Fireplace Ideas for a Cozy, Refined Space

Fireplace Ideas for a Cozy, Refined Space

These surrounds, mantels, hearths, and décor ideas will help you design your dream fireplace.

A fireplace can transform even the most clandestine living room into a cozy escape. Not only is it an aesthetically beautiful feature, but it's one that brings people together, too, creating a space for warm conversation and more.

Of course, like any architectural feature, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to fireplaces. Some are rustic and feel straight out of an Aspen cabin, while others are clad in marble and take a more contemporary approach. Whatever your preference, if you're planning on upgrading your fireplace, it's worth having a mood board in place before starting the process. Here, we asked interior designers to share their favorite fireplaces from their own projects, so you'll have plenty of inspiration on hand for your own.

Anchor a Colorful Space

Interior designer Rayman Boozer of Apartment 48 in New York City centered a colorful den in an Upper East Side townhouse around a black marble fireplace surround with white veining.

The vibrant hues in floor-length Kerrie Brown curtains, a Made Goods coffee table, Barry Cawston artwork, and the curated shelf layouts are tempered by neutral gray paint, earth-toned swivel chairs, and a sapphire blue rug. 

Pair Traditional and Modern

In the more formal parlor of the same townhouse, Boozer pairs modern seating and metallic accent pieces with a marble table and abstract rug—all of which complement the elaborate marble fireplace surround.

An oversized mirror in an intricate frame matches the antique look of the mantel, while slim candleholders and contemporary glass vessels allow the old stone to feel fresh. 

Create Contrast With Color

Painting the walls and crown molding the same shade of blue-gray—and incorporating a similar shade into the mantel decor, side chair, and lamp—allow this fireplace surround's impressive stonework to stand out.

Artwork by Andy Dixon—a colorful contemporary take on a classic portrait—adds color and visual interest to this primary suite designed by Boozer.

Accent Artisanship

The varied coloring in this graphite-toned stone fireplace surround anchors a room designed with light walls, neutral textiles, and bright, abstract artwork by Elizabeth Bolognino of Elizabeth Bolognino Interiors.

A dark wooden chair balances the color palette, while the matching hearth keeps the focus on the surround's shape and artisanship.

Make a Statement

A statement fireplace surround can provide a focal point on a large wall. The striking veined surround in this room, designed by Bolognino, complements the leather and jewel-toned seating, the minimalist wooden accents, and the nods to nature—including an extra-wide landscape artwork and a vase of dried greenery.

Highlight an Accent Wall

A wall of floor-to-ceiling diagonal planks by J. Banks Design meets over this fireplace, where a wide, natural surround softens the sharp lines of the room.

An interior herringbone layout mimics the planks, and minimalist accents—a glossy ceramic plant pot, asymmetrical greenery, slim black taper candles—let the natural wood shine.

Balance Oversized Shelves

A sunny formal living space, designed by Watts, is anchored with a curving, carved fireplace surround. Trim at the top of the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves on either side mimics the shape of the mantel, while the symmetry of a pair of tall candleholders is offset by a pop of green in the foliage-filled vase.

Divide Two Spaces

In this open-concept home, the fireplace wall separates the formal dining room from the eat-in kitchen. On the kitchen side, a cream-colored cast mantel holds a low wooden bowl overflowing with aspen branches from the homeowner's yard. Watts kept the fireplace open to both the kitchen and dining room; the round dining chairs are visible through the fireplace when it's not lit. 

Reference: https://www.marthastewart.com/fireplace-ideas-8348190