Fireplace-Envy: Seasonal, Regional and Generational – Photo Gallery

Have fireplaces become just an artistic addition to our decor? I distinctly remember when a fireplace was the ‘cool’ feature to have in your home. I am aware that the region of the country that you live in plays a major role but I’d be curious nonetheless to know how much use your fireplace actually gets, here in Arizona and in other areas. Do fireplaces still perform a function or are they now a luxury?

Fewer and fewer home buyers are requesting fireplaces, and those that do are very particular about type and aesthetics. Baby boomers like myself, who likely have experienced the panic and wreckage of a sudden downdraft, usually prefer gas logs for their instant gratification and ease of use. Millennials too seem to favor the environmental value of gas over the authenticity of wood but with an added interests in style. It’s those home buyers in-between, the idealists and the purists, who seem to be showing a lot of enthusiasm for the traditional wood-burning version.

I have to admit, I love the smell and warmth of a roaring wood fire, but I’ve moved mine outside to the firepit where smoke and ashes add charm rather than mess.

Here in the Phoenix Valley there’s another consideration as well. Compromised air quality dictates that there be designated no-burn days. These days often occur in the Winter when you’d most love to curl up by the fireplace. No-burn days are not generally well publicized. You would be wise to check with the county by phone or website, before firing up that wood. Gas fireplaces however, are acceptable. As a matter of fact, home builders in certain areas of the Greater Phoenix valley are restricted to installing only gas fireplaces in new construction homes.

I spoke briefly of style. Fireplaces are getting more and more elaborate, more an integral element in the home’s design. The piece below depicts the contemporary perspective of “fireplace as decor”, today’s hot version of this once cool home feature.

Fireplace Envy Rears Its Head as Seasons Shift

By Paige Tepping

Curling up in front of the fireplace has long been a source of warmth and comfort as Old Man Winter tries to break us down with bitter cold temperatures, mind-numbingly harsh winds and inclement weather.

But like everything else in the home, the beloved fireplace of yesteryear (aka the simple brick cutout with a mesh screen positioned just so) has become just another area homeowners don’t dare leave untouched.

So throw on your comfiest clothes, stoke up the fire and check out some of these beauties.

Photo Credit: Murray Homes

Simple and elegant, this fireplace blends right in with your current décor.

Photo Credit: www.homihomi.com

Can’t decide which room to call home? No worries! This see-through fireplace solves that dilemma quickly and easily. Bonus points for built-in storage.

Photo Credit: www.homestratosphere.com

If you’ve been sans fireplace due to lack of space, an electric fireplace—hung vertically—will take all your troubles away.

Photo Credit: www.freshome.com

View? What view? This fireplace will bring warmth to any room, never detracting from the view.

Photo Credit: www.homedit.com

For those of us who are artists at heart—and really, who isn’t?—a little creativity can go a long way when it comes to creating a masterpiece that will undoubtedly be the topic of conversation among friends and family alike.

Photo Credit: www.homedit.com

Make a statement and let your fireplace shine as the true center of attention.

Photo Credit: www.housely.com

Indoor fire pit for the win!

Photo Credit: www.housely.com

What can be better than soaking in front of the fire? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Just make sure you close the curtains. Your neighbors will thank you.

Paige Tepping is RISMedia’s managing editor. Email her your real estate news ideas at paige@rismedia.com.

This was originally published on RISMedia’s blog, Housecall. Visit the blog daily for housing and real estate tips and trends. Like Housecall on Facebook and follow @HousecallBlog on Twitter.