Considering a new home?  Chances are good your new home will have a fireplace as a focal point in the Family Room or Great Room.

According to a 2006 NAHB survey, 51% of homes built in 2004 included some variety of fireplace.

But the big question here is - what kind of fireplace surround would you like to see in your home?

There are a wide variety of custom possibilities available.

Fireplace Surrounds and Mantles -  Simple But Very Usable

Here's a basic gas log fireplace with a marble tile surround and custom wood mantlepiece.

Above the fireplace, the wall is kept simple, with a cable outlet included for a flat screen tv.

Fireplace Surrounds and Mantles - Built In Entertainment Center

This fireplace features a built in entertainment center with cubbies for electronics.  The very large center will accomodate nearly any size television.

The custom tile fireplace surround adds color and texture, with the contrasting light colored grout.

The mantle is extensive and roomy, with a secondary, accent mantle above the entertainment center.

Fireplace Surrounds and Mantles - Cherry Wood Accents

The cherry wood inlay around the fireplace hearth gives a great color accent and really sets the fireplace apart.

The built in entertainment center above the fireplace will fit nearly any size flat screen or standard television. 

Medallions and moulding finish the detail work around both the fireplace and the entertainment center. 

Fireplace Surrounds and Mantles - New Home Trends

Here's another fireplace surround option for that flat screen tv.  Note the power and cable outlets ready for hook up.

It's easy to include some crown moulding and other trimwork options to really set the fireplace/entertainment focal point apart.

Want to liven up the room a bit more?  Just choose a dark contrasting tile instead of light, or a warm accent trim color!

Fireplace Surrounds and Mantles - Stone Fireplace

A stone fireplace can be a bit more costly, but nothing comes close to the look and feel of stone in your new home. 

Mantles can be constructed of natural wood, white painted wood to match interior trimwork, or even stone.

Cost depends on the type of stone, detailing involved, size of the surround, type of mantle, and size of the hearth.

All these mantles and surrounds can be suitable for both gas burning fireplaces or wood burning insert fireplaces.

In the Raleigh area, check with your county restrictions before building - some counties have had restrictions on wood burning fireplaces due to air quality guidelines. 

Fireplace Surrounds - Wall Sconce Lighting

It's even possible to add a pair of wall sconce lights above the fireplace!  This type of accent lighting can be especially pleasing in a basement rec room or other room that doesn't have as much natural light. 

There are many different styles of sconce lighting. 

Raised stone hearths are a little less common these days, but can still be very appealing. 

Fireplace Surrounds - Trends and Styles in New Homes

This dark tile surround really "pops" against the solid hardwood floors and the bright trimwork and neutral paint.

The built in niche can have a variety of uses, from tv to art display.

Your fireplace surround and mantle can reflect your own personality throughout a variety of different budgets.  Contact us about your ideas for your new custom home! 

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Browse floorplans online, or request more information today!

Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com.

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Stanton Homes builds throughout the Raleigh/Triangle and north of the Fort Bragg area.

Copyright Stanton Homes 2009.    Provided for informational purposes only, photos may represent overall new home market trends and ideas as well as Stanton Homes specific homes.