Are you looking for fireplace design ideas right now? Nothing makes your living room—or any other room in the home, for that matter—feel more welcoming and desirable than a chic and eye-catching fireplace. After all, a well-designed fireplace can serve as the focal point of any space while also providing several functional advantages. According to Bethany Adams, an interior designer from Louisville, Kentucky, “the fireplace is a further chance for combining the design of the residence with the decor.” “You can add new colours, textures, and motifs to your entire design scheme by using the fireplace’s surround and mantle.”
With these ideas in mind, we consulted leading interior designers and dug into AD’s own archives to find 63 really magnificent rooms, each of which has a lovely fireplace. Included are residences owned by the likes of Anne Hathaway and Diane Keaton as well as other properties with notable fireboxes, stone fire places, and stunning contemporary architecture that any homeowner would like. You won’t be short of fascinating fireplace ideas for very long, whether you use these design ideas as inspiration to make your own version or employ a professional designer to guide you through the process. You only need to continue to keep these beauties clean.
Crystals as opposed to firewood
Don’t use any firewood at all. In the living room’s vacant fireplace throughout the summer, Houston-based artist Benjamin Johnston places selenite candlesticks. Johnston asserts that you may get the warm glow without using heat. When it’s time to relight the gas fireplaces in the autumn, we switch these out.
Cannon Balls in the heart
According to Marie Flanigan, founder of Marie Flanigan Interiors, “I enjoy the usage of fireballs because it gives a little of surprise and architectural interest to a fireplace. Although there isn’t usually much room for design diversity in a firebox, adding minor details like flames and a tiled chevron pattern still creates a stunning impression.
it’s all copper
Ira Johnson, a protégé of renowned architect William Cody, made the amazing discovery of this copper fireplace in a 1960s house. The fireplace in the great room of this midcentury house was so oxidised when Laguna Beach, California, designer Jen Samson first saw it that it seemed to be painted. Until a little piece of copper near the chimney’s edge poked through, that is. Hours were spent by Samson’s construction crew removing the tarnish and returning the masterpiece to its original form. “It has since been sealed and will require very little maintenance,” she claims. An excellent reminder to carefully check what is hidden behind the surface before deciding to demo.
Delicate details
A piece from the Jamb collection, with its slumbering majesty of a National House sitting room, captures the atmosphere and architecture of mid-18th-century England. a cosy place to curl up and lose yourself with a Charles Dickens classic.
abstract forms
The home in John McClain’s Los Angeles neighbourhood serves as evidence that every space should have at least one intriguing discrepancy. It need to be an object that seems just a little out of place and causes others to pay attention. An anthropomorphic tapestry from the 1970s served as inspiration for this fireplace. He remarks on the contemporary fireplace placed against the white walls, saying, “I admired how the symbolism had been reduced down to its basic shape components.” This technique is also evident in Tony Curry’s artwork Femme Fatale, which depicts a woman’s shape and stilettos in all of their geometric beauty.
The aforementioned wall hangings
Reduce the overall effect of the fireplace itself on an off-centered fireplace. Samson decided that because this gas fireplace didn’t need an imposing mantle or hearth, he should treat the wall with Romans Clay and make the trim as thin as possible. The arrangement made it possible for a stunning work of fibre art to take the place of the imagined huge chandelier above. Samson claims that this works particularly well in a contemporary house where the furniture themselves are the main attraction.
Delft visions
Kim Jones, the creative director of Fendi’s women’s collections, lives in a farmhouse in Sussex, England. As is this fireplace surround made of Delft tiles, which gives the cottage design just the right amount of calming colour.
Museum worthy wit
The wood stove surrounds in this Factory Job interior is not typical. By emphasising the whimsical details even more across the remaining rooms, you may contribute to the carnival-like atmosphere. Even the flue attracts attention.
Golden touch
The Brooklyn-based architectural and design team Sachs Lindores created this cosy home in the Berkshires by fusing eclecticism. A wood stove made of gleaming brass and an eye-catching chair are a certain winning combination.
