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It’s that time of year when fireplaces become the real stars of the home. In our house, the fire is on every evening. There’s no TV in that room—just books, games, music, and time spent properly together. The crackle of the logs, the smell of the wood, and the warmth that seems to wrap around you like a blanket. It makes winter feel like a season to savour, not survive.
For us, a real fire feels like home. It brings back memories of childhood, of being with family, and of slowing down. So when it came time to choose fireplaces for our projects, it was never going to be a purely functional decision—it was emotional, aesthetic, and sensory too.
We spoke to Tommy from Fireworks (our incredible installer), and he said it best: people generally install fireplaces for one of two reasons—nostalgia or to create a central design feature that prioritises connection and ambiance over a television. A fire draws people in. It makes a space feel complete.
Our Carrajung Fireplace: A Love Story
Recently, we worked with the wonderful team at Wignells to install a Chimenees Philippe fire in our Carrajung project. We absolutely love this fire—it’s part sculpture, part heater, and it completely transforms the space.
Wignells have been in business for 75 years and are the exclusive retailers of the Chimenees Philippe system in Australia. They guided us through the selection process with care and expertise, even though—truth be told—we were already aesthetically sold on this fireplace from the beginning.
But like any good design decision, there are always factors to weigh up. Whether you’re mid-renovation, building from scratch, or just dreaming about your forever home, here are some of the key things to consider when choosing your fireplace.
- Real Wood vs. Electric Fireplaces
With changes to gas provisions, many homeowners are now choosing between wood-burning or electric fireplaces. And honestly, it’s a personal decision.
We’ll always be romantics when it comes to a real fire—the scent, the crackle, the ritual of lighting it. But we know not everyone loves the mess or maintenance. For some, the appeal of an instant flame at the push of a button is unbeatable—especially in low-maintenance homes or where clean air zones are a factor.
If you’re chasing aesthetics and ease over heat output, electric fires have come a long way in realism and style. But if it’s heat, heart, and a little nostalgia you’re after? We’ll always lean wood.
- Open vs. Closed Fires
These days, it’s much more common to install fireplaces with glass screens. And for good reason.
They’re safer—especially around children or curious pets. You don’t have logs rolling out unexpectedly, or sparks jumping across the floor. There’s also less smoke in the house, and in most cases, better efficiency, as the glass doors improve combustion and heat retention.
We love the balance that a closed firebox gives—clean lines, beautiful design, and a practical solution that doesn’t lose the magic.
- Built-In or Feature Piece?
This one is big—and helps set the tone for the entire room.
Do you want your fireplace integrated into a wall, concealed with a sleek flue, clad in stone, tile, or render? Or do you want it to be a statement piece—freestanding, bold, and unapologetically central?
We’ve done both. In our Carrajung and upcoming Latham Street projects, the fireplaces aren’t set against a wall—they float, become focal points, and invite people to gather around. In these cases, the exposed flue becomes part of the aesthetic—architectural, raw, and intentional.
The decision here will likely point you toward specific brands or systems, so start with your layout and vision before heading to the showroom.
- Firebox Size & Timber Capacity
This is one of those practical things that makes a massive difference—especially if, like us, you plan to use your fireplace all the time.
If your firebox is too small, you’ll find yourself constantly topping it up. Too big, and it can overpower a space or feel out of scale.
Think about how you use your space. How much heat you need. And how large your logs are (because, yes, chopping them down to size every night will wear thin).
- Efficiency, Installation & Budget
Like any design element, there’s a wide range when it comes to cost and complexity. Some electric fireplaces can be installed for under $1,000. A high-end, suspended wood-burning fire with custom cladding and fluework could run well over $15,000–20,000.
You’ll also want to factor in:
- Flue clearance and routing (especially for multi-level homes)
- Council or bushfire compliance requirements
- Surround materials and finishes
- Ongoing maintenance and cleaning
It’s one of those features that’s worth doing properly. A good fireplace should last decades—and if you get it right, it will become the emotional centre of your home.
Design First, Always
We say it all the time, but it’s especially true here: start with how you want the space to feel.
A fireplace is never just a fireplace. It’s the atmosphere. The design language. The place where stories are told, glasses are clinked, and socks are warmed.
If you’re unsure where to begin, our recommendation is to speak to the experts—like Wignells. They understand not just the technical requirements but the emotional pull that makes a fireplace feel like home.
And if you’re stuck between options or need help integrating your fire into your layout, bring it to The Collective. We’d love to see it—and help make it incredible.
