New Zealand's Independent Fireplace Design Specialist

Expert fireplace design, product selection, technical advice and council compliance for homeowners, architects and builders.

At Designs for Fires, we help you create a fireplace that looks beautiful, performs exceptionally and complies with New Zealand Building Code requirements. Whether you're building a new home, renovating or replacing an existing fireplace, we provide independent advice to help you choose the right solution for your home and lifestyle.

How can we help?

From concept to completion, we provide independent fireplace advice, design and technical expertise to help you achieve the perfect fireplace for your home.

  • Stuv 21 wood fire in a modern living room with a built-in fireplace, wood logs stored beside it, a sectional sofa, a small wooden coffee table with magazines, a white decorative lamp, and a window seat with a cushion near a large window.

    Fireplace Design

    Create a fireplace that's as beautiful as it is functional.

    We design indoor and outdoor fireplaces for new homes, renovations and existing chimney conversions, balancing aesthetics, heating performance and compliance.

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  • Stovax Studio 2 wood fire burning logs with orange flames and burning wood.

    Product Selection

    Choosing the right fireplace can be overwhelming.

    We provide independent advice across New Zealand's leading fireplace brands, helping you compare wood, gas, electric and outdoor fireplaces to find the best solution for your home and budget.

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  • Designs for fires fireplace design

    Technical Advice & Compliance

    Expert technical guidance from concept to completion.

    We provide advice on fireplace performance, flue systems, clearances, ventilation and Building Code requirements, ensuring your fireplace is safe, compliant and performs as intended.

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  • Gazco Riva2 600 Gas Fireplace with Dekton Surround

    Project Management

    A successful fireplace project requires careful coordination.

    We work alongside homeowners, architects, builders and installers to manage the process from design through to installation, ensuring every detail is delivered with confidence.

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Angela Hiddleston

Meet Angela Hiddleston - founder

A personal, expert approach to fireplace design.

With a background in interior design and a lifelong appreciation for the warmth and atmosphere a fireplace brings to a space, Angela offers tailored advice, creative ideas, and practical support for homeowners and designers alike.

With her calm, collaborative style and deep understanding of both aesthetics and technical requirements, Angela brings clarity and confidence to every step of the process.

  • Personalised, one-on-one support

  • Knowledge of NZ regulations and installation requirements

  • Creative, practical design for new and existing fireplaces

  • Trusted by homeowners, builders and architects

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  • I have consulted with Angela on numerous projects, and she consistently provides sound technical advice and solutions. She is responsive and knowledgeable, making her an excellent resource for my projects.

    Kurt Montague, Director - Warmflames

  • We wanted our fireplace to be the centrepiece of our Living Room and Ange certainly delivered on this. We took her advice and it is now one of the most admired features of our new home.

    Tim and Catherine Rillstone, Point Wells

Recent Fireplace Projects

  • Stovax Studio wood fireplace with brick surround

    Fireplace Redesign

    Removal of existing gas fire, wood fire installation with surround, hearth and mantel.

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  • Gas fireplace in living room with stone surround

    Fireplace Redesign

    Removal of existing stone surround, gas fire installation with surround hearth, mantel and new cabinetry.

    Learn move
  • Riva2 gas fire in Daniel Marshall house

    Gas Fire Replacement

    Removal of open gas fire and replacement with glass fronted gas fire

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  • Stuv 30 wood fire and wood storage

    Wood Fire Replacement

    Removal of existing freestanding wood fire and replacing with LEB wood fire.

    Learn more
  • New gas fire study with stone surround

    Gas Fire Replacement

    Removal of existing gas fire, new gas fire installation with new stone surround and hearth.

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Ready to bring your fireplace vision to life?

Whether you’re still gathering ideas or ready to go, we’d love to hear from you.
Share your thoughts, send us a photo of your space, or book a consultation to get started.

Contact me for a discovery call