The Fireplace: Warming The Heart If Not The Room

The function of the fireplace has evolved from essential to ornamental, but its inherently soothing nature remains unchanged.The fireplace, historically, was the single heat and cooking source for a home, and often centrally located to efficiently heat the space," said Katherine Dalene Weil, senior associate at Bates Masi + Architects in Sag Harbor. "Since the fireplace typically is no longer the single source of heat for a home, it has become a focal point for family and friend gatherings."

The desire for more floor space and changing design trends moved most fireplaces from their central spot to a side wall, with the smoke channeled out a chimney instead of a hole in the roof. This design made the traditional wood-burning fireplace less efficient, as cold air travels down the chimney while warm air rises out, according to Michael Scanlon, owner of Sag Harbor Fireplace.

Still, homeowners are generally less concerned with inefficiency than with aesthetic appeal. When customers enter Mr. Scanlon's store, he often asks which they consider more important, the look of the fireplace or the need for heat. Most people focus on the former, he said.

Even while new heating sources, such as oil and gas, have supplanted the hearth as a source of heat, there is a trend to incorporate multiple fireplaces into a single home—in bedrooms, family rooms, even finished basements, in addition to their traditional place in living rooms. "I've worked in some houses on the beach where there are 13 or 14 fireplaces," Mr. Scanlon said.

"Nowadays we're seeing three, five, upward of seven in a home," said Derek Zeccola, manager of Hampton Hearth's Southampton location. "I think people like the feel of having them in each room," he added.

Equally popular are gas fireplaces. Fifty percent of Mr. Scanlon's customers request them, and 60 percent of Mr. Zeccola's. Gas fireplaces are extremely easy to start, clean to use, and don't require keeping wood in stock—and that convenience, combined with an enhanced look and efficiency, has made them more appealing.

"They've come a long way in the last 10 years," Mr. Zeccola said. "There's a lot of technology that developed in them. They're very easy to use and they're safe, so a lot of people are drawn to them."

Although the traditionally-shaped fireplace continues to prevail, the rectangular, linear fireplace is often sought in the luxury market.

"Right now, there's a big trend to more modern, linear fireplaces, be it gas or wood, and also a more modern fireplace that has a guillotine-style door that slides up into the wall," said Mr. Scanlon.

Linear fireplaces average between 5 and 6 feet in length, but they can be longer. "The largest one we've ever done is 15 feet," Mr. Zeccola recalled.

"The nice thing about the newer fireplaces is you can get them so that they can burn and heat, like a wood stove," said Mr. Scanlon. "They're much more efficient if you burn them with the glass closed."

New models include the Phenix Green, a built-in fireplace with a retractable door that allows a homeowner to enjoy a fire with the door open or closed.

Another is the DaVinci, with double-pane glass doors that stay cool to the touch thanks to an internal glass wall that absorbs heat. And below the flames is platinum reflective crushed glass with adjustable multi-color LED lighting that makes the flames flicker in a variety of hues. The DaVinci is very expensive, reaching in excess of $100,000.

In contrast, an average-sized gas or wood-burning fireplace, ranging between 36 and 42 inches, could start at $3,000, according to Mr. Scanlon.

While the design, function and cost of a fireplace continue to shift, its basic role as a source of comfort remains the same.

"The smell of the burning wood, the warm quality of light, and heat that the fire emits is inviting to the senses," said Ms. Weil.

"It's a cozy feel and people still want that. It's the attraction of fire, being in the home and providing warmth," said Mr. Zeccola. "It reminds people of being with family. It's ingrained in our DNA, bringing us back to that primal feel."

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