. Another option is to paint over old brick while also adding a new mantel.
Whether you are chasing after the hottest trends for your new fireplace or simply looking to restore it to its natural glory, remember to have fun with your renovation. The fireplace is a hot spot of the home and your renovation doesn’t have to leave you feeling cold.
LOCAL LINKS
Napoleon Home Comfort
Napoleonhomecomfort.ca
Orillia Natural Gas
Orillianaturalgas.ca
The Fireplace Family
Thefireplacefamily.ca
