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Bolognino surrounded this fireplace with traditional molding and plenty of storage—including both square and rectangular shelf compartments that turn the homeowners' books into a dynamic visual accent. Instead of flanking both sides of the fireplace with storage, Finley opted for lower cabinets and open shelving on just one side—leaving space for additional seating to the left of the fireplace. Artwork by Andy Dixon—a colorful contemporary take on a classic portrait—adds color and visual interest to this primary suite designed by Boozer. If you love to collect trinkets display them in groups of three, they will add character to your space. Candlesticks in beautiful holders add height and don’t forget artwork, a stunning piece of art will look eye-catching and highlight your fireplace perfectly.
Create a Cohesive Look
If you choose to add a fireplace to your existing home, you can expect to pay between $400 and $10,000. Well, there are a lot of styles and designs to choose from, and your choice determines exactly what you’ll pay for your fireplace. In this design from Tollgard, the fireplace extends into an L-shape from the indent in the wall housing the TV, creating visual interest and a natural link between the two. Rules of symmetry say that a modern living room fireplace should sit in the center of a wall – but that’s not always necessary.
6 Living Room Design Trends of 2024 - Better Homes & Gardens
6 Living Room Design Trends of 2024.
Posted: Fri, 05 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Divide Two Spaces
A lit fire exudes warmth and coziness, and can transform a room to bring real atmosphere. But a fireplace makeover can feel a little overwhelming - where to start, what materials to pick for durability, let alone the complexities and legalities of lighting a fire in your home. For instance, a large fireplace can handle larger furniture pieces, while a smaller one benefits from more compact furniture. Lastly, be sure not to obstruct the view by being mindful of the height of your furniture. Gas fireplaces tend to be cleaner than wood-burning options, are easier to start, and are actually better for heating the room than a wood-burning, where most of the heat goes out the chimney. However, they lack the charm of a wood-burning fireplace and run on fossil fuels, which are not environmentally friendly.
Add Topiaries
Whether your design sense trends toward antique marble, poured concrete, salvaged wood, or intricate tiles, you'll find ideas to make any fireplace a standout part of your space. The living room makeover was designed suit the client's passion for entertaining. The existing two-story fireplace was minimal – just a stand-alone firebox and floating mantle. 'This was the perfect opportunity to add a more traditional element, so we featured a black marble mantle by MATERIALS, made to fit the existing firebox,' says Studio Sven principal, Lauren Svenstrup. Your unique space can incorporate artwork that reflects your taste and complements the fireplace. Decorative accessories enhance the overall look, while textiles bring warmth to your design.
Use a fender in a traditional space
Black accents elsewhere in the space—including the sconces, benches, and coffee table—coordinate with the firebox while allowing the space to feel light and bright. The vibrant hues in floor-length Kerrie Brown curtains, a Made Goods coffee table, Barry Cawston artwork, and the curated shelf layouts are tempered by neutral gray paint, earth-toned swivel chairs, and a sapphire blue rug. ‘Within this Mid-Century meets California space, the fireplace is a focal piece in the room. A small modern fireplace set into the brickwork above where the fire would have been gives this room a stylish feel. A mirror is placed above and is high enough to reflect the chandelier and staircase.

Lighten It Up
This delightful living room fireplace ticks all of those boxes and even has a mirror built in. Use the mantel beam for small vases, candles and foraged finds like pine cones, chestnuts and ferns. This charming fireplace is still large enough to hold this mini log burner which will keep you warm and cozy still.
Soften hard stone surfaces with natural, textural materials such as a rugs alongside contemporary living room lighting and upholstered furniture. A swirling black-and-white marble surround and mantel set the tone for this dining room by Widell and Boschetti. "Because the stone has so much movement, a rich jeweled tone paint color was in order," says designer Christina Boschetti. "Hand-painted graphic paper was chosen for the fifth wall to add that extra pizazz. We chose an oversized mirror to finish the room off, adding a simple, demure bust." A small, square firebox becomes a focal point with an oversized black surround and hearth by interior design firm Widell and Boschetti.
