The arrival of fall is imminent and we’re saying goodbye to summer. That means we’re heading back indoors where we’ll be looking around our interiors in anticipation of nesting season. At this time of year I have one word on my mind when it comes to home and that word is cozy. When it comes to dressing ourselves we’re trading linen for fleece and the same mentality applies to our home. We want to find ways to make our interiors feel cozy and warm as we transition our home from summer to fall and winter. If you’d like more tips on winter decorating, read this post.
One of the things that happens at this time of year is we re-enter our homes after a summer outdoors and see things with a critical eye. What needs to be replaced? What project will be emphasized? If that project happens to be a new fireplace you are likely curious about what’s hot in fireplace design. Here’s everything that I’m seeing in the world of design as it relates to fireplace design.
1/ Creating Textural and Architectural Depth
Texture is trending in design, particularly for homes that lean towards modern, contemporary or even transitional design (read more about transitional design style here). Texture is important whenever you’re creating a design that doesn’t include a lot of pattern and colour. If you prefer a more neutral palette then consider adding some additional texture to your fireplace.
What does texture look like when it comes to a fireplace? Venetian plaster, stacked stone and mixed material surrounds using metal, wood, tile and marble are all gaining popularity in fireplace design. These materials create tactile interest and elevate the overall look of your space.
This is the design equivalent of the quiet luxury trend that’s been so popular in fashion for the past few years. It’s quiet in colour and pattern but there’s a visual interest that feels chic and sophisticated.
2/ Fluted Design
Over the last couple of years we’ve seen a resurgence of fluted designs in kitchen cabinetry. Now we’re beginning to see this same sophisticated design in fireplaces as well. The reason we’re all loving fluted designs recently is because it offers texture but still feels very clean and balanced.
There are a couple of ways to achieve this look. The first is a surround that’s fluted while the rest of the area remains simple and quiet as a backdrop. The fluted surround becomes an eye-catching focal point and is often accompanied by a simple, unfussy mantel.
The other option is that the wall is clad in a fluted wood while the surround is simple stone, plaster or tile. This linear design emphasizes vertical height and can turn an ordinary room into a showstopper with the entire wall becoming the focal point of the room.
3/ Bold Colour Surrounds
Just as we’re moving away from the all-white kitchen we’re also moving away from neutral surrounds and instead are seeing more bold coloured tiles. If you’re not a colour enthusiast but want to find a way to add a bold, dramatic design element to your space, this could be the perfect solution. This is a creative way to add your own personality to your space and create a design that specifically feels like you.
There is no end to the rainbow of colours available in tiles so you’ll find something that suits you and your home. Deep blue, green and even yellow tiles will turn your fireplace surround into an instant focal point.
4/ Multi-Sided Installations
These two and three-sided fireplaces were popular in family homes in the 70’s but lost popularity as families opted for more simple designs. Well they’re back again and are creating a beautiful architectural statement in today’s home.
Two or three-sided fireplaces help to bridge and connect rooms to each other while also enhancing the flow of light and warmth to more than just a single space. I love this style of fireplace for open concept homes because it allows family members to enjoy the fireplace while relaxing in different areas in your space.
5/ Natural Stone in Dark Colours
We’ve seen a lot of marble being used in fireplace design over the last decade but we’re moving away from the lighter, more neutral designs and towards a bolder and more grounded appearance.
We’re currently seeing pops of dark, bold colour with designers and homeowners opting for charcoal, black and gray marble and other natural stone. These moody colours infuse visual weight and elegance to our spaces. If you feel like your room needs an anchor to give it some visual prominence a dark fireplace might be the answer.
6/ Minimalist, Linear Design
Linear fireplaces are long, horizontal designs recessed into walls have been widely embraced for their clean architectural look. There is an emphasis on the flame rather than any ornate framing and this lends a more minimalist and contemporary look to your space.
I particularly like this look in a modern condo where the city views are the focal point. In that case, this type of linear design grabs your attention while not feeling overbearing.
7/ Smart Technology
Perhaps not surprisingly, technology is making its way into our homes’ fireplaces. Colourful smart flames are becoming more popular and the LED flame simulations are now offered in blue, purple and even with customizable settings for multi-hued flames. This is an interesting way to add additional ambience to your fireplace.
We’ve seen remote controlled fireplaces for many years but did you know that you can also use voice enabled and app-controlled systems as well. These allow you to adjust the height of the flame and the heat settings with just a simple command.
8/ Floor to Ceiling Designs
If you want a way to add dramatic design to your home without it feeling too fussy then this is a great way to achieve that. This dramatic look is achieved by creating a vertical design using plaster, natural stone or tile. This allows us to create stunning designs and add a ton of visual interest as well as drawing the eye upward and creating the illusion of additional height in your room.
This design looks great in rooms that have vaulted ceilings or in a great room with oversized ceiling height. Rooms with high ceilings can often feel cold and lacking in design features. Since the ceiling height is the emphasis it’s hard to know how to design a space to work with that design feature. A floor to ceiling fireplace visually matches the aesthetic and enhances the ceiling height making it a true feature in your space.
If you’re interested in discussing fireplace design for your own home, reach out to me. I’d love to discuss how we can work together and create the fireplace that best suits your space.
