When used properly, fireplaces act as both architectural elements and decorative accents. They can be a centerpiece of a room and even provide seating during peak entertaining times.

People love curved lines right now—couch corners are getting soft and tables are rounded. Why not add a few softer curves to your fireplace design?

Space Creator

Taking advantage of the natural structure of a fireplace, this design creates a cozy seating area by extending the hearth and installing shelving. The resulting nook can be used as a home library or office, providing ample storage space while enhancing the overall aesthetic of the room. The angular lines of the poured concrete pedestal and steel hood create a unique, free-form look that complements the linear simplicity of this modern fireplace design.

Getting creative with your fireplace design is one of the best ways to elevate your space. If your fireplace looks outdated or clunky, consider re-tiling it in a more contemporary style to create a clean, sleek finish. Then, dress it up with a few simple decorations like vases or artwork to complement your design palette.

A fireplace that stands out is sure to be the focal point of any living space. To make a bold statement, choose a striking color and use it for the mantel and surround. For example, a grey fireplace with an on-trend sun yellow or teal blue accent wall makes this design feel fresh and contemporary. You can also choose a neutral color like this cocooning grey and add pops of color with the furniture that you put around it.

Another popular way to update a fireplace is to re-tile the surrounding surface. This is a relatively easy DIY project and can dramatically enhance the look of a room. Alternatively, you could choose to have your existing firebox painted in a dramatic shade of black or white to add drama and contrast to the room.

A centralized fireplace feature wall is minimal and perfect for those who love a modern, streamlined look. It can be dressed up by adding a wood stack niche or downlit with pendant lamps to enhance its functionality and create visual interest.

An alternative to a traditional masonry fireplace is an electric insert that is powered by bio-ethanol liquid fuel. It is a more environmentally friendly option that doesn’t require a chimney or venting, and it’s suitable for homes with limited space.

Camouflage

A fireplace is more than just a feature in a room, it adds warmth and grandeur to a space, and can alter the atmosphere even when it’s not lit. Whether you’re going for a classic design or something more modern, there are many different fireplace ideas that can be used to elevate your home.

Traditionally, fireplaces have been a focal point in homes. They were the heart of a room and often had intricate marble, wood or cast iron surrounds that would reflect the architecture and period of the house. But today, you can rework a fireplace to suit any style of interior. For example, you could build a fireplace that is hidden or semi-hidden behind a wall for a sleek and minimal effect.

You can also make a statement with a fireplace that is a work of art in its own right. You can paint a brick fireplace in an on-trend color such as a muted teal blue, or even a bright sunshine yellow to make it really pop. You can then use this as a focal point for the rest of your living room, and match it with items like upcycled furniture or decorative logs to create an eclectic look.

Another way to refresh a fireplace is by cladding it in natural materials such as stone, wood or glass. This is particularly popular in contemporary homes and you can use it to bring a sense of nature into your home.

If you don’t have a fireplace but want to create a focal point in your room, you can frame art or even a painting and hang it above the mantel. You can also fill it with books, vases or other decorative objects. You can even decorate a mantel to suit the season by using festive decals and wrapping your books in pastel book sleeves.

One of the easiest ways to update a fireplace is by painting it in a bold color. This can make a dramatic difference to the look of your living room, and will draw the eye away from any scuffs or stains on the surround. This effect can be achieved easily with a simple DIY project. All you need is a couple of gallons of paint and some patience. You can find the full tutorial for this project over at Average But Inspired.

Curves

Fire places are not only great for creating a warm and cosy environment but they can also act as a focal point in a room. The unique shapes that can be found in these structures allow you to be creative when designing your living space.

For those looking for a more minimal look, you can create an eye-catching frame around your fireplace with a curved surround. This is ideal for those who want to make a statement in their living room and will work well with both contemporary and traditional styles of furniture.

Another way to frame your fireplace is to paint it a bold colour. This works particularly well if you have neutral tones on your walls, as it will stand out and draw attention to the feature without overpowering it. Try out a bright shade like sunshine yellow or teal blue, or even use a rich red or sage green to really make the design pop.

If you are feeling more adventurous, you can also go for a textured wall treatment that will help to distract the eyes from the fireplace and create a more natural feel in your living space. You can use stone or brick for this, or even reclaimed wood, and it can be an effective way to add a rustic touch to a modern space.

Alternatively, you can frame your fireplace with built-in shelves that will give it a unique and one of a kind look. This is a great way to show off some family photographs, or you can display other decorative items such as vases and ornaments.

In an open-plan living area, a fireplace can help to divide the different areas of your room and create an area for socializing. The unique style of this fire place cut into the wall here not only looks stunning but it can also function as additional seating during peak entertaining times.

If you would like to see how these designs will work in your own home, Live Home 3D is a handy and intuitive tool for creating floor plans and experimenting with the possibilities. With its plethora of objects, materials and advanced construction tools, this tool will help you create the perfect layout for your living space.

Open Concept

The fireplace is a room centerpiece that provides visual intrigue. As you plan a remodel of your hearth, it’s important to think about how you’ll decorate the area and integrate it with other design elements in the space. Aside from being an architectural feature, it also serves as a cozy hub where family and friends gather for an evening of conversation and relaxation.

The simplest way to update your fireplace is with a coat of paint. If you’re going for a sleek, modern look, black is the perfect shade to add. It creates a masculine feel that ties the room together. If you prefer a more traditional vibe, consider using a rich red that is slightly warmer than neutrals.

There are a variety of fireplace ideas for those with an eye for style, whether you’re looking to spruce up an existing wood or gas fireplace or install a new stone unit. If you opt for a brick surround, try mixing up the color to give it a fresh look. A crimson surround looks striking when paired with light-colored walls, while white shiplap complements an intricately carved limestone fireplace for a stately appearance.

If you’re not planning to use your fireplace for fires, a clean surround and mantel can be the perfect focal point for living rooms that rely on Scandi or coastal decor. Add interest to the space with shelving filled with lush plants, woven baskets, or ceramic ornaments. Or, if you opt for a more minimalist style, showcase books and framed artwork on the shelves for a chic home library.

Aside from the fascia and surround, a fireplace can be clad in a wide variety of materials. For an elegant look, try marble, which adds a classic touch to a living room. A textured material such as tile offers a unique look that contrasts well with other design styles, like the geometric pattern of this patterned surround.

If you’re a fan of industrial-style designs, consider a raw steel, wood-burning fireplace with an exposed grate for a contemporary flair. It pairs beautifully with exposed ceiling beams and reclaimed wood floors, and it makes an ideal focal point in open concept homes.