Keep it simple with a large mirror on the mantel
Wood-burning fireplaces provide the satisfying sizzle and pop, but require more maintenance and have more safety concerns than other styles of fireplaces. Based on our analysis of 164,401 living rooms, we found that 75.41% of living rooms built as a new home or renovated since 2009 have a fireplace. Obviously TheHomeDweller that’s not every living room built and designed since then, but it’s a good number and likely sufficient in order to conclude a reliable percentage of living rooms that have a fireplace. Fireplaces can be made to match any style of home, from traditional to rustic to modern. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world.
Besides drawing attention to the beauty of the fire, this living room layout encourages conversation. This oversized sculpted hearth is a testament that fireplaces are not one-size-fits-all. The proportions of this fireplace could easily overpower the room, but a fresh white paint job keeps it in check.

A long, low fireplace is mounted into a sleek marble wall, which complements the other natural textures and materials in the room. In a smaller room, Enviable Designs installed horizontal wood planks across the short wall to help the space look wider. The gray stone surround of the fireplace softens the deep brown of the wood with organic tones, while minimalist lamps on either side are a polished alternative to cabinets or shelving. Black herringbone tile and crisp white trim surround this living room fireplace, designed by Kelly Finley at Joy Street Design. The light and dark contrast is mirrored on the adjacent bookcase and complemented by a bright, primary-toned artwork that hangs over the fireplace. Painting the walls and crown molding the same shade of blue-gray—and incorporating a similar shade into the mantel decor, side chair, and lamp—allow this fireplace surround's impressive stonework to stand out.
Balance your living room layouts with a fireplace by considering other elements in the room. You can achieve harmony by using symmetry or asymmetry in the furniture placement around a fireplace. Rugs, lighting, and décor can enhance the overall balance and tie a furniture arrangement together. The key to comfortable navigation is adequate space for an easy flow around the room. So be sure to leave enough space between seating areas and pay attention to doorways, windows, and other entry points. This modern black and white living room is positively dripping with effortless luxury.
Fireplace boxes that extend into the living space can create hard-to-furnish areas on either side. Elise Home used built-in storage and cushioned benches to transition those areas into extra seating—perfect for sitting by the fire with a mystery novel and a cup of tea. With ample space for bookshelves on either side of this homeowner's smaller firebox, the open storage could become a visual distraction from the rest of the room. But by installing the firebox in a marble wall that's wider and taller than the shelves, the space feels like a spot to relax and let your eyes rest.
If you have alcoves each side of the fireplace then a smaller TV can go there and you’ll need to pull out your seating to allow for another space so that you can see it and still enjoy the fire when lit. Dark colors push original features to the background, so if you want them to blend in visually then paint your fireplace and walls the same dark and dramatic color. The artwork frames the log burner perfectly and creates a really interesting view from the armchairs. A modern home has its pros and cons, lovely straight walls and clean lines, but is often missing the character of a more historic property.
Pastel pink and aqua are set off by pops of fuchsia and bright blue, while the beige surrounding the fireplace coordinates with the coastal vibe. The ornate mantel and trim are a good fit for the color palette and delicate accessories from Kristina Phillips Interior Design. The central placement of the fireplace also means that it fits in seamlessly with the living room. Place white, black or brightly colored vases, trinkets and more on the mantel for impact but keep the rest of the scheme neutral for balance.
But what really turns our heads is the asymmetrical fireplace and adjacent paneling that's just offbeat enough. Floating shelves on one side balance a raised hearth extending to the opposite wall. Wood-burning fireplaces have the traditional aesthetic, including the signature scent, crackling sound, and the dancing flames. They’re self-sufficient in the case of an electrical outage, and can be used to heat the room regardless.
Since its inception, Decorilla has collaborated with thousands of professional designers who have transformed countless homes and commercial spaces worldwide. Every day, Decorilla’s designers craft bespoke interiors, allowing clients to experience spaces that resonate with their personal style and aspirations, fostering genuine connections with the world of design. Place your seating arrangement around the fireplace in a formation that encourages it to be the primary visual attraction.