Fireplace Weather
Autumn is here! This time of year my thoughts turn to sweaters, raking leaves, and getting cozy by a warm fire. Here are a few of my favorite fireplace designs that my clients love, and I think you will, too!
Gentleman’s Modern Classic
![A gentlemanly living room, showing blue carpet, dark brown leather club chairs dressed with American flag pillows, a large modern faux horsehair octagonal footrest used as a table, with whiskey and ice bucket on a tray. On the other side of the footrest is a red couch with several throw pillows. The rear wall has bookshelves either side of a wood fireplace surround and mantel, dressed with artwork. In front of the mantel is a flower arrangement. Light streams in from the windows on the left. Wood paneling surrounds the windows, doors, and acts as cornicing](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Fireplace-Gentlemans-Modern-Classic-580x425.jpg)
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
![Bottom left of image is a small stool on a grey fluffy rug, in front of a black hearth fireplace in contemporary style, with white surround. Hung above the fireplace on the surround is an art canvas, plus vases on the hearth. Flooring is a warm wood, and the walls are cedar wood construction, in the style of a modern ski lodge.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Fireplace_Contemporary-580x835.jpg)
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
![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.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Fireplace-Comfortable-Midcentury-580x787.jpg)
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 Loft
![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 steel and stone shapes. A Douglas fir wood mantel is dressed with Asian art and sculptures, plus dried plantings that have an architectural, spikey look to them. To the left of the fireplace is a large potted plant, again with spikey leaves, and to the right is a leaning open bookshelf.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Fireplaces_Industrial-Zen-Loft-580x870.jpg)
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, Kimball Starr can answer your questions – contact her today!