KBIS Podcast Series Part Six | Building Heat with Hearth & Home Technologies: Turning Fireplace Demand into Builder Value

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At KBIS 2026, Hearth & Home Technologies reveals how fireplaces are evolving from overlooked amenities into high-value, design-forward features that enhance both homes and builder offerings. We explore the emotional, aesthetic, and technological dimensions of modern fireplaces, from indoor-outdoor integration to bespoke U-shaped configurations. Designers, architects, and builders alike share insights on leveraging fireplaces for resale value, client engagement, and standout home experiences.

Mike Swanson – Director, Segment Marketing | Hearth & Home Technologies

Fireplaces are no longer just a cozy addition—they are strategic assets in home design, builder differentiation, and lifestyle storytelling.

Consumer Demand & Builder Value

    • Fireplaces rank high on buyer wish lists; 77% of homebuyers desire a fireplace.
    • Adding a fireplace can increase home value by 10%, comparable to adding a garage.
    • Fireplaces differentiate homes and engage buyers beyond square footage, integrating lifestyle and personality into living spaces.

Design & Technology Integration

    • Indoor and outdoor placement flexibility, including direct vent and electric fireplaces.
    • Heat management technology enabling safe TV placement above fireplaces.
    • Smart home integration, LED flame effects, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
    • Design-forward considerations: feature walls, proportion, architectural integration, and bespoke finishes.

Custom & Premium Solutions

    • U-shaped, L-shaped, and multi-sided fireplaces offer signature focal points.
    • Customization options include firebox décor, decorative panels, and the Enlight Collection’s fireproof image panels.
    • Aligning fireplace sizing with flat-panel TVs and overall home layout for maximum impact.

Builder & Designer Partnerships

    • Education and engagement through Pro Advantage series, continuing education (AIA, IDEC), and builder programs.
    • National distribution network ensures on-time delivery and installation support.
    • Strategies for integrating fireplaces into model homes, luxury projects, and production homes across price points.
    • Collaboration between architects, designers, and builders to maximize aesthetic, functional, and financial value.

Innovation & Future Outlook

    • New electric and digital flame technologies (e.g., Illusion Edge, Illusion Heritage).
    • Product refreshes every three years to maintain style-forward, timeless appeal.
    • Continuing to expand placement possibilities and premium customization for design-forward homes.

At KBIS 2026 in Orlando, Hearth & Home Technologies showcased how the modern fireplace is evolving from a standard home feature into a high-value, design-forward element that serves builders, designers, and homeowners alike. The conversation revealed that fireplaces are not just a source of warmth—they are strategic tools for engagement, differentiation, and lifestyle storytelling in residential design.

Research consistently shows that fireplaces are among the most desired features in new homes, with 77% of buyers listing them as a priority. Beyond emotional appeal, fireplaces offer tangible value: they can add up to 10% to a home’s resale value—equivalent to a garage—while remaining relatively accessible, starting at approximately $2,000. For builders, fireplaces help differentiate offerings in competitive markets, enhance staging appeal, and align with buyer desires for personalization and interaction.

Modern fireplaces extend well beyond traditional living rooms. Hearth & Home Technologies’ portfolio includes indoor, outdoor, and indoor-outdoor configurations, allowing architects and designers to integrate fireplaces into kitchens, bathrooms, ensuites, and shared spaces. Electric fireplaces offer unprecedented placement flexibility, while gas units with direct vent technology allow designers to position flames virtually anywhere without compromising air quality. Heat management innovations also enable TVs to be safely mounted above fireplaces, merging functionality with aesthetic appeal.

Customization and premium finishes remain a hallmark of Hearth & Home’s strategy. Their U-shaped and L-shaped designs, multi-sided fireplaces, and the Enlight Collection’s fireproof image panels demonstrate the growing appetite for bespoke elements that reflect homeowners’ individuality. Proportion, scale, and feature integration—such as firebox décor, stone slabs, or quartz surrounds—allow designers to create compelling focal points that harmonize with the broader home environment.

Equally important is the company’s commitment to builder and designer partnerships. Their Pro Advantage program, continuing education courses through AIA and IDEC, and extensive distribution network ensure that both builders and designers have the knowledge, tools, and on-site support to incorporate fireplaces seamlessly. Builders benefit from reliable supply chains and flexible pricing options, while designers gain access to innovative solutions that align with client expectations.

Technology continues to play a central role in Hearth & Home’s product evolution. Wi-Fi-enabled fireplaces, LED rotisserie flames, and digital flame technologies like the Illusion Edge allow homeowners to control ambiance remotely and safely. Wood-burning fireplaces adhere to EPA standards, ensuring environmentally conscious solutions for diverse markets. The company also emphasizes timeless design, prioritizing chic, intentional, and adaptable products over fleeting trends.

As KBIS 2026 demonstrates, fireplaces are more than decorative features—they are emotional anchors, value drivers, and design catalysts. By combining technology, customization, and education, Hearth & Home Technologies positions the fireplace as an essential component of modern residential architecture, offering builders, designers, and homeowners a tool to elevate both experience and value.

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