Create a Timeless Look in Your Modern Home

There’s nothing quite so inviting as a crackling fire in a beautiful fireplace. Classical fireplace designs, fused with modern elements, offer a stylish and elegant way to warm up your living space. 

There are endless options for designing your fireplace so where do you start? We’ve brought together a list of the latest trends, practical ideas and thought provoking features to bring the seeds of your inspiration to life.

1. Traditional mantels for dark and moody rooms

This concept is all about taking a classic element and using it in a new and imaginative way. Unused fireplaces can make for a lot of dead space in period properties. Keep the hearth, mantel and surround and make them a focal point of the room. Maintain the idea that the fireplace is a source of heat and install a cast iron, electric fireplace that will fit in the space. Hang a mirror or artwork above it, and place candles, art objects and framed pictures on the mantelpiece.

If the existing fireplace surround is unloved and unattractive, your fireplace makeover can include contrasting colours and tones. Increase the visual impact with bold colour palettes or reach out with a jet black mantel, soft blue walls and a complementary choice of artwork.

Add simple decorative elements such as geometric edge beading, decorative wood onlays or mantel shelf corbels to boost the status of your worn-out, old fire surround.

  2. Tile it out 

Tiles are such a fun and versatile thing to use when creating your own fireplace. They add a modern twist to a classical style or maintain the authenticity of a traditional fireplace. https://www.thevictorianemporium.com/store/category/encaustic_inset_tiles

Stand out with striking, bold and colourful patterns on the hearth and surround. Alternatively create a subtle texture or pattern to add depth without being too distracting. Popular styles at the moment are basket weave textured tiles in neutral tones and subway tiles in any colour.

A more creative and sustainable way of using tiles is to create your own mosaic or mural. This could save you money and have less environmental impact. Use old, broken tiles or thin pieces of stone and ceramics to create your new look, modern fireplace. 

   3. Low slung

Whether you’re looking to create a cosy reading nook or a dramatic focal point, low fireplaces are a great style to target your DIY project.

A popular design for modern fireplaces is to create a hearth that extends out from the fireplace to create a built-in seating area perfect for relaxing by the fire with a good book or a glass of wine.

Another popular way to enjoy this feature is to use natural materials like stone or brick to create a rustic, earthy feel. This works particularly well in rooms with high ceilings or exposed beams, where the low fireplace can help anchor the space and enhance the cosy atmosphere.

For a more modern twist on the low fireplace idea, consider using sleek materials like marble, concrete or polished granite to create a minimalist and sophisticated interior design.

   4. Comfy corners

Maximising space and adding charm to your beautiful home by installing a classical corner fireplace can open up the rest of the wall space around the chimney for other features such as a gallery wall, library or space to hang and display your beloved potted plant collection.

Texture the surround with bricks or tiles. Add a textured rug on the floor in front and install carved wooden corbels to support the mantel to make the house feel super cosy.

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Alternatively keep it minimalist with a polished concrete surround and hearth with metal details for a sleek modern look.

   5. All white 

A white fireplace wall is a great way to make a room feel bright, airy, and spacious, whilst adding classic elegance.

Think about using a white stone, such as marble or limestone, for the fireplace surround and hearth. This creates a luxurious and classic look that is perfect for traditional and minimalist homes. 

White marble works particularly well with gold or brass accents, which can add a touch of warmth and richness to the space.

When designing an all-white interior with a white fireplace, it is important to incorporate texture and depth to to prevent the space from feeling too sterile. Consider adding a geometric patterned, tonally contrasting rug, plush throw pillows or a cosy white blanket to foster the sense of warmth and comfort. A white background will enhance the display of your artwork. Make your own art objects with found curios or old toys from your chosen era. Keep an eye out for interesting stones, natural shapes and novelty objects.

   6. Jet black marble

Jet black marble is one of the most durable stones on the market, and one of the most versatile, so it can be incorporated easily into both vintage and modernised classical interiors. 

The dark coloration creates an elegant look for any design scheme and it can be paired with virtually any other element you choose. If you want something more modern, try having a jet black hearth as opposed to an ashlar (or block) type of surround.

