A stylish fireplace design can anchor a room, all the while offering the practical benefits that come with adding coziness to a living space. But fireplace ideas shouldn’t be something you ponder only when the temperatures drop. “Whether sleek and modern or traditional and ornate, a well-designed fireplace reflects the personality of the space and its occupants, adding texture, showcasing materials, and ensuring the room feels cohesive and inviting,” says Lindye Galloway, founder and chief creative officer of Lindye Galloway Studio in Newport Beach, California.
While marble and stone fireplaces will always remain classic, as AD’s own archive can attest, there’s no one right way to do a fireplace. Below, browse 81 truly stunning rooms—including the homes of Anne Hathaway and Diane Keaton—all of which feature a beautiful fireplace. Plus, find advice from top design pros for an extra dose of inspiration.
From eye-catching modern designs that can work in a family room to one-of-a-kind creations perfect for an exotic vacation home, these fireplace ideas will inspire you to get started on your own hearth makeover. Or at the very least, you can pick up a few mantle decor ideas.
How can you make a fireplace attractive?
“To optimize a fireplace’s appeal, the key is to create harmony with the surrounding decor,” says Vyanca Soto, owner and principal designer at Market Studio Interiors in Fullerton, California. “A statement surround, carefully chosen artwork above, or thoughtfully layered accessories can help elevate visual interest.”
Materials also play a huge role in aesthetics. Jordan Mosslar, the founder of FORM(LA), a Los Angeles-based design atelier, emphasizes that you can’t go wrong with marble. “Marble allows you to make a statement with a bold, grounding form,” he says.
Those looking to get creative should consider concrete fireplace surrounds that can be cast into smooth or textured forms, advised Sarah Barnard, a WELL and LEED accredited designer in California. These could even be crafted as a nod to flowing waves and kintsugi-inspired designs
Regardless of the fireplace design in your home, keep the area clutter-free. “It keeps your eye focused on the fireplace design and not the elements on the mantel,” says Philadelphia-based interior designer Megan Gorelick.
What are the trends when it comes to fireplace design?
Current fireplace trends are centered around minimalism and natural materials. “The use of materials such as marble, limestone, and reclaimed wood to frame fireplaces adds texture and an organic touch that complements a variety of interior styles,” Galloway says.