Fireplace Design Ideas to Transform Your Living Space
There's something undeniably special about a fireplace. Beyond the warmth it provides, it anchors a room, creates a natural gathering point, and sets the tone for the entire space. Whether you have a traditional wood-burning fireplace or a sleek modern gas insert, the way it's designed and styled can make all the difference.
As a luxury interior design firm serving Orange County and beyond, Marc Pridmore Interiors has worked on fireplace design in everything from coastal beach houses to formal estate homes - including many of the stunning Newport Beach design projects our team is known for. Here's a look at some of our favorite fireplace design ideas - from classic to contemporary - to inspire your next project.
Go Bold with a Statement Surround
The surround is the face of your fireplace - and one of the most impactful design decisions you'll make. A sculptural plaster surround in an organic, arched shape feels fresh and contemporary. Thick marble with dramatic veining adds a sense of luxury that never goes out of style. Even a simple painted wood surround can make a statement when the proportions are right.
One of our favorite current fireplace design trends is the oversized, floor-to-ceiling surround. When the fireplace becomes the architectural centerpiece of a wall, it commands attention in the best possible way.
Embrace Marble and Stone
Natural stone is one of the most timeless materials for fireplace design, and for good reason - it's durable, beautiful, and richly textural. Marble, in particular, has been used in fireplace surrounds for centuries, and it continues to feel both classic and current.
Calacatta marble with bold grey veining works beautifully in both traditional and modern interiors. Travertine brings warmth and an organic quality that suits Mediterranean and transitional styles. Quartzite offers a lighter, more neutral palette for coastal or Scandinavian-inspired spaces. (If you're exploring stone options for other areas of your home, our countertop materials guide covers these materials in depth.)
If you love the look of marble but are concerned about maintenance, high-quality porcelain tile in marble-look finishes has come a long way - and in a well-designed fireplace, it can be genuinely stunning.
Consider a Plaster or Venetian Plaster Finish
Plaster fireplaces have a particular quality that photographs well and looks even better in person. The texture catches light in a way that painted drywall never does, and a well-executed plaster finish feels both artisanal and elevated.
Venetian plaster - a polished, multi-layer technique that creates subtle depth and sheen - is especially beautiful for contemporary or Mediterranean-style fireplaces. It works in neutral tones and creates a warmth that's hard to achieve with any other material.
Frame It with Custom Built-Ins
A fireplace flanked by custom built-in cabinetry or shelving is one of the most classic and enduring fireplace design layouts. It creates symmetry, maximizes wall space, and gives you the opportunity to add personality through what you display on the shelves.
The built-ins can be open shelving, closed cabinetry, or a mix of both. In formal rooms, painted built-ins with glass-front upper cabinets and solid lower cabinets feel timeless. In more casual spaces, open wood shelving with a mix of books and objects keeps things relaxed but still intentional.
Think About the Mantel
The mantel is a focal point within a focal point - and it deserves careful attention. A sculptural carved wood mantel adds traditional elegance. A minimal slab of stone or concrete reads more modern. A floating shelf in a rich wood grain can work beautifully in transitional spaces.
Whatever mantel you choose, styling it well is just as important as the design itself. We recommend keeping mantel styling relatively minimal - a large piece of art or mirror, a few curated objects, and some variation in height. Resist the urge to fill every inch.
Play with Tile
If you're working with a more modest fireplace, tile can be a cost-effective way to make a big design impact. Zellige tile (hand-made Moroccan ceramic with a slightly irregular glaze) adds richness and a hint of global influence. Subway tile in an unexpected color or finish feels fresh. Patterned cement tile brings personality to a more eclectic space.
We love using tile on the firebox surround or hearth as a way to introduce color, pattern, or texture in a room that might otherwise be fairly neutral. If you love tile as a design element, our kitchen remodel trends guide explores some of the most exciting tile applications in luxury kitchens right now.
Don't Forget the Hearth
The hearth - the floor area directly in front of the fireplace - is often an afterthought, but it's an important design opportunity. A raised hearth in stone or marble adds architectural interest and provides additional seating. A flush hearth in a contrasting material can define the zone around the fireplace without adding bulk.
If you're doing a fireplace renovation, think of the hearth and surround as one cohesive design element rather than two separate decisions.
Work with a Designer to Get It Right
Fireplace design is one of those areas where professional guidance pays real dividends. The proportions, materials, and relationship to the rest of the room all need to work together - and getting those details right requires both design expertise and access to the right resources.
At Marc Pridmore Interiors, we have deep experience with fireplace design and renovation, and our Costa Mesa showroom is filled with inspiration. We'd love to help you create a fireplace that becomes the heart of your home.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation.