Are you currently in search of fireplace ideas? Nothing feels more inviting and enviable than a stylish and statement-making hearth in your living room—or in any other space in the house, for that matter. After all, a good fireplace design can anchor any room, all the while offering the practical benefits that come with the cozy centerpiece. “The fireplace is another opportunity to connect the architecture of the house with the decor,” says Louisville, Kentucky, interior designer Bethany Adams. “The fireplace surround and mantle can be used to incorporate new colors, textures and patterns to your overall decorating scheme.”
With these thoughts in mind, we reached out to top interior design pros and took a dip into AD’s own archive to uncover 63 truly stunning rooms, all of which feature a beautiful place in which to build a fire. The homes of Anne Hathaway and Diane Keaton are included, as are other abodes with noteworthy fireboxes, stone fireplaces, and eye-catching modern designs any homeowner would love. Whether you take inspiration from these design concepts to recreate your own rendition or hire an interior designer to help you along the way, you certainly won’t be lacking in exciting fireplace ideas for long. Now, you just have to stay on top of cleaning these beauties.
1. Cannon balls in the hearth
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“I love the use of fireballs because it adds a bit of unexpected and architectural intrigue to a fireplace,” says Marie Flanigan, principal of Marie Flanigan Interiors. “A firebox typically doesn’t allow for too much design variation, but including small changes like fireballs and a tiled herringbone pattern still makes a gorgeous statement.”
2. Crystals instead of firewood
Skip firewood altogether. During the summer months, Houston-based designer Benjamin Johnston fills an unused fireplace with selenite candle holders in the living area. “You can get that warm glow without the heat,” Johnston says. “We swap these out in the fall when they are ready to light the gas fires again.”
3. Copper all the way
This copper fireplace was an incredible discovery in a 1960s home by Ira Johnson, an understudy of Famed architect William Cody. When Laguna Beach, California, designer Jen Samson first saw the fireplace in the great room of this midcentury home, it was so oxidized that it looked painted. That is, until a small sliver of copper at the edge of chimney peeked through. It took Samson’s construction team hours to remove the tarnish and restore the masterpiece to its natural state. “It has since been sealed and will require very little maintenance,” she says. “A good reminder to always look to see what is beneath the surface before you decide to demo.”
4. Abstract shapes
John McClain’s Los Angeles bungalow is proof that you should try to “add one piece of interesting dissonance to every room. It should be a piece that feels slightly out of place and makes everyone stop and take notice.” Here, the fireplace was inspired by a 1970s anthropomorphic tapestry. “I admired how the imagery had been distilled down to its basic shape components,” he says of the modern fireplace set against white walls. “This practice can also be seen in the Tony Curry art piece Femme Fatale where a woman’s silhouette and stilettos are represented in their geometric essence.”
5. Delicate details
Take note of art history with a Jamb collection piece which embodies mid-18th-century English architecture and ambiance with its sleepy grandeur of a Country House sitting room. A perfect spot to cozy up and get lost in a Charles Dickens classic.
6. Wall hangings above
For a fireplace that is off center, minimize the overall impact of the firebox itself. Samson opted to treat the wall with Roman Clay and keep the trim of this gas fireplace as slim as possible since it didn’t need an imposing mantel or hearth. The setup allowed for a showstopping piece of fiber art above to replace the thought of a grand chandelier. “This lends itself beautifully to a modern home in which the focus is on the furnishings themselves,” Samson says.
7. Museum-worthy wit
Unconventional doesn’t begin to describe the wood stove surround of this Studio Job interior. Play into the carnival-like ambiance by further expanding on the whimsical elements throughout the rest of the interiors. Even the flue is eye-catching.
8. Delft dreams
The Sussex, England, farmhouse of Kim Jones, Fendi’s artistic director of women’s collections, is an escape for sure. As is this Delft-tile fireplace surround that adds just enough soothing color to the cottage aesthetic.
9. Golden touch
This Berkshires farmhouse designed by Brooklyn architecture and design firm Sachs Lindores melds eclecticism in a cozy way. You simply can’t go wrong with a shiny brass wood stove and a colorful armchair.
