Fireplaces: Concrete Fireplaces & Hearths

Interior decorative concrete is all the rage for countertops, floors and bathtubs, but nowhere does it pack more design punch than in fireplace surrounds and hearths. Fireplaces are inherently the "heart of the home," and a striking concrete fireplace surround takes that role to a higher level. "You can make concrete forms look more three-dimensional and massive than wood," says Buddy Rhodes of Buddy Rhodes Studio in San Francisco. "The fireplace has a presence in the room - it becomes the dominant force."

Blayde Penza, president of Advanced Concrete Enhancement Inc. (ACE), in Sun Valley, Calif., feels the same way. "People love concrete for the look you can achieve," he says. "The first impression is not, 'Oh, that's concrete,' it's 'Wow, that's stunning - what is it?' A concrete hearth becomes a conversation."

Mark Lesnick of Mark Concrete, in Moss Landing, Calif., likes the natural look of a concrete fireplace. Traditionally, someone would construct a masonry fireplace, stone fireplace, or even a marble fireplace for fire resistance, he says. "Concrete is made of similar natural materials and has that same feeling. It makes more sense than wood or marble."

Concrete has unique properties that set it apart from wood or stone hearth materials. "The primary advantage of concrete is unlimited design options," Penza says. "There is so much we can do with concrete to make it suitable for any type of décor."