7 Memorable Pacific Northwest Fireplaces

1 of 7 This Arts and Crafts bungalow in Beaux Arts, remodeled by Janof Architecture, originally was built in 1914, “And the stone fireplace, with its split-log mantel, is part of the original log home,” says architect Amy Janof. “The front side is probably locally quarried split-face granite, and the sides and back and chimney are rounded river rock, probably dug from the site or from a nearby stream. It’s still a true wood-burning fireplace, and that river rock and concrete hearth is huge — about 6 feet deep! It’s such an inviting and charming surprise as you enter the house.” The giant bellows, she says, is a vintage piece left by a prior owner. Benjamin Benschneider – Photo.

2 of 7 The white fireplace in the living area of this Bainbridge Island home remains from the original 1930s cabin, says architect Tom Kuniholm, who handled a recent major remodel of the home. “It’s not on center, but it sort of works as a marker of the passage of time,” he says. “This room is pretty much intact Tom Kundig [who had designed an earlier remodel in the 1980s].” Steve Ringman - Photo.

All the bricks from original architect Paul H. Kirk’s design remain on the central fireplace of this 1970 Wedgwood home, says architectural designer Darcy Parker. “They have a blue cast. I’m sure he was selective.” Mike Siegel – Photo.

4 of 7 Christina Major’s oil painting of Audrey Hepburn graces the fireplace in the living room of this Snoqualmie Ridge home under a 16-foot-high ceiling. The fireplace has a limestone hearth and steel surround. “It’s a kit fireplace with a big steel structure to hang down and support the chimney,” says architect Andrew Patterson of Patterson Ruehlmann Design + Architecture, who worked with Dovetail construction for a whole-house remodel. Ken Lambert – Photo.

5 of 7 The homeowners thought this strikingly white free-standing Malm fireplace “went great with the vibe of the house. Clean lines, minimal, but a nice comfortable set of curves as well,” says architect Mike Mora, principal of Heliotrope Architects. Benjamin Benschneider – Photo.

6 of 7 The cantilevered, glass-wrapped primary suite of this midcentury-modern home, remodeled by Chad Lorentz of Urbal Architecture with designer Brian Franey of EDGE Design & Build, has a double-sided fireplace of “hot-rolled steel that will continue to rust,” says Franey. “The fireplace was one of the most challenging aspects, getting that thing in there and ultimately making it work. We had to finesse it.” Steve Ringman – Photo.

7 of 7 This Bainbridge Island home originally had two fireplaces (one in the front room and a “very simple” one here, which had been the dining room), architect Bernie Baker says. This new one makes a powerful statement of copper, soapstone, and ledges to accommodate a drop-down TV. Panels open to reveal stereo equipment. Benjamin Benschneider – Photo.

Authored By: Sandy Deneau Dunham | Pacific NW Living