10. Mosaic madness
The Brooklyn home of designer Ellen Van Dusen shows that even a nonfunctional fireplace can be on fire, figuratively speaking. The patches of vibrant mosaics awaken the otherwise expected surround. A bold choice for the Dusen Dusen founder—whose brand is known for its bold, original prints.
11. High contrast
North York, Ontario, designer Anne Hepfer shows that even a simple white fireplace can stand out when set against a vibrant background. The high-gloss sapphire paint of the built-in bookshelf completely transform a study from something routine to a jewel—with the fireplace as a supporting player.
12. Wallpaper allover
For a traditional yet approachable interior, Hayley English, founder and principal designer of Hayley English Interiors, looks to bespoke drapery and upholstery for a one-of-a-kind fireplace presentation. “I’m always inspired by the most prominent colors in nature, blue and green,” she says. “Here the goal was to provide a home office that sparks creativity. Beautiful hand-printed wallpaper helped achieve that idea along with an unexpected punch of Farrow and Ball’s new Bancha paint on the fireplace surround. Paint is an easy way to bring new life to an otherwise underappreciated feature in a room.”
13. Marble with custom inlay
A clean and sleek fireplace will never go out of style. New York designer Hilary Matt opted for a chunky and simple surround in this Hamptons home. “We added a custom inlay element into the marble to mimic the millwork detail that is above the fireplace, this kept the marble from reading too modern and ties it in with the aesthetic of the rest of the family room.”
14. Sleek steel and travertine
Designer Sarah Stacey enhanced this steel, minimal fireplace by adding two vein-cut travertine slabs. This further drove the black-and-white color palette to work with the other natural elements: beige tones in the form of limestone, travertine, and warm woods. “The steel-and-stone fireplace demands its presence and creates a focal point,” says the Austin designer.
15. Horizontal stripes
A tall black stack with horizontal lines is perfect at camouflaging the TV—yet it contrasts nicely with a medley of geometric stones in the background.
16. Fluid function
Sometimes a fireplace doesn’t actually have to be the focal point of a room; instead, let it fit seamlessly with the rest of the design. In this Gillian Segal–designed family room that doubles as a formal living space, the fireplace is merely part of decorative panels above that conceal a TV.
“High-contrast materiality also helped complimented the clients art collection without competing,” adds the Vancouver-based designer.
17. Artsy accessories
An ornate fireplace can be a piece of art, but you can also enhance a humble hearth with ornate wrought iron tools by French artist Franck Evennou, who transformed polished bronze into stylized feathers that make something of an objet d’art. “Good design is a lifestyle,” says Katja Hirche, of Bernd Goeckler. “One’s well-designed home requires not just beautiful decoration, but also beautiful utility objects.” Sold exclusively through Bernd Goeckler in New York.
18. Tiled touch
Los Angeles–based landscape designer Patricia Benner worked around the cerulean tile as inspiration for the rest of the outdoor design, giving the backyard patio a touch of mystique.
19. Unexpected curves
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New York and Los Angeles designer Samuel Amoia took a new approach to the fireplace surround by adding irregular curves with a gray marble slab. To ensure that the monumental focal point wasn’t overshadowed by a grand chandelier, he chose an airy pendant from Volker Haug Studio that added intrigue with brass conical stacks that complemented the stone without distracting.
20. Sleek slab
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For this modern lake house in Middleton, Wisconsin, PROjECT. and Marmol Radziner were enlisted to create a California-cool vibe with a neutral color palette and high-contrast decor. To ensure the focus stayed on the lake views, they dressed the hearth of the living room fireplace in a leathered black marquina quartzite slab by Terrazzo + Marble Supply to contrast with the softer tones of the surrounding sand-blasted limestone and Rodolfo Dordoni sectional. “This home is surrounded by green and trees on all sides,” says PROjECT. owner and visionary Aimee Wertepny. “And then you enter into this glass, stone and wood box with insane lake views. Our aim was to not distract from the setting, but to accentuate it at every turn.”
21. Airy steel rods
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In the center of this Chicago home designed by frequent collaborators PROjECT. and dSPACE Studio, the gas fireplace is visible from the family room, dining room and even the kitchen. Open on all sides and wrapped by steel rods with blackened-oak panels above, this stunning feature centers the open-concept space in a bold way. “Maximum design that appears minimal, like the fireplace, is a common theme throughout the home,” Wertepny says.