High contrast
Designer Anne Hepfer from North York, Ontario, demonstrates how even a plain white fireplace will stand out when placed against a lively backdrop. The built-in bookshelf’s high-gloss sapphire paint entirely transforms a study from a mundane space into a gem, with the fireplace serving as a supporting actor.
Mosaic madness
Designer Ellen Van Dusen’s Brooklyn house serves as proof that, metaphorically speaking, even a non-working fireplace may be on fire. Patches of colourful mosaics enliven the otherwise monotonous surroundings. A risky move for the creator of Dusen Dusen, whose company is recognised for its innovative, daring prints.
Wallpaper allover
Hayley English, the creator and main designer of Hayley English Interiors, uses custom draperies and upholstery to create a one-of-a-kind fireplace presentation for a classic but accessible space. The two colours that stand out the most in nature, she explains, are blue and green. “In this case, the intention was to provide a home office that fosters innovation. That notion was furthered with lovely hand-printed wallpaper and an unexpected splash of Farrow & Ball’s new Bancha paint on the fireplace surround. The use of paint is a simple approach to revitalise a feature that might otherwise go unnoticed in a space.
Sleek travertine and steel
Two vein-cut travertine stones were added by designer Sarah Stacey to this stainless, minimalist fireplace. This further inspired the black-and-white colour scheme to coordinate with the other organic components: warm woods, travertine, and limestone in beige tones. “The steel-and-stone fire demands its place and provides a focal point,” said the Austin designer.
Marble with custom inlay
A modern, streamlined fireplace will always be in vogue. In this Hamptons residence, New York architect Hilary Matt chose a massive and straightforward surround. “To keep the marble from reading too modern and to tie it in with the aesthetic of the rest of the family room, we added a custom inlay element to mimic the millwork detail that is above the fireplace.”
Horizontal stripes
The TV is perfectly hidden by a towering black stack with horizontal lines, which contrasts wonderfully with the background’s jumble of geometric stones.
Artsy accessories
However, elegant wrought iron instruments created by French designer Franck Evennou, who converted polished bronze into stylised feathers that constitute something of an object d’art, may also beautify a basic fireplace. According to Bernd Goeckler’s Katja Hirche, “good design is a lifestyle.” “A well-designed home requires beautiful utility items in addition to beautiful decoration.” Exclusively available in New York from Bernd Goeckler.
fluid function
Sometimes a fireplace doesn’t even need to be the centre of attention in a space; instead, let it blend in perfectly with the rest of the decor. The fireplace in this Gillian Segal-designed family room, which also serves as a formal living room, is only a portion of ornamental panels above, which hide a TV.
The Vancouver-based designer continues, “High-contrast materiality also helped complement the clients art collections without competing.”
Tiled touch
The cerulean tile served as an inspiration for the remainder of the outdoor design, and Los Angeles-based landscape designer Patricia Benner used it to give the rear patio a mysterious feel.
Sleek slab
PROjECT. and Marmol Radziner were hired to create a California-cool atmosphere with a neutral colour scheme and high-contrast furnishings for this contemporary lake property in Middleton, Wisconsin. They covered the hearth of the living room fireplace with a leathered black marquina quartzite slab by Terrazzo + Marble Supply to contrast with the gentler tones of the adjacent sand-blasted limestone and Rodolfo Dordoni sectional in order to ensure that the attention remained on the lake views. The owner and visionary of PROJECT, Aimee Wertepny, claims that “this home is surrounded by green and trees on all sides.” “And after that, you enter a box made of glass, stone, and wood with breathtaking lake views. Our goal was to always highlight the setting rather than to detract from it.
Unexpected curves
Samuel Amoia, a New York and Los Angeles-based designer, added asymmetrical curves to the fireplace surround using a piece of grey marble. He selected an airy pendant by Volker Haug Studio that provided curiosity with brass conical stacks that matched the stone without being obtrusive in order to prevent the mammoth focal point from being overpowered by a large chandelier.
Airy steel rods
The gas fireplace sits in the middle of this Chicago residence created by regular partners PROjECT and dSPACE Studio, and it can be seen from the family room, dining room and even the kitchen. This striking feature, which is open on all sides and is surrounded by steel rods with blackened-oak panels above, boldly centers the open-concept area. “Maximum design that appears minimal, like the fireplace, is a common theme throughout the home,” explains Wertepny.
