The cold is relative, depending on where you are. I have friends in the snowy north who don’t use their fireplaces until the temperatures dip below 35. But here in Houston, we will fire up a fireplace when it’s 59 degrees outside. Sometimes, we just want the ambiance of the fire, like my clients who live in warmer locales. I love to design fireplaces, their surrounds, and mantels. Here’s a look at some of my favorite styles!

Sleek and Chic

A gorgeous book-matched stone serves as the sleek surround for this coastal fireplace. It leads the eye upwards and almost creates an artistic moment on the wall. This is a great idea for small spaces, or where you want the fireplace to be more of a supporting character in the room.

A Traditional Take

In the living room I designed above, a stone mantel with carved pilasters complements the more traditional design of the room. You can find these in older homes, but there are some great companies making newer editions. I like that the overall color allows the mantel to stand out in, but not take over, the room.

Making a Transition

In a more transitional take, I used a mantel in the room above that has a traditional profile, but all the carving and decoration is gone. Today’s traditional is like that - more transitional and cleaner. It gives the room sophistication, but less formality.

The Lodge Look

Of course in a ski chalet home, like the one I designed above in Telluride, stone is a must when it comes to fireplaces. And that’s really the key, isn’t it? The fireplace shouldn’t be a second thought, but an integral part of the room’s overall design. The stacked stone in the photo above highlights the soaring mountains right outside the window for an incredibly earthy look.

Small Space Style

In a smaller space, a fireplace can still offer warmth and light. In the home above, a fireplace offers many views from different rooms. I love how it can be enjoyed in the dining room or the living room.

What do you think about these fireplace styles? Let me know in the comments section below!

Warmly (very warmly),

Beth