Fireplaces have always held a unique position in interior design, blending functionality with a cozy aesthetic. Over the years, their design has evolved from basic heat sources to sophisticated focal points of living spaces. Here are a few ideas to stand out from other mantel-centric designs.
1. Multi-Sided Fireplaces
Kust Hotel and Spa by ETTELVA Arkitekter and Mer Architects
A multi-sided fireplace brings all the conveniences of a conventional one and expands it to a larger area and more residents. Openings on either side of a chimney are the easiest way to incorporate this design and are a great way to heat two areas with one fire. Gas and electric options, which are easier to contain, open the door to even more innovative designs. You could use a glass encasement to open the fireplace to three or even four sides.
Multi-sided fires work best in larger gathering areas. Dining rooms, lounges, finished basements and patios are all ideal spaces. Smaller homes may not gain much from them unless you use a double-sided opening to heat two rooms on either side of a wall.
2. Built-In Shelving
Image Credit: Spacejoy
The mantelpiece around the fireplace deserves careful attention, too. These are great spaces to personalize and create storage space for clients.
You can approach this in several ways. One option is to create small cubbies around the mantel for wood storage or to hold buyers' knick-knacks. Alternatively, you could fill the wall on either side of the fireplace with larger shelves, creating one massive, cohesive piece.
3. Natural Materials
Image Credit: Clay Banks
Another mantelpiece trend to consider is incorporating natural materials like wood and stone. While minimalism dominated interior design for a while, many people are looking for cozy spaces. Today's young homebuyers want a fuller, cozier environment, and detailed carvings or striking stone structures are a great way to meet the demand.
Wood and stone construction also lean into the popular biophilic design trend. While this will mean higher material costs, the benefits are worth it. Fireplace-equipped home listings get 550 more views on average, so the home could add good value for your clients when they want to sell their house.
Keep in mind that some natural materials may need extra protection from the heat and flames, especially in a wood or gas fireplace. Lean into the nature-centric aesthetic, but don't overlook important safety features.
4. Tiled Mantels
Stained Glass Brownstone by Sarah Jacoby - Image Credit: www.sarahjacobyarchitect.com/
The rise of the "cottagecore" movement is also worth considering in your fireplace design. This niche is an offshoot of maximalism and centers around retro, idyllic "grandma" aesthetics — think floral prints, pastels and log cabins. A great and relatively easy way to lean into it is to install tiles around a mantelpiece.
While the cottagecore obsession began around the COVID-19 pandemic, it's not going anywhere for now. Vintage sales grew seven times faster than the larger retail industry in 2024. It's still a great time to capitalize on the movement, and a cozy, old-school mantel is an excellent way to do so.
Tiles add visual interest around the fireplace and aren't nearly as common in today's western markets as they once were. Consequently, they're an easy way to stand out as other home designs start incorporating fireplaces.
Fireplaces remain a timeless element in home design, offering warmth and character to any space. As client demands and design preferences evolve, these ideas provide a foundation for creating fireplaces that captivate and inspire for years to come. You can also check out this photo collection for more fireplace inspiration.
Fireplace Trends for Cozy and Elegant Living Spaces
Fireplaces have always held a unique position in interior design, blending functionality with a cozy aesthetic. Over the years, their design has evolved from basic heat sources to sophisticated focal points of living spaces. Here are a few ideas to stand out from other mantel-centric designs.
1. Multi-Sided Fireplaces
Kust Hotel and Spa by ETTELVA Arkitekter and Mer Architects
A multi-sided fireplace brings all the conveniences of a conventional one and expands it to a larger area and more residents. Openings on either side of a chimney are the easiest way to incorporate this design and are a great way to heat two areas with one fire. Gas and electric options, which are easier to contain, open the door to even more innovative designs. You could use a glass encasement to open the fireplace to three or even four sides.
Multi-sided fires work best in larger gathering areas. Dining rooms, lounges, finished basements and patios are all ideal spaces. Smaller homes may not gain much from them unless you use a double-sided opening to heat two rooms on either side of a wall.
2. Built-In Shelving
Image Credit: Spacejoy
The mantelpiece around the fireplace deserves careful attention, too. These are great spaces to personalize and create storage space for clients.
You can approach this in several ways. One option is to create small cubbies around the mantel for wood storage or to hold buyers' knick-knacks. Alternatively, you could fill the wall on either side of the fireplace with larger shelves, creating one massive, cohesive piece.
3. Natural Materials
Image Credit: Clay Banks
Another mantelpiece trend to consider is incorporating natural materials like wood and stone. While minimalism dominated interior design for a while, many people are looking for cozy spaces. Today's young homebuyers want a fuller, cozier environment, and detailed carvings or striking stone structures are a great way to meet the demand.
Wood and stone construction also lean into the popular biophilic design trend. While this will mean higher material costs, the benefits are worth it. Fireplace-equipped home listings get 550 more views on average, so the home could add good value for your clients when they want to sell their house.
Keep in mind that some natural materials may need extra protection from the heat and flames, especially in a wood or gas fireplace. Lean into the nature-centric aesthetic, but don't overlook important safety features.
4. Tiled Mantels
Stained Glass Brownstone by Sarah Jacoby - Image Credit: www.sarahjacobyarchitect.com/
The rise of the "cottagecore" movement is also worth considering in your fireplace design. This niche is an offshoot of maximalism and centers around retro, idyllic "grandma" aesthetics — think floral prints, pastels and log cabins. A great and relatively easy way to lean into it is to install tiles around a mantelpiece.
While the cottagecore obsession began around the COVID-19 pandemic, it's not going anywhere for now. Vintage sales grew seven times faster than the larger retail industry in 2024. It's still a great time to capitalize on the movement, and a cozy, old-school mantel is an excellent way to do so.
Tiles add visual interest around the fireplace and aren't nearly as common in today's western markets as they once were. Consequently, they're an easy way to stand out as other home designs start incorporating fireplaces.
Fireplaces remain a timeless element in home design, offering warmth and character to any space. As client demands and design preferences evolve, these ideas provide a foundation for creating fireplaces that captivate and inspire for years to come. You can also check out this photo collection for more fireplace inspiration.
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