No nonsense design
Keep simplicity alone. According to Liza Curtiss, interior designer and partner at Brooklyn-based Le Whit, “the effortless, plaster-finish fireplaces above was all coated white, and acts as a sleek rock to calmly root into the spacious living area.”
Marble on marble
Think of a tale that contrasts. “Marble is back with a vengeance,” declares Johnston. “The white Calacatta Normandy Italian marble in the cooking area offers that neat and classic look, whereas the dark stone on the mantelpiece gives the space depth and dimension.”
Vibrant art against black brick
In contrast to the all-white fireplace above in the Seattle apartment building [see picture above], the downstairs fireplace below is moodier and more tactile. “The basement was designed as a cosy den, so the fire itself can become the centrepiece, versus the actual architecture of the room,” Curtiss continues. It is prevented from becoming too dull by the vibrant artwork above.
Raised marble hearth
What distinguishes a fireplace? Dimension using a layered strategy. Thanks to a raised hearth, this beige marble gem becomes the ideal seat, a suitable place for accessories or maybe even a cup of hot chocolate.
Mimic art
Designer Zoe Feldman of Washington, DC, highlighted a traditional marble fireplace by hanging marble-themed paintings above it. This was the ideal finishing touch for Susan Tynan’s living room, who is the creator of the custom framing company Framebridge.
Adorn with stone
A few stones in a firebox provide just the right amount of intrigue without bringing the outside in too much.
Traditional fireplace tile
The cushioned armchair and velvet sofa complement the ceramic side tables and the tiled fireplace surround. The cushioned armchair and velvet sofa complement the ceramic side tables and the tiled fireplace surround. According to Charlotte, North Carolina-based designer Grey Walker, the delft tiles in the surround are hand-painted and unique to the house. “I chose to use emerald green to update the colour palette while still paying attention to the blue and white of the tile. The artwork hanging above the fireplace was already in the homeowners’ collection. I put it there to make the colour palette seem even more cohesive. My design concept is based on respecting unique architectural features in older houses whenever I get the chance.
Maximalist marble
Johnston is the only one who would use an antique stone in a pattern- and texture-rich sitting area. He claims that the Italian Calacatta Monet marble has only lately resumed manufacturing.
Glossy wonder
Even while the varied taupe veins anchor the space with its own distinctive typology, the polished marble’s reflected qualities, particularly when combined with a mirror panel, enlarges the area.
Sunken space
By surrounding a wood fire with stone and extending the space with wood panelling, you may create the feel of a rustic hideaway. Pillows with custom quilting enhance the attractiveness of the cabin-cozy aesthetic.
Herringbone pattern
The striking fireplace in this formal living room by Leah Ashley was created to seem classic and ageless. All of the creamy and brown components are brought together by the beige brick laid in a herringbone pattern. This fireplace is an immediate classic since it is made of basic elements like a cast stone surround.
Display fireplace
Who says a fireplace must be in operation to be fashionable? The traditional marble one seen here was featured in the September 2019 edition of AD and is located in fashion designer Ulla Johnson’s Fort Greene bedroom. The Swedish flatweave rug contrasts with the Rogan Gregory-designed spherical mirror. Billy Lynch created the piece of art on the left. At the time, Johnson reflected on the house as a whole and said, “We wanted something warm and welcoming—of a human scale.”
3D sculptural hearth
The massive standing lamp and Black Widow chairs by the late Wendell Castle, both of which may be seen in the workroom gallery of the sculptor’s own house, are incomparable. But Roy Cartwright’s clay fireplace is just as intriguing. It’s the ideal addition to Castle’s Scottsville, New York, home, which was featured in the AD issue from April 2018. It resembles bronze metalworking deserving of the Norse gods. The decorative component seems to be in keeping with Castle’s goal to “elevate furnishings into the realm of sculpture.”
