Home is where the hearth is. Sheer elegance meets rustic luxury in this extraordinary wraparound living room. This is hardly the fireplace where Abe Lincoln strained his eyes to read as a young man. Whether you are constructing a towering masonry masterpiece that stretches the height of your cathedral ceiling, or you plan to tuck a small gas hearth into a corner, the fireplace is a focal point of your log home. But before you settle on a fireplace design, create a checklist of your needs and desires. You'll want to be utilitarian about this, of course, considering safety issues, fuel efficiency, location in the house, wood storage and building costs. But emphasize the aesthetics and architecture as well. This fireplace will be a centerpiece. photo: Mark Henninger
