Designers Are Going Crazy Over Extra Long Fireplaces

From House Beautiful

Part of the beauty of winter is being able to cozy up in your pajamas on the weekend, sip peppermint tea or hot cocoa, and never get out from under your chunky knit blanket. Some may even take it a step further with the help of a fire to set the mood-a little hygge tip I always recommend. Whether you use a Yule log video, some LED flames, or a good ol' fashion log, anyone can enjoy the crackle of the season these days, with or without a fireplace.

But, when you're lucky enough to actually have the real thing in your home, shapes, sizes, and styles are all still seemingly limitless. One of the styles interior designers are currently going crazy over are the extra long fireplace. These kept popping out at us on Instagram, so we had to investigate.

Tina Ramchandani Creative and Winter McDermott designed the stunning integrated fireplace above for one of their clients. Tina Ramchandani, a House Beautiful Next Wave designer, shared her love for long fireplaces with me, noting "They are clean and minimal, and when done right they compliment the architecture of the space." This, of course, is key to all fireplaces as they quickly become the focal point of any room. It is particularly important, though, because, as Tina points out, "As TVs are getting larger, long fireplaces balance and compliment oversized televisions, so the TVs don't look overbearing in a space."

As a result, the recessed television that hangs above the fireplace in the design above appears perfectly balanced with the rest of the room, not taking any focus away from the design elements around it. Aside from the aesthetic factors, though, linear fireplaces are also convenient: "Long fireplaces can be installed with electric or gas, so homeowners have options on how to integrate these into their homes," Tina adds. "They are a common ask, especially because they are ventless, so [they're] much easier to maintain than the traditional fireplace."

Similarly, Brooke Wagner of Brooke Wagner Designs created a long, modern fireplace, which steals the attention from the recessed television above it. "I love the look of a long, linear fireplace in a more modern environment," Brooke shares, adding "[It's] such a focal point of a home and a perfect spot for a family gathering."

Finding the balance, as both designers point out, is the key to any room, especially one where the technology is so prominent in a space. It is really key for appearance, but also functionality. Not surprisingly, Tina's notes for her own design also hold true for Brooke's: longer fireplaces really do balance and compliment the large televisions in a room so as not to take away from the architecture and design around it.

Depending on the design, fireplaces can completely alter the feel and purpose of a room. This design by Betsy Brown Inc. came to life with the help of architect Paul Bates, but in a much different way than Tina and Brooke's designs. Betsy and Paul's natural wood and rustic vibe, while still modern, give the space a different kind of atmosphere-with a traditional edge.

"It's always nice to combine classic elements with modern surroundings," Paul shares. "I think it makes people feel comfortable and not stodgy, yet still timeless. My hope is that long horizontal fireplaces are not a trend, but rather used only at the appropriate time and place." Like a flawlessly cozy bedroom or glam modern living room, perhaps?

In every design, the long fireplace brings the perfect sense of balance and tranquility. So, whether there's a pretty work of art or a massive TV above it, you won't be able to take your eyes off the smokin' linear masterpiece (thankfully, it doesn't require a lot of work, either-so you can just stare all day.)

Follow House Beautiful on Instagram.

('You Might Also Like',)

• 7 Secrets HomeGoods Employees Won't Tell You

• 19 Closet Organization Ideas You'll Want to Steal Immediately

• 15 Styling Tricks That Make A Small Living Room Seem Bigger Than It Is