Fireplace trends for 2013 in custom homes

Fireplace trends for 2013

Here are some trends in fireplaces that are being constructed in custom homes for 2013. Some of the trends have started this year (2013), a lot of the trends where started in the 2012 construction year and continued forward into this calendar year. There are trends that have been sustained year over year as well; they are the long running trends.

Custom fireplace trends in today’s custom homes

Here is a list of the trends that have stayed the same over the last several years (the long running trends);

• The majority of fireplaces have large wood mantles.

• The majority of fireplaces have stone facings whether it is natural or a manufactured product.

• Gas fireplaces are the most common fireplace being installed, the ease of use with only having to flip a switch to activate it appeals to peoples busy lives.

• Great room fireplaces continue to grow in size no matter whether they are wood or gas units.

• Hand built masonry fireplaces are almost always Rumford’s for their looks and how well they function.

• Gas insects built into the wall are the most popular, free standing wood or gas stoves are almost never installed in new homes anymore.

• Most inserts are still black with black trims.

Here is a list of the trends that have started this year and are growing in popularity;

• Tiling fireplace faces is becoming increasingly popular. Whether it is a tile surround around the fire box or the entire lower half up to the mantle. This is usually down on smaller fireplaces.

• Multiple fireplaces in the house are more popular, with fireplaces in not only the living rooms but also in the master bedrooms.

• The long and low gas fireplace that is closer to a wide screen television look then the more traditional square fireplaces is growing quickly with homeowners looking for a different feel then the conventional square box style.

• Remotes are all the rage now for gas fireplaces with homeowners liking the ease of use and the ability to turn the unit on from anywhere in the room.

• Gas fireplaces with interior lighting are the new popular option. It allows you to light the fireplace without having to burn gas and adding unnecessary heat to a room, especially in the summer months when the air conditioning is been used and the homeowner is looking for ambient mood lighting.

• After years of decline natural stone finishing has made a big comeback. The availability of thin stone veneer has allowed homeowners to have natural stone without the cost and the weight issues.

• Manufactured stone is predominately made by Eldorado stone whether it is the Eldorado line of stone or there other lines like Dutch Quality. Their ability to make a manufactured stone that looks so much like natural stone is making homeowners choice between the two more difficult.

• Asian tiling of the face of fireplaces has started to become popular with people looking for an alternative to the stone look and do not want to install tile.

• With the more modern look and the placement of fireplaces in bedrooms and bathrooms more gas fireplaces are being installed without hearths, this gives a cleaner look that also fits into smaller spaces.

• Trims for gas or wood insects are starting to trend to chrome or back towards brass as people look for a little colour on their black metal fireplaces.

With fireplaces it comes down to personnel choice, wood fireplaces especially are subject to personnel preference and usually an overall grander look then gas fireplaces.

Rob Abbott
Operations Manager
Village Builders Inc.