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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to make your fireplace stand out?
“To optimize a fireplace’s appeal, the key is to create harmony with the surrounding decor,” says Soto, the 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, advises Barnard. 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 Gorelick.
For an easy design upgrade, Coleman recommends finishing the fireplace with an oversized mirror or bold artwork above the mantel. “The vertical gesture draws the eye upward and cements the fireplace as a true focal point,” she explains.
What are the latest trends in fireplaces for 2025?
“Current trends run two different pathways: either clean, linear, modern fireplaces with simplicity of materials, or on the other side, people love the wood-burning fireplace, with brick or stone detailing, which harkens back to the nostalgic cozy warm fireplace,” says Anderson.
Designers are also putting a stronger emphasis on bold, artistic design and unique visual elements as opposed to fireplaces that fade into the background of your space. “Fireplaces that feature distinctive shapes, unexpected materials, and asymmetrical layouts will gain traction, allowing homeowners to make a statement,” Galloway adds. To frame your hearth, Galloway suggests materials such as marble, limestone, concrete, and reclaimed wood, which complement a variety of interior styles.
How do you modernize a dated fireplace?
You can revamp a fireplace without having to call a contractor. Bob LeMoine, director of projects at PKA Architecture, recommends using paint or limewash over existing brick or stone. “This helps to create a softer, weathered look while still showing some of the texture from the original brick or stone,” he explains.
Milton, Massachusetts–based interior designer Sarah Scales suggests going back to black paint; not only does the dramatic hue make for a modern look, but it also lets the fireplace recede, allowing other details of the space, like period millwork, to have a moment.
Outdated tile surrounds can be modernized with large-format stone or custom work. For a fireplace that is not functional, LeMoine suggests adding a gas insert, which will lend itself to options such as the addition of glass.
Wellesley, Massachusetts, designer Kimberly Tosi, of Gather Home Design, modernized the mantel of a 2000s builder-grade home by adding stepped tiers of off-the-shelf trim to bring the space’s fireplace into the present. She also painted it a glossy blue to match the trim throughout the room and the bookshelves. A slab of honed Carrara marble—a timeless choice—completed the look.
What color fireplace makes a room look bigger?
Interior designers often carefully consider fireplace color when striving to make a room bigger. “A lighter-toned fireplace not only brightens the room but also creates an illusion of spaciousness, making the room feel larger and more open,” Soto says.
Mosslar recommends selecting a fireplace mantel color that is a close match to the walls. “Color drenching really expands a space and has a calming effect,” he says.
However, there’s also a case to be made for a moodier design. “A darker fireplace can provide depth and create a larger-looking fireplace wall,” says Mollen, the CEO of Stone Textile Studio. “This also gives it an attractive and finished look that will help cover up any smoke stains.” Should you want to DIY this, check that the paint is flame resistant.
What is the average cost of redoing a fireplace?
Transforming a fireplace can be a quick DIY repainting project or an elaborate construction project. If the renovation is a simple cosmetic job, such as reapplying heat-resistant paint, patching cracks, or replacing parts of the surround, expect to spend between $300 and $1,000, says Kendra Sinclair, Thumbtack’s design trends expert.
If you’re in search of a hearth reset but scared to break the bank, Sinclair recommends retiling the space around your fireplace “to give it a fresh new face, which costs approximately $2 to $25 per square foot,” she explains. On the flip side, converting a wood-burning fireplace to a gas one may be on par with installing a new fireplace, which typically ranges from $3,500 to $8,000. Anderson points out that changing out of a gas fireplace with minimal surround adjustment could cost between $10,000 to $20,000, and that price estimate can increase if you’re taking the project to the next level by building a true wood-burning masonry fireplace.
Alternatively, Sinclair points out that a ventless gas fireplace is an option, which starts at around $1,000. “Keep in mind that ventless fireplaces don’t add the same resale value to a house, since some people have safety concerns about the recirculation of gases and moisture,” she elaborates.
Do fireplaces save on heating bills?
It depends. Most people do not use a fireplace as a primary heat source, however a wood-burning fireplace that works as a supplementary heat source may reduce a home’s reliance on central heating. This could potentially lower your energy bill, if ever so slightly. Mollen considers a fireplace “an extra layer of warmth and coziness” not a way to save money.
It’s also worth noting that a gas fireplace may actually increase your energy bills as you will be paying extra for this fuel. Natural gas is a commodity and prices can fluctuate depending on supply and demand. Look at your past utility bill to see your use and payment history before cranking up the fireplace.
