Fireplaces, whether it be stone, brick or wood, used to just heat the home. Now, homeowners are demanding more and are coming up with some of the most creative fireplace design ideas we have seen in years. No matter the type, be it tile, limestone or marble, design options have dramatically changed and homeowners are altering expectations as such. To further inspire those thinking about installing their own fireplace or replace an existing one, we found six of the hottest fireplace design ideas in the industry.

Stone Fireplace

Stone fireplaces are still the most popular choice and fortunately for homeowners, the look is not the only major advantage. Stone fireplace surround gives homeowners the ability to choose from a wide array of colors. Also, compared to other surroundings, stone retains the heat and radiates it back into the room even after the fire is out. Given the cold temperatures, this can be a huge plus for those living in the Midwest or on the East Coast. Finally, other than the charming appeal stone fireplaces offer, homeowners should be delighted to hear that stone is a very green option. Stone is one of the most durable fireplace options and is readily available across the country.

Tile Fireplace

Additions & Remodels                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Brick fireplaces have somewhat fallen off the radar for many new homeowners, but given their prevalence in older homes, they are still relevant today. Brick fireplaces certainly give any home that classic sense, but beware that the brick color can quickly fade and they can be hard to replace or repair. However, brick does offer the option to paint over should you ever choose to go a different route with the living room. They fit quite well with rustic homes and if you really want to get creative, you can form a dynamic look if you change the layout of the bricks.

Limestone Fireplace

There are many different versions of limestone fireplaces, ranging from rustic and traditional like the first image above to the more modern limestone fireplace you see in the second image. Given the abundance of options, a limestone fireplace can adapt to fit any home style. Limestone is both strong and durable and can easily be transformed into a home’s focal point. However, limestone is expensive to install and very easy to chip. Compared to the other fireplace design options, limestone can be difficult to repair.

Marble Fireplace

Certainly, the biggest advantage of choosing a marble fireplace over any of the other options discussed is its durability. A marble fireplace can last for a lifetime with proper maintenance and care. While the upfront costs could be expensive, the finances will even out over time due to minimal maintenance.  Like we said in Why Pitched Roofs Are Better Than Flat Roofs, do not get caught up in the initial costs. You need to look at it as a long-term investment. Additionally, marble is very easy to clean, especially compared to brick or stone. Marble is also capable of holding up against very high temperatures according to Do It Yourself.

Wood Fireplace

Finally, perhaps the most adaptive fireplace design is wood. A wood fireplace surrounding is certainly ideal for homes that have a rustic appeal, but can also provide a great contrast to the more modern home. You could use virtually any kind of wood, even it comes from other areas of the home. Perhaps the biggest advantage of wood is that it is easier to install and a rather challenging, yet fun project for those looking to do it yourself. 

If you are thinking of installing a fireplace, see what others paid with our fireplace and chimney cost estimator.