Accentuate this look by adding matching metallic accents, such as metal trim, around doors or windows within your home. This will help tie together all aspects of interior styling within one room.

   7. Vintage Cool

One of the key elements of a vintage theme is mixing and matching materials. Leading designers will advise pairing a rustic, reclaimed wood mantel and brick fireback, with a traditional, old fashioned pot bellied stove.

You could also add in some wood or metal accents, or a vintage mirror, to create a truly unique look. Your local charity shop or scrap store may offer some interesting surprises for vintage curiosities. Discover the offers on sale at your remnant shop for interesting wall drapes and classic textured fabric. Use it as a throw to recover an upcycled armchair. You will be delighted with the booty you can find for chic, retro up-styling, from the most unexpected places.

Express your creative inner self. Don’t be afraid to play with colour! Try painting your mantelpiece and cabinets in a bold hue, like deep blue or forest green, to add some personality to your space. You could also add in some vintage-inspired tiles or wallpaper to create a statement wall behind your fireplace.

Accessorise with antique candlesticks, artwork, vintage vases or old-fashioned clocks, to add more character to your space.

Don’t forget to embrace the cosiness! Layer up your space with plush blankets, over-sized pillows and plenty of candles to enhance the warm, inviting space.

   8. Antique stone

This natural material adds a unique and rustic look to home design schemes, and it’s perfect for creating a warm atmosphere.

From limestone to sandstone to granite, each type of stone has its own unique character and texture. A choice of a smooth dressed stone will create a refined effect.

If your feeling is for a more rustic and natural look, consider using a rough-hewn stone with a chunky wooden roof beam or mantel piece.

Try pairing stone with a sleek modern mantel, or surround, to create a contrast. Add metallic accents, like a brass fireplace screen or a modern light fixture, to increase the visual interest of your space.

   9. Mixed Materials 

Incorporating mixed materials to create a unique and eye-catching look brings your fireplace design on trend. Consider varying the choice with concrete, glass, or even leather, to create a unique and personalised look. 

Combining wood and stone works well for a natural and rustic look, and think about using reclaimed wood and carved wooden corbel supports to make a mantel shelf. Mix with a stone surround or hearth.

Be bold with mixing and matching different tile patterns. Use a combination of geometric and floral tiles to make a unique and eclectic look. Try adding vintage tiles to create a statement wall behind your fireplace or use colourful, encaustic tiles for the hearth.

   10. Spanning the room 

Surely the ultimate interior statement is a classical fireplace that spans an entire wall, with a masonry chimney breast or an integrated design which makes one whole wall part of the surround for a smaller fireplace.

To get your creative juices flowing for this concept, start by scanning the existing space for inspiration, such as crown mouldings, door frames or ceiling medallions. Where there is something missing, you will find that reproduction applied carvings and fireplace onlays are readily available. Incorporating any of these details into your design can create a space that feels cohesive and thoughtfully put together.

Don’t forget the power of colour and patterns when taking on a project like this. Consider using a bold colour, patterned wallpaper or textured tiles to merge a smaller fireplace into a wall sized feature.

   11.Historic details

If you’re lucky enough to have a room with historic details, such as corbelled, arched and vignette windows, you can upscale the effect by introducing an original period mantel or tiles. It’s a wonderful thing to honour and preserve these unique features, as well as integrate them into a contemporary and stylish space.

The first step in preservation is to maintain or restore details by carefully cleaning them, repairing any damaged areas and perhaps painting or staining them in keeping with your overall theme. Choose whether to have an electric insert, gas fireplace or wood fuel stove.

You’ll then want to consider just how to make a fireplace to bring the whole room space together, adding period wood corbels and architectural decoratives.

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Do you want your period feature to set the tone of the room or for it to blend in with another focal point?

For a theme inspired by your period feature, try searching for accessories, paints and wallpapers that match or compliment its style. Be aware that ‘less is more’ in many cases and if your original feature is very intricate, then your accompanying elements need only complement the feature.

