In the heart of a King City home, a living room wall waited for its moment to shine. A fireplace is more than a source of heat; it’s the anchor of a room, a gathering point for family, and a powerful statement of style. Our mission for this project was to transform a blank canvas into a breathtaking focal point. This stunning renovation features a custom arch fireplace wall unit with a shelf and underlight, exquisitely detailed with sophisticated gold fixtures, creating a seamless blend of modern design and timeless elegance.
Project Intro & Quick Facts
This project was a complete reimagining of a living room’s main wall. The goal was to move beyond a simple mantel and create a fully integrated architectural feature that would define the space. By designing a floor-to-ceiling unit, we could incorporate the fireplace, display shelving, and ambient lighting into one cohesive and sculptural element. The result is a testament to how thoughtful design and expert craftsmanship can elevate an entire home.
- Project: Custom Arch Fireplace Wall Unit
- Location: King City, ON
- Key Features: Arched surround, integrated floating shelf, recessed LED underlighting, custom gold trim, linear electric fireplace insert.
- Duration: 4 weeks
- Completion Date: April 2025
Design Vision
The homeowners’ vision was clear: they desired a focal point that felt both contemporary and warm, a departure from the hard-edged, rectangular designs that have dominated recent trends. The central inspiration for the project was the architectural arch—a classic form that introduces a sense of grace, softness, and history into a modern context.
Our design process began by exploring how to interpret this classic shape for a 21st-century home. We decided against a simple arched opening and instead designed the entire upper portion of the wall unit as a gentle, sweeping arch. This creates a more dramatic and integrated look, making the fireplace feel like an inherent part of the home’s structure.
The concept was built on a few key principles:
- Monolithic Form: We wanted the unit to feel solid and sculptural, as if carved from a single piece. This meant a seamless finish with no visible joints or trim, except for the intentionally placed decorative elements.
- Functional Elegance: The design needed to be as practical as it was beautiful. A floating shelf was integrated into the facade, providing a dedicated space for art and decor. The inclusion of recessed underlighting on this shelf would add a layer of ambient, gallery-style light, highlighting the objects on display and adding depth to the entire unit.
- Warm Minimalism: The overall aesthetic is minimalist, but not cold. The soft curve of the arch, the choice of a warm off-white finish, the natural wood shelf, and the subtle glimmer of gold fixtures all work together to create an inviting and luxurious atmosphere.
Materials & Specifications
Achieving this level of seamless, high-end finish requires a deep understanding of materials and adherence to strict building codes. Every component was carefully selected for its performance, durability, and aesthetic contribution.
Framing and Structure
The backbone of the wall unit was constructed using 2x4 lumber for the main structure. Crucially, around the fireplace opening itself, we used non-combustible steel studs. This is a critical safety measure mandated by the Ontario Building Code (OBC) and the fireplace manufacturer’s specifications to ensure proper clearance from heat-producing components, even with an electric unit. The entire structure was meticulously measured and leveled to serve as a perfect substrate for the finishing layers.
Fireplace Insert
The heart of the unit is a high-efficiency, linear electric fireplace. We chose an electric model for several reasons that are particularly relevant for modern Ontario homes:
- Design Flexibility: With no need for venting or a chimney, an electric fireplace can be installed on virtually any wall, offering unparalleled design freedom.
- Safety: The absence of a real flame and cool-to-the-touch glass makes it an ideal choice for families with children and pets.
- Efficiency: It provides excellent supplemental “zone” heating, allowing the homeowners to warm the living room without engaging their central furnace, leading to potential energy savings.
All electrical work, including running a new dedicated 20-amp circuit for the fireplace and a separate one for the lighting, was performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor in full compliance with the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) of Ontario standards.
Sheathing and Finish
To create the seamless, monolithic look, the choice of sheathing and finish was paramount.
- Substrate: Directly around the fireplace unit, we installed Type X fire-rated drywall. This specialized drywall is denser and contains glass fibers to slow the spread of fire, providing an essential layer of protection and code compliance. The remainder of the unit was sheathed in standard ½-inch drywall.
- The Arch: Creating the perfect curve required precision. We used kerf-cut plywood, which involves making a series of small cuts on the backside of the board, allowing it to bend smoothly without cracking, to form the flawless arch.
- Finish Coat: Instead of paint, the entire unit was finished with a high-end, hand-applied lime-based plaster. This gives the surface a subtle luminosity and textural depth that paint cannot replicate. The soft, matte finish absorbs and reflects light beautifully, enhancing the unit’s sculptural quality.
Integrated Shelving and Lighting
The floating shelf was crafted from a single piece of solid white oak, chosen for its warm tones and beautiful grain. It was treated with a clear, matte sealant to protect the wood while maintaining its natural appearance.
For the underlight, we recessed a high-CRI (Colour Rendering Index) LED strip into a channel on the underside of the oak shelf. We specified a warm white temperature of 3000K to cast an inviting, ambient glow. This hidden light source makes the shelf appear to float while beautifully illuminating any decor placed upon it.