Take it outside
Fireplaces outside aren’t required to be exclusively rustic. This outdoor area’s stylish black fireplace surround blends in nicely with the other architectural components. A simple approach to fireplace design is seen in the external living and dining space of this house created by Hatch + Ulland Owen Architect and Meredith Owen Interiors. In this tranquil outdoor retreat, the fire was made the centre of attention with a simple plaster surround and brick hearth.
Blend in
It’s not necessary to have an elaborate interior design. When coupled with a complementary wall paint colour, even a typical white marble fireplace may have a subtle influence.
Stone chimney
It’s all up to Anne Hathaway and AD100 company Studio Shamshiri to skillfully blend Alpine tones with those of the nearby, more temperate California region. This patio is a prime illustration of how well this dual view meshes. With its stone fireplace, it’s ideal for Californian indoor-outdoor living and gives a taste of the icy ski slopes inside.
X-Large Tile
Why not install a fireplace that occupies the full wall? Make a statement in your room by using extra-large tiles that reach the ceiling.
Strokes
For a unique design that will have visitors admiring your home, go for marble with natural veining that has the appearance of brush strokes.
Wood look
Even though you wouldn’t have a wood surround, the fireplace would still seem more at home with wood plank-style tiling. The bold patterns and bright colours of the front upholstery complement the contemporary fireplace. Austin interior designer Avery Cox says, “This living space allows our furnishings to really stand out, and provides a good modern backdrop to some more traditional furniture and fabric selections.”
Black marble frame
The fireplace is framed in luxurious black marble that draws the eye but doesn’t steal the show.
Add a side table
When the remainder of the room’s decor is tailored to complement the hearth, even the simplest fireplace becomes the focal point. The sculptures, round accent table, and gleaming gold upholstery all complement the brass frame that serves as the unifying design element here. “Whether it’s a working fireplace or not,” Adams adds, “there is the very human urge to gather around it.” A series of original Josef Albers portfolio pages might be hung above the fireplace to take advantage of this natural inclination and serve as inspiration for the rest of the room’s colour scheme.
Monochromatic style
By painting the walls and bookshelves the same colour, attention is drawn to the fireplace. New York City interior designer Emily Del Bello gushes, “The fireplace is special, but not overdone taking away from the overall feel of the room.” The millwork and moulding around it have been painted to coordinate with the rest of the room. Since the brown stone was unique and beautiful to me, I decided to keep it. It went well with the coffee table and the rest of the room’s warm tones.
Double fireplace
A towering gas fireplace might be the perfect focal point for a backyard patio. The use of stones makes it seem more natural.
Amp up the woodwork
Liz Caan, a designer based in Newton, Massachusetts, is a textural wizard who can even make a fireplace seem good. Caan uses panelling to create visual contrast with the fern-patterned wallpaper. Caan explains that the fireplace serves as the room’s main point while also complementing the millwork. As a clean and matte framing for the opening, we like the black satin slate that serves as the fireplace’s surround and hearth.
Stucco fireplace
Use the space on the hearth’s ledge to neatly stack firewood. Since Purple Cherry saw that the fireplace was located on the enclosed porch, she deduced that the two spaces were connected by the yard. She explains that the home’s façade, including the fireplace, was coated in dark, earthy tones so that it would fit in with its natural surroundings. The brick fireplace was painted black on purpose to emphasise the gloom. The vineyard-like ambience of the night is captured by the catenary lights.
Pair with shiplap
Purple Cherry serves as the focal point of the area, with a black stone slab hearth serving as a natural transition between the shiplap and white built-in cabinets that sit above the log storage and the vaulted ceiling. Purple Cherry describes this seaside residence as having “simple lines and the vertical mass of the chimney,” which is a hallmark of coastal architecture. The ceiling panelling and the textured nickel gap application above the fireplace make a nice pair. Under the bespoke TV cabinet is a stainless steel box. The owners of this ultra-modern house have travelled the world and brought back a wide range of unique furnishings and decorations.
