While there's not as much as a need for a fireplace in the Valley as some states that see several feet of snow each year, the lure of the ambiance it adds to a space is still a draw for many homeowners. Today's trends include replacing gas fireplaces with electric ones, as well as updating the spaces to include sleek lines.
"Customers like the linear look because it's a lot more modern-looking," says Dena Thomas of Dena Thomas Designs (DenaThomasDesigns.com). "It's a sleeker, cleaner look."
Thomas recently completed these two Chandler remodels. Sleek and stunning, indeed.
This stunning, ultra-modern fireplace is a remodel. The original builder's box gas fireplace was removed, as well as built-in niches. The fireplace and made-with-limestone-tile wall behind the TV is three-dimensional. The new, electric, linear fireplace has a color-changing feature, and the "wood"—which is made of fiberglass—flanking the fireplace, adds texture to the space.
This area was originally an open square, so Thomas converted it to a fireplace with lights hanging on either side, pulling the warmer tone from the floor into the lights. This electric fireplace also has multicolored lights, which can be selected based on mood, ambiance, or even holiday. Below the TV is a sound bar, which rests on a pull-out shelf that serves as a perfect way to hide electronics. And, while the TV is on a wall mount that's flush to the wall, it pulls out—revealing a hidden safe.