22. Marble on marble
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Consider a story in contrast. “Marble is back with a vengeance,” Johnston says. “The dark stone on the fireplace gives the room depth and dimension, whereas the white Calacatta Monet Italian marble in the kitchen offers that clean and classic look.”
23. No nonsense design
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Don’t mess with minimalism. “The smooth, plaster-finish fireplace upstairs was all painted white, and acts as a modern monolith to serenely root that open living area,” says Liza Curtiss, interior designer and principal at Brooklyn-based Le Whit.
24. Vibrant art against black brick
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The same residential project in Seattle that has an all-white fireplace upstairs [see image above] plays a game of contrast with a moodier, more tactile one downstairs. “The basement was designed as a cozy den, so the fire itself can become the centerpiece, versus the actual architecture of the room,” Curtiss adds. A colorful art piece above keeps it from skewing too drab.
25. Mimic art
Washington, DC, designer Zoe Feldman played up a classic marble fireplace by placing marble-inspired artwork above—just the right touch for the living room of Susan Tynan, founder of Framebridge, a custom framing brand.
26. Raised marble hearth
What makes a fireplace stand out? Dimension by way of a multilevel approach. This beige marble beauty becomes the ultimate perch thanks to a raised hearth, a perfect spot for accessories, or maybe even a mug of hot cocoa.
27. Adorn with stone
A handful of pebbles in a firebox provide just enough interest without bringing the outdoors in too much.
28. Maximalist marble
Leave it to Johnston to employ an heirloom stone in a sitting space full of pattern and texture. The Calacatta Monet Italian marble only recently returned to production, he says.
29. Traditional fireplace tile
Both the velvet couch and the upholstered armchair work with this tiled fireplace surround that is echoed by the ceramic side tables. Both the velvet couch and the upholstered armchair work with this tiled fireplace surround that is echoed by the ceramic side tables. "The tiles of the surround are hand-painted delft and original to the home,” says Charlotte, North Carolina-based designer Gray Walker. “I wanted to pay homage to the blue-and-white of the tile and decided to infuse the emerald green to modernize the color scheme. The painting above the mantel was part of the homeowners existing art collection. I placed it there to further pull the color scheme together. My design philosophy is rooted in honoring special architectural details when I have the opportunity in old homes."
30. Glossy wonder
The reflective quality of polished marble, especially when paired with a mirror panel, opens up the space, even as the variegated taupe veins anchor the room with their own unique typology.
31. Sunken space
Create a rustic enclave with a stone surround that hugs a wood stove, then extend the area with wood paneling to further embrace the natural vibes. Custom quilted pillows add to the charm that melds cabin with cozy.
32. Herringbone pattern
In this Leah Ashley designed formal living room, the eye-catching fireplace was made to feel traditional and timeless. The beige brick, set in a herringbone pattern works to tie in all the creamy and brown elements. By using simple materials like a cast stone surround this fireplace is an instant classic.
33. Display fireplace
Who says a fireplace has to be working to be chic? The classic marble one seen here, in the Fort Greene bedroom of fashion designer Ulla Johnson, was included in the September 2019 issue of AD. The round mirror is a custom piece by Rogan Gregory, while the rug is a Swedish flatweave piece. The artwork seen on the left is by Billy Lynch. Reflecting on the home in general, Johnson mused at the time, “We wanted something warm and welcoming—of a human scale.”
34. 3D sculptural hearth
It’s difficult to imagine what could rival the late Wendell Castle’s Black Widow chairs and monumental standing lamp, all of which are seen in the studio gallery of the sculptor’s own home. Nonetheless, a clay fireplace by Roy Cartwright is equally compelling. Reminiscent of bronze metallurgy worthy of the Norse gods, it’s the perfect addition to Castle’s Scottsville, New York, abode, which was included in the April 2018 issue of AD. The decor element also feels in line with Castle’s pursuit to “elevate furniture into the category of sculpture.”
35. Take it outside
Outdoor fireplaces don't have to be all rustic. A chic black fireplace surround works well with the rest of the design elements in this backyard space. This home designed by Hatch + Ulland Owen Architects and Meredith Owen Interiors feature an exterior living and dining area that showcases a simplistic approach to fireplace design. A simple stucco surround and brick hearth let the fire be the main attraction in this relaxing outdoor haven.
