At Design Homes, we treat the fireplace as two distinct elements: the fireplace unit itself (providing warmth and scale) and the surround, which sets the room’s aesthetic tone.
Here is how we combine top brands like Heat & Glo, Heatilator, and SimpliFire with custom surround finishes and smart framing.
1. Fireplace Styles & Technology
Modern Linear Gas (Heatilator & Heat & Glo)
Linear Electric Fireplace
- Sleek Profiles: Wide glass openings pair seamlessly with wall-mounted TVs.
- Custom Media: Styled with crushed glass, glowing embers, or realistic driftwood.
Slender Gas Units (Heat & Glo)
- Shallow Footprints: Slim profiles fit tight wall spaces without sacrificing flame height.
- Direct-Vent Reliability: Efficient heat output with battery backup during power outages.
Electric Inserts (SimpliFire)
- Instant Ambiance: Custom flame colors and controllable heat at the push of a button.
- Vent-Free Flexibility: Ideal for primary suites and rooms without gas lines.
2. Surround Finishes & Framing Styles
- Fluted Tile: Vertical ribbed panels add dynamic linear texture in soft, warm neutrals.
- Large-Format Porcelain: Polished marble-look slabs deliver seamless floor-to-ceiling drama with zero maintenance.
- Geometric Tile & Wood Mantels: Diagonal or herringbone tile layouts paired with floating wood beams create warm, modern contrast.
3. Solving the TV Height Dilemma
Gas fireplace with concrete mantel
Mounting a TV above a fireplace can cause neck strain if placed too high. We solve this through smart framing:
- Lower Fireboxes: Sleek linear designs sit lower on the wall, bringing the TV to eye level.
- Heat Routing: Built-in heat management (from Heat & Glo and Heatilator) redirects hot air away from electronics.
- Concrete Mantels: Non-combustible concrete mantels deflect rising heat, allowing lower TV placement while adding modern texture.
Create Your Custom Focal Point
Whether you want a wide Heatilator linear unit, a slender Heat & Glo gas fireplace, or a smart SimpliFire electric feature wall, we design every detail around your lifestyle.
Ready to start planning your custom home?
Contact us today to schedule a visit to one of our model homes and see which style appeals to you!
