Nothing exemplifies cozy and comfort on a chilly Chicago day like sitting next to a glowing fireplace. Touted as one of the most sought-after home features by the National Association of Realtors, fireplaces not only generate a feeling of well-being, but can also provide a focal point and an important design element to a room.

According to Elissa Morgante, co-principal of Evanston, Ill.-based architecture and interior design firm Morgante Wilson Architects, a fireplace presents an opportunity to shape a room’s aesthetic through its design, particularly material choices. “Whether homeowners want a more traditional look or to make a bold statement about their personal style, the fireplace can be that focal point that sets the tone for the room,” she said. “We’ve collaborated with clients on one-of-a-kind treatments where we clad the fireplace in steel, reclaimed wood, and even specially fabricated steel and linen paneling, but we also find fresh ways to incorporate more commonly used materials, such as a classic wood mantel, carved stone or marble tile, to achieve the look our clients want.”

With Chicago’s frigid temps sticking around for a while, those in search of a new home with a fireplace that makes a statement just as much as it provides warmth on cold winter nights will want to consider taking a look at new-construction homes in these four communities.

Anets Woods in Northbrook

While curling up next to a fireplace can often have a lodge-like experience where people feel connected to nature, homebuilder Edward R. James Companies‘ newest Northbrook, Ill. community, Anets Woods, takes that connection to new heights. Each of the community’s 32 single-family homes, available with shingle or cottage design exteriors, are located within 16 wooded acres that include two conservation areas, a detention basin and retention pond. The natural setting is complemented by the homes’ interiors, including an optional living room gas log fireplace that extends up to the 9′ ceiling and is framed in natural stone from Buechel Stone. “With this type of high-quality natural stone, each piece brings unique characteristics that, collectively, create a beautiful mosaic that accents the site-finished hardwood flooring and oak stairs,” said Jennifar Evans, director of design at Edward R. James Companies.

There are four distinct floor plans to choose from at Anets Woods, each with a first-floor master suite. Pricing begins at $1,070,900 and home designs range from 2,913 to 3,578 square feet. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (847) 955-1213.

Willow Lake in Lake Forest

At Willow Lake, a Red Seal Homes community of 52 semi-attached high-end homes located in Lake Forest, Ill., east of the Interstate 94/Route 60 interchange, buyers can choose from an array of different fireplace styles and types. Some floor plans include the option of a two- or three-sided direct vent gas fireplace, strategically located to not only serve as a contemporary design element, but also create definition between living and dining spaces in an otherwise open layout. Alternatively, other plans in the community feature wood-burning fireplaces finished with traditional wood mantels and 12-inch marble tile surround, anchoring either the living room or great room and serving as a visual focal point with sightlines from throughout the home’s first floor.

“We really pride ourselves on the high quality of the trim details and millwork in our homes, and many of our buyers draw inspiration from the style of the fireplace mantel and surround to choose other special touches, such as an architectural ceiling or custom built-ins,” said Brian Hoffman, an executive with Red Seal Homes. “Those design elements create a warm, rich look when paired with some of our included features such as site-finished oak floors throughout the first floor, custom oak staircases and railings, and crown molding in the main living areas.”

Homes at Willow Lake are priced from $800,000 and include ranch, master-down and traditional two-story designs measuring from 2,491 to 4,338 square feet. For more information or to schedule a tour, call (847) 722-8016 or visit www.rswillowlake.com.

Lexington Crossing in Rolling Meadows and Lexington Square 4 in Bridgeport

Chicago-based Lexington Homes is known for providing flexible floor plans and a variety of high-end features that can accommodate homebuyers’ various personal styles, making each home feel unique and customized. “We take pride in offering the most sought-after design options like traditional and contemporary fireplaces in all of our townhome communities,” said Jeff Benach, principal of Lexington Homes. “The two fireplace options available for buyers to choose from include a traditional, square fireplace with a mantel, or the Cosmo fireplace, a contemporary, rectangular-designed fireplace that is set into the wall.”

Interested homebuyers can see the fireplace designs Lexington offers in its model townhomes at Lexington Crossing in Rolling Meadows, Ill., and Lexington Square 4 in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood. At both communities, buyers have the option of selecting a contemporary or traditional fireplace along with the opportunity to personalize the surround. The model home at Lexington Square 4 prominently features a modern, linear fireplace with a striking ceiling-height stone surround, while a more traditional fireplace with a sleek white mantel and granite surround is showcased in the Lexington Crossing model home.

Townhomes at Lexington Crossing range in size from 1,751 to 1,913 square feet and are priced from $334,990. Buyers can choose from two floor plans. The Warrington plan offers two to three bedrooms, 2½ baths and an attached two-car garage. The Coventry plan offers three bedrooms, 2½ baths and an attached two-car garage. For more information or to make an appointment to visit Lexington Crossing, call (847) 299-0500.

Lexington Square 4 rowhomes range from 2,216 to 2,507 square feet with three to four bedrooms, 2½ to 3½ baths and attached two-car garages. Rowhomes are priced from $409,990. For more information or to make an appointment to visit Lexington Square 4, call (773) 523-5900.

Information on both Lexington Crossing and Lexington Square 4 can also be found at www.lexingtonchicago.com.

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