36. Blend in
Interior design doesn’t have to be complicated. Even a traditional white marble fireplace can have an impact in a subdued way when paired with a corresponding wall paint color.
37. Stone chimney
Leave it to Anne Hathaway and AD100 firm Studio Shamshiri to deftly meld Alpine notes with those of the surrounding, more temperate California landscape. A chief example of where this dual vision comes perfectly together is this terrace. Perfect for indoor-outdoor California living, its stone fireplace brings a sense of chilly ski slopes home.
38. X-Large Tile
Why not take up the entire wall with a fireplace? Let it star in your space by having extra large tiles go all the way up to the ceiling.
39. Strokes
Look for marble with organic veining reminiscent of brush strokes for a distinctive pattern that will have guests complimenting your abode.
40. Black marble frame
Rich black marble surround outlines the fire for an eye-catching effect that doesn’t deflect from the rest of the room design.
41. Wood look
While you wouldn't actually have a wood surround, tile that evokes wood planks gives the fireplace a cozy feel. The modern fireplace is balanced by the pattern play and punchy upholstery in front. "This living space allows our furnishings to really stand out, and provides a good modern backdrop to some more traditional furniture and fabrics selections," says Avery Cox of Avery Cox Design in Austin.
42. Add a side table
Even a simple hearth can be elevated when the rest of the room design reflects its elements. Here, a brass frame is the connecting thread, enhanced by sculptures, a circular side table, and the sheen of the golden chair upholstery. “There is the very human urge to gather around it whether it's a working fireplace or not,” Adams says. “You can take advantage of this natural tendency by using the area above the fireplace to highlight your favorite artwork [in this case, a series of original Josef Albers portfolio pages] which, in turn, can inform the color scheme of the room.”
43. Double fireplace
For a back patio space, a tall gas fireplace may be just the right addition for entertaining. Adding in pebbles gives it an au naturel aesthetic.
44. Monochromatic style
Allowing one color to swallow the room and the bookcases makes the fireplace an eye-catching focal point. “The fireplace is special, but not overdone taking away from the overall feel of the room,” says New York City designer Emily Del Bello. “The paint of the surrounding millwork and molding match the other walls in the space. The brown stone was original and I loved it, so I kept it. It was the perfect connection to the coffee table and the other warm tone throughout the space.”
45. Amp up the woodwork
When it comes to texture, Newton, Massachusetts, interior designer Liz Caan is a wiz, even when it comes to the fireplace. To make it pop against the fern-like wallpaper, Caan employs paneling to give the surround texture. "The fireplace adds a central focal point and also ties into the room’s millwork which gives the space added detail and character,” Caan says. “The fireplace surround and hearth is black satin slate, which we love as a clean and matte frame for the opening."
46. Pair with shiplap
In this spacious living room space, Purple Cherry finds the center with a black stone slab hearth that transitions to the vaulted ceiling with the help of shiplap and white built in cabinets just above the log storage. "In this waterfront home, simplicity meets coastal with the clean lines and the vertical mass of the chimney,” Purple Cherry says. “The nickel gap application above the fireplace creates a textural element that speaks to the ceiling paneling. A stainless steel box nests under the custom television cabinet. Overall, this contemporary setting supports a variety of eclectic elements collected throughout the homeowners’ global travels."
47. Stucco fireplace
Use the hearth ledge as a place for artfully placed firewood storage. Given that the fireplace is on the screened in porch, Purple Cherry made the connection to the backyard. "The stucco fireplace and overall home exterior was finished in dark, earthy tones to allow the home to blend into its surrounding natural environment,” she says. “The brick firebox was intentionally painted black to reinforce this darkness. The catenary lights provide a festive evening glob reminiscent of vineyard properties."
48. Regal tile surround
For the attic floor of his Paris home, legendary AD100 Hall of Fame decorator Juan Pablo Molyneux looked to an 18th-century room inside St. Petersburg’s Menshikov Palace for inspiration. The resulting space, which is clad in blue-and-white tiles, was a surprise for his wife, Pilar. The carved stone Régence-period fireplace was an addition installed by Molyneaux. Above it hangs a gouache painting by Horacio Sosa Cordero. Architectural Digest included the room in its September 2007 issue.