Gold Fixture Detailing
The final touch of luxury came from the custom gold fixture. This was not an off-the-shelf item but a custom-fabricated, slim-profile brass trim, hand-finished to a soft, satin gold. It was meticulously installed to frame the black glass of the firebox, creating a sharp, elegant contrast and tying into other warm metal accents in the room.
Process & Timeline
A custom project of this complexity is more of a collaboration than a simple construction job. While every project timeline is unique and subject to material availability and artisan scheduling, the process follows a rigorous and proven sequence.
- Phase 1: Design & Approval: We began with in-depth consultations, followed by the creation of 3D renderings to help the King City homeowners visualize the final product. Once materials were selected and the design was approved, we mapped out the technical requirements.
- Phase 2: Site Preparation & Electrical Rough-in: The project area was sealed off to contain dust. Our licensed electrician then ran the necessary new circuits from the main panel to the fireplace location, a step that must be completed before any framing is enclosed.
- Phase 3: Framing & Installation: Our carpentry team built the wall unit’s structure, paying meticulous attention to the precise dimensions of the arch and the secure installation of the electric fireplace insert according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Phase 4: Drywall & Plastering: This was the most time-intensive phase. After hanging and taping the drywall, our plaster artisan applied multiple thin coats of the plaster finish, with careful drying and sanding between each layer. This painstaking process is what yields the final, flawless surface.
- Phase 5: Finishing & Integration: With the main body complete, the white oak shelf was installed, the LED lighting was connected, and the custom gold trim was carefully fitted. The final coat of sealant was applied to the plaster, and the entire unit was inspected for perfection.
- Phase 6: Final Walk-through: We concluded with a thorough clean-up and a final walk-through with the homeowners to ensure every detail exceeded their expectations.
The Final Look
Stepping into the living room now, the effect is transformative. The arch fireplace wall unit commands attention without overwhelming the space. Its soft, off-white plaster surface has a velvety appearance that changes subtly with the light throughout the day. The sweeping arch draws the eye upward, making the room feel taller and more stately.
The warm grain of the white oak shelf provides a beautiful natural counterpoint to the smooth plaster. In the evening, the combination of the flickering flames from the fireplace and the gentle glow from the underlighting creates an incredibly warm and inviting ambiance. The final, perfect detail is the glint of the satin gold trim around the firebox—a small touch that signals uncompromising quality and sophisticated taste. The wall is no longer just a wall; it is a piece of functional art.
Design Takeaways
This King City fireplace project offers several key takeaways for any homeowner considering a renovation:
- Embrace Curves: Arches and curved forms are a powerful way to add architectural interest and a sense of bespoke design to your home.
- Think Beyond Paint: Specialty finishes like plaster, limewash, or Roman clay can add incredible texture, depth, and character to a feature wall.
- Integrate Your Lighting: Thoughtfully planned, integrated lighting is what separates good design from great design. It enhances mood, highlights features, and adds a layer of polish.
- Details Define Luxury: The success of a minimalist design often hinges on a few perfectly executed details, like the custom gold trim in this project.
- Function Meets Form: The most successful renovations are those that are not only beautiful but also enhance how you live in the space. This wall unit adds beauty, warmth, and a dedicated display space.
Maintenance Tips
To keep this stunning feature looking its best for years to come, we provided the homeowners with a few simple care instructions:
- Plaster Surface: Dust regularly with a microfiber cloth. For any minor scuffs or marks, use a lightly dampened cloth and gently blot the area. Avoid any chemical or abrasive cleaners.
- White Oak Shelf: Dust with a dry cloth. For cleaning, use a pH-neutral cleaner designed for wood. Do not let moisture sit on the surface.
- Electric Fireplace: Periodically use a vacuum with a brush attachment to gently clean the air intake and outlet vents to ensure unobstructed airflow. Refer to the manufacturer’s manual for any specific maintenance tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for an electric fireplace installation in King City?
For a cosmetic project like this arch fireplace wall unit that doesn’t alter the home’s structure or involve gas lines, a building permit from the Township of King is typically not required. However, all electrical work is non-negotiable: it must be performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor, who will file for an inspection with the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) to ensure everything is safe and up to code.
Why choose an electric fireplace over gas or wood in a modern Ontario home?
Electric fireplaces offer superior design flexibility, safety, and ease of use. They don’t require venting, making them perfect for any room and allowing for clean, modern designs like this one. They are also a great source of supplemental heat, are incredibly safe for homes with children, and require virtually no maintenance compared to their gas or wood-burning counterparts.
How durable is a plaster finish compared to standard paint?
A high-quality, professionally applied plaster finish is significantly more durable than paint. It is a hard, integral finish that is much more resistant to chips, scuffs, and fading. While the upfront investment is higher, its longevity and timeless, high-end aesthetic make it a valuable addition to any home, especially for a prominent feature wall.
Inspired by this King City transformation? If you’re ready to create a fireplace that is truly the heart of your home, we would be delighted to help you bring your vision to life. Contact us today for a free quote and let’s start planning your project.