i like contemporary and have been in a few contemporary homes with linear fireplaces. I'm not sure why, but they always bothered me for some reason. that's just my opinion. i can't say that i don't like them, but I don't think i would want one in my home. i LOVE the stone balls rather than fake logs. i will be using those in a more traditional shaped fireplace. if your house is TRULY contemporary then go for it, but if it's a little modern mixed with traditional here and there, then I'd avoid a linear.

I was hoping you'd have found a fabulous, yet inexpensive, solution by now and I could just copy you! We are in TX too - there really isn't much choice, possibly because we don't really need a fireplace to function too often! We have actually changed our mind in the last few days and are now thinking about installing a modern wood stove, just so that we don't need to worry about finding the perfect linear fire that fits in the space that we would be building - all the ones we like, and that are a good size for what we want, are crazy expensive. Having said that, modern stoves are not cheap either. But we think it will heat up the whole of downstairs on the few cold evenings we get, and it will allow us more flexibility in terms of where the TV goes. And it adds a bit more character rather than a blank black rectangle on the wall when it's not in use. Perhaps I should be asking why you are getting rid of your stove and replacing with a linear?

Thanks for the input. We are finishing our walkout basement and it was originally my husband's idea to do the linear gas fireplace. Since out home is otherwise traditional, I was first not sure about going with such a transitional style -- but I am warming up to the idea. Pricklypearcactus, thanks for the link -- I had looked at houzz already for inspiration. We are torn about wheather to use marble, or stacked stone on the wall w/the fireplace or not. We have decided to just paint that wall an accent color (chelsea gray) and see if we think we need to add stone. We went with a model by Heat & Glo -- it is a radiant fireplace so does not have a blower, but still does throw some heat, we're told. I'd still love to hear from anyone who might have one -- or who has thoughts. I hope to post pics once it is in and room is finished.

Having the same issue. What did you decide?