49. Seamless stone wall
A bedroom fireplace ups the cozy factor—even in a minimalist bedroom with clean lines. Position it in line with the foot of the bed so it’s in your sight line when you tuck in at night.
50. Multi-stone facade
Focus on various textures to pull out the ultimate rustic notes. This hearth with natural stone blocks and pebble detailing add to the interesting collection of decor.
51. Rippled lines
An interesting stone is all that is needed to awaken an otherwise sleek fireplace surround, like this rippled marble with a beige color scheme.
52. Floral motifs
Those yearning for warmth in the colder months can look to a design version of a Spring Awakening with verdant tiles and a Bob Christian floral mural above. The mirror dates back to the 19th century, while the petite chair is actually a child’s Windsor-style seat. The room is located in the Hamptons escape of Kate Rheinstein Brodsky, the daughter of AD100 decorator Suzanne Rheinstein and proprietor of the Manhattan design shop KRB.
53. Black marble with dark walls
A black marble fireplace will never go out of style, so why not go all out and really get into the moodiness? Find it a home with ebony floors and a navy wall that sets it apart in just the right way.
54. Subway tile
Neatly laid bricks or subway tiles give the surround a clean look that fits with modern interiors, even if you decide to swap out the furnishings at some point.
55. Stacked stone
Natural stone is, well, a natural choice for a fireplace in a primary bath. A floor-to-ceiling facade adds to the prestige.
56. Mirror moment
In the bustling New York City home of AD100 designers Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent, a seating area makes for the perfect quiet spot. Its serene color palette is augmented by a marble-clad and mirror-topped fireplace that expands the space. The armchair pictured nearby dates back to the 1940s, while the coffee table is by Diego Giacometti. The room, along with the rest of their town house, was featured in the May 2020 issue of AD.
57. Cohesive element
“I don’t select things for a spot just because I like them, but because it’s the right place for them,” AD100 Hall of Fame designer Jacques Grange was quoted as saying in the December 2017 issue of AD. This sitting area, inside a London town house, proves his point perfectly. Besides the colorfully appointed and plush seats, a Tom Wesselmann painting, Claude Lalanne mirror, and Paavo Tynell standing lamp turn heads. The latter two, of course, draw attention to the center of the room: an irresistible fireplace.
58. Stack the firewood
Madeline Stuart and Associates created this cozy living area, in which animal skins abound. Its neutral color palette, complete with natural elements such as a vase full of greenery, increases its apparent connection to the great outdoors. Nonetheless, it’s the verticality of a striped carpet that helps point toward the room’s main attraction: its roaring fireplace. The stacked firewood storage nook further expands the setup.
59. Add an arch
Could this be the inviting living room of an Arizona ranch? Perhaps, but it is in fact one part of Diane Keaton’s Beverly Hills bedroom. While the brick-and-stucco juxtaposition, wood-beamed ceiling, and rugged chairs are all certainly showstoppers, smaller details like a teal blue painting pull the space together. The 1925 work titled Moonlight Mesa is by Harold “Buck” Weaver. It perfectly complements the curved fireplace below. “Diane just loves arches,” designer Stephen Shadley commented to the magazine at one point in the November 2008 feature. “The arch is probably the loveliest architectural feature of the Spanish Colonial Revival in California.”
60. Frame it
A fireplace doesn’t always have to be set in stone. In fact, using rolled blackened steel gives this hearth an unexpected curve. A brass frame around the fire gives it a much needed focus. To carry the theme of picture in picture, Johnston also framed the TV with paneling.
61. Modern marvel
For a contemporary twist, install a modern marble fireplace in a sleek silhouette. Look for a design-forward firefront pedestal in lieu of predictable artificial logs.
62. Avoid distractions
To make the fireplace the true focus of the room, let it shine by installing statement marble and nothing else that will deter from its beauty. A curvy couch is all you need to enjoy the view.
63. Large tiles
Embrace the square firebox shape by outlining the fireplace with large 12-by-12-inch tiles for a geometric take. Further enhance the form by adding built-in shelving on each side for useful storage.