If you’d prefer to blend your period detail into a modern space, then pick out multiple details in the room – such as beading, skirting or doors –  with a bold coloured paint to match your historic item, or use a monochrome theme and highlight details in a different shade.

   12. Monochrome chic 

One of the hottest themes right now is the art of using colour fades in monochrome and including your fireplace in the overall colour scheme.

Palettes for monochrome interiors in shades of grey are popular with Millennial designers. There are two methods for blending design around the fireplace insert. Make visual space by mixing light and dark greys to produce a sleek and stylish effect. Use metallic accents, such as silver or brass fireplace screens, to add a touch of glamour and sophistication.

Using textures within the fireplace frame and the room as whole can be really important to add flare to the space. Think about textured tiles or textile accents to add luxury and sophistication to your design but remember not to overcrowd the space with too many decorative objects.

     13. Cosy cabins 

The warmest looking, most inviting spaces usually include natural materials, so when designing for a cosy cabin your best bet is to use stone or wood for at least one of the components, or a combination of both. 

Incorporating warm and earthy colours into the details or the tile and paint scheme is another way to fashion a snug, inviting room to curl up in during the colder months.

Plush rugs, bright throws and vintage lanterns will also add to the inviting ambiance.

   14. Chunky wood mantels

Search, discover, repurpose and upstyle. Add rustic character to your classical fireplace by installing a chunky wood mantel and aim to save money by using sustainable products or reclaimed wood.

Consider using barn wood, salvaged from old buildings, driftwood from the beach or check out your local salvage or antiques yard. Search for a bargain that can be upcycled into your new stylish mantel. Pair it with English country home corbels to add even more depth and interest to your design.

   15. Classic townhouse 

The classical townhouse fireplace is all about elegance and simplicity with a touch of glamour, so go for simple geometric shapes with your decorative patterns in order to create a clean and polished look. 

Work with what you have, as many original townhouse fireplaces had an archway entrance to the firebox and simple decorative beading details for a spark of glamour.

Play with using the same material for both the mantel and surround, such as marble or painted wood, and think about gold or brass tools and dark metallic screens for the finishing touches.

   16.  Wonderful wood storage

No one wants to throw damp logs onto a roaring fire or have untidy, drying logs littered around your room, so don’t forget to consider the indoor storage space for combustible materials when designing a fireplace.

Of course you can just leave a space on the hearth for wicker or wire baskets but why not think outside the box and create something beautiful and unique to compliment your wood burning fireplace?

Always remember safety first when planning how best to store combustible materials near an open fire. Consider making built-in storage units on either side of, or under, the fireplace, using metal or wood grates that will help wood to stay dry. This not only adds to the overall aesthetic of the room but also saves space and keeps the wood organised. 

Alternatively, make a statement with your wood storage by having a stand alone, wrought iron log rack or a contemporary wall mounted racking system with minimalist metal bars to hold the logs in place and show off your design flair.

   17. Simple lines with decorative features

The beauty of this approach lies in its versatility. By using simple lines as the foundation of your new fireplace, you can create a clean, modern look that will never go out of style. And by adding decorative detail, you can infuse your design with personality and character, making it truly your own.

Achieve this look by using a classic mantel design as the canvas for decorative elements like carved wooden onlays, corbels or mouldings. This combination creates a beautiful balance between the modern and the traditional, resulting in a design that feels both timeless and fresh.

Another way to achieve this look is by using simple, clean-lined tiles or stone for the surround and then adding decorative detail with your choice of fire screen or hearth rug.

     18. Consider sustainable options

When it comes to designing a classical fireplace for your home, sustainability should be at the forefront of your mind. By using sustainable materials, incorporating recycled or reclaimed elements and maximising energy efficiency, you can create a beautiful and timeless fireplace design that does little or no harm to the environment.

Use repurposed or recycled materials in your fireplace design. For example, seek out amazing old paintings in a flea market to hang above the fireplace, use reclaimed wood for the mantel or surround. Find upcycled tiles for the fire hearth or side decorative elements. This not only reduces waste but it also adds unique individuality to your design.