Technology is transforming the world around us, helping to make our lives simpler, easier, and more efficient. Every industry has felt the benefits and changes of technology in recent years, and the world of interior design is no different, with even the humble fireplace getting a unique new makeover.
There is a range of exciting new developments, trends, and advancements that are helping to transform the industry and give homeowners like you the chance to create a stunning new décor.
So what does the future of fireplaces have in store? We thought we would take a look.
The history of fireplaces?
Before we take a look at what lies in store for the future of the fireplace, we thought we would first explore a bit of their history. While the exact origin of the modern fireplace is unknown, humans have been using fire to keep warm and cook since the dawn of time.
During the medieval period, it was common for homes to have a firepit in the center of the room, with smoke rising upwards to disappear through a circular hole in the ceiling above. While this was a great way to heat and cook, it still made interiors very smoky.
That is why during the 11th century, when stone homes became more common, homeowners began moving their fires to the outside wall, creating the modern chimney design. This quickly grew in popularity, and by the early 1700s, fireplaces were wide, open recesses without a mantel.
However, in the 1740s, Benjamin Franklin invented the Franklin Stove, which was able to produce far more heat and allowed the fireplace to be positioned back into the center of the room.
This design changed again towards the start of the 19th century when Sir Benjamin Thompson created a new fireplace design that was taller, wider, and smaller, creating a narrow throat design that became the basis for the modern fireplace.
So just how far has fireplace technology come?
Scientists and historians believe that human-controlled fires date back over two million years, but the technology we use has significantly changed since those early days of gathering around a fire!
The basic principle behind lighting a fire has remained the same: to provide lighting and heat to a room.
Fireplace design has changed drastically over the years, though. From wood-burning stoves to walk-in recesses, as interior design and functionality have changed, so has the functionality of fireplaces.
In many homes, the traditional fireplace remains the most popular style, but the fuel we use is changing and instead of wood, many homeowners now use gas and electric, or for those looking to become more sustainable, switch to bioethanol options.
What does the future of fireplace technology have in store?
Technology is advancing at a rapid rate, and in the world of interior design and fireplace development, it is an incredibly exciting time. One of the most significant changes over the coming years is a stronger push towards sustainability and reducing the impact we have on the environment.
While this is already happening to some extent, with many homeowners switching their fireplace to be powered by bioethanol fuel instead of more traditional gas, electric, or wood alternatives, this is going to become more important.
This means not only using alternative, environmentally friendly fuels but also using technology to create more effective and efficient fireplaces that are able to provide more heat and light at less energy.
The technology-led advancements are not just about becoming more eco-conscious, though. Millions of homes across the globe are now utilizing smart technology, and this is become a common feature for contemporary fireplaces, too.
Homeowners now want the ability to control their fireplace through their smartphone, and this is beginning to pave the way for even greater integration between interior design and technology.
How will the design and aesthetics of a fireplace change?
As technology advances and changes how we engage with the fireplace in our home, the design and aesthetics will adapt and change with it.
Over the years, the style, shape, color, size, and aesthetics of a fireplace have changed drastically, and the modern designs we see today are vastly different from those of a few decades ago.
In recent years, minimalism has been one of the most popular design options for homeowners, with big facades becoming unpopular in lieu of simpler solutions. The fuel being used is also dictating the style, with bioethanol solutions allowing fireplaces to become smaller and sleeker than their wood-burning alternatives.
Burning different fuels which produce no smoke is also helping fireplaces to become more accessible,
A fireplace is a deeply personal addition to your home, though, and its design should match the décor and interior of your home.
That is why the future of fireplaces will likely place a greater emphasis on bespoke and custom design, allowing homeowners to create beautiful and stylish solutions that perfectly match their requirements and needs.
The materials used in their construction will also change thanks to technological advancements. For example, materials will become more environmentally friendly and sustainable, while technology will allow them to offer stronger resistance to heat.
How will a fireplace become more sustainable?
Sustainability and green solutions are now a vital part of any interior design project, and the fireplace of tomorrow will be designed to help homeowners to reduce their carbon footprint.
The use of alternative fuels is growing in popularity, and it is only going to become increasingly more popular in the coming years.
Sustainability does not just come from the fireplace itself, though. A better understanding of the best practices that homeowners should follow will also help them to reduce their emissions further.
For example, annual cleaning of your chimney can transform its efficiency and reduce the pollution your fireplace emits.
Final Thoughts
Sitting around a fireplace is an incredibly relaxing process and has been something that humans have been doing for millennia. However, over that time the style and design of how we use them have changed drastically.
In recent years, interior design has pushed for sleeker and stylish options, and this is showing no signs of changing over the coming years. As technology advances, though, the fireplaces of tomorrow are going to become increasingly more connected with the rest of our homes.