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Fireplace Weather Alert

Oct 20, 2025 | Posted in Inspirations | Share

Autumn is here again! This season, my thoughts turn to warm sweaters, raking crisp leaves, and getting cozy by a warm fire. Here are a few of my clients’ favorite fireplace designs I created, and I think you will enjoy them, too.

Gentleman’s Modern Classic Fireplace

A hair-on-hide ottoman pairs with leather armchairs in this gentleman's living room.
Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Marija Vidal

I like to call this one a modern classic because the room has elements of both traditional and modern design. We styled the fireplace with art, lighting, and a flower arrangement, to make it easy to use and welcoming.

Contemporary Warm and Cozy Fire

The knotty cedar wood wall paneling in this living room is accented by the white custom-designed ribbon fireplace with a black hearth. A midcentury modern stool in white sits atop a fluffy grey faux fur in front of the fire. A piece of artwork in black and white hangs above the fireplace, and two sculptural vases decorate the hearth.
Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Paul Dyer

A simple yet elegant design that fits today’s busy lifestyle. I custom-created the fireplace and surround to contrast with the warm, knotty cedar wood wall construction, and personalized with art and pottery. The stool and rug are perfect for getting the fire started on a chilly night.

Comfortable Mid-century Fireplace Without Mantel

Living room showing table and 2 vintage green metal chairs at the back left corner, in front of a window. To the right, a modern grey horizontal striped fireplace without a mantel, with simple black firescreen in front. Above the fire, a turquoise blue and bright green and yellow artwork is hung. In the front of the image, a purple and white striped mid-century modern chair and matching footrest sit on a blue patterned rug. The rest of the flooring is warm wood-tones. An orange and white lattice-patterned round side table is at the very front of the view, next to the chair and footrest.
Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer

Classic furniture is allowed to be the star of this living room, while the architectural fireplace is appropriately subdued. Having a fireplace without a mantel means you won’t collect clutter, showing off beautiful artwork instead. A simple metal screen stops loose sparks and beautifies the hearth.

Industrial Zen Elements Fireplace

View of a living room fireplace. In the foreground, a grey chaise lounge dressed with brown pillows. A hint of a multicolored rug on the floor, with light colored wood underneath. A glowing globe light sits on the floor, to the right of the hearth, which is patterned grey with oversized brick-like shapes. The Douglas fir wood mantel is dressed with Asian art and sculptures, plus dried plantings that have an architectural, spiky look to them. To the left of the fireplace is a large potted plant, again with spiky leaves, and to the right is a bookcase.
Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer

Asian elements and organic surfaces appealed to this client’s understated masculine style, so I used a floating Douglas fir wood mantel to balance out the steel and stone fire surround. We finished off the fireplace design with simple plantings and art. The wood placed just inside invites you to light a fire and enjoy a peaceful evening.

If you dream of having a warm fireplace in your home, Kimball Starr can answer your questions – contact her today!

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