Regal tile surround
For the top floor of his Paris apartment, famed AD100 Hall of Fame designer Juan Pablo Molyneux was inspired by a chamber in the 18th-century Menshikov Palace in St. Petersburg. His blue-and-white tiled product was a pleasant surprise for his wife, Pilar. Molyneaux added the stone fireplace with carvings from the Régence era. A gouache artwork by Horacio Sosa Cordero hangs above it. The room was featured in the September 2007 edition of Architectural Digest.
Multi-stone facade
The best rustic tones may be coaxed out by paying attention to texture. This hearth’s natural stone blocks and pebble embellishment are a neat addition to the eclectic furnishings.
Seamless stone wall
Even in a spare, modern bedroom design, a fireplace creates an inviting atmosphere. Place it so that you can see it from the foot of your bed as you drift off to sleep.
Rippled lines
This wavy marble with a beige colour scheme is just the stone to liven up a modern fireplace surround.
Black marble with dark walls
Since a fireplace surrounded by black marble will always seem elegant, you may as well go all out with the gloomy atmosphere. Look for a place that has ebony flooring and a blue wall to really make it stand out.
Floral motifs
Those who suffer from cabin fever during the winter months need only glance up to the Bob Christian flower painting that adorns the ceiling to feel the design equivalent of a spring awakening. The little chair is a child’s Windsor design, while the mirror is from the nineteenth century. Room is in the Hamptons retreat of Kate Rheinstein Brodsky, owner of KRB Design in Manhattan and daughter of AD100 designer Suzanne Rheinstein.
Subway tile
Even if you decide to change out the furniture at some time, a neatly constructed brick or subway tile surround will still appear appropriate.
Mirror moment
A sitting space provides a peaceful retreat in the often chaotic New York City apartment of AD100 designers Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent. Its mirror-topped, marble-clad fireplace complements the room’s tranquil colour scheme. The coffee table is by Diego Giacometti, while the neighbouring armchair is from the 1940s. Their whole townhouse, including this same room, was featured in the AD issue coming out in May of 2020.
Stacked stone
A fireplace made of natural stone fits in well in a master bathroom. The status is increased by the full-height facade.
Cohesive element
AD100 Hall of Fame designer Jacques Grange was recently reported as stating, “I don’t select things for a spot just because I like them, but because it’s the right place for them,” in the magazine’s December 2017 edition. This living room in a London town home is the excellent illustration of his argument. In addition to the comfortable seating and eye-catching decor, notable pieces include a Tom Wesselmann picture, a Claude Lalanne mirror, and a Paavo Tynell floor lamp. The focus of the room is inevitably drawn to the hearth by the latter two.
Add an arch
Is this the cosy family room of a ranch in Arizona? A piece of Diane Keaton’s bedroom in Beverly Hills, California. A teal blue painting complements the brick and stucco contrast, wood-beamed ceiling, and tough chairs that make up the rest of the room. Moonlight Mesa, by Harold “Buck” Weaver, was published in 1925. It looks great over the rounded fireplace. According to designer Stephen Shadley, “Diane just loves arches,” as he told the magazine for a story in November of 2008. In California’s Spanish Colonial Revival style, “the arch is probably the loveliest architectural feature.”
Stack the firewood
This inviting living space, designed by Madeline Stuart and Associates, has an abundance of animal skins. Its neutral colour scheme and use of natural elements like a vase full of foliage evoke the outdoors. However, the room’s focal point—a blazing fireplace—is drawn attention by the verticality of the striped carpet. The space is made even larger by the handy cubby for storing firewood.
Frame it
It’s not always necessary to have a brick fireplace. The use of rolled blackened steel gives this fireplace an unusually rounded shape. The fire is given much-needed attention by a bronze frame placed around it. Johnston also panelled the television to continue the “picture in picture” motif.
Modern marvel
Install a slim marble fireplace to give your space a more modern feel. Instead of the usual fake logs, a fire pedestal will be the focal point of the design.
Large tiles
Use huge 12-by-12-inch tiles to frame the fireplace and play up the geometric design of the firebox. Integrated shelves on each side would be a welcome addition and would further improve the design.
Avoid distractions
Let the fireplace take centre stage by adding statement marble and removing everything that may detract from its elegance. All you need is a swooping sofa to take in the scenery.
