My new home has a fireplace. I’ve wanted one forever. I’ve given a lot of thought as to what makes a stand-out fireplace. In terms of intricate, carved, period fireplace surrounds, they can be wood, marble or plaster, for instance. They grace homes of every imaginable style.

The mantle is a prized location to add an ever changing array of bibelot to match your season or your mood.

But three styles really inspire me in a fireplace. First- modern, almost austere in their simplicity and clean lines, I like low fireplaces on plaster walls which have no surrounds or mantles. Using the ancient Moroccan technique called tadelakt creates a surface with subtle texture and color and a slight sheen from the beeswax used in the tadelakt.

I also appreciate colorful ceramic tile fireplaces like those made by the Moravian Tile Company of yesteryear. There are so many great tiles you can choose like Zelij, glazed ceramics like Heath or the historical blue and white designs of Delft tiles for just 3 examples.  

Then there’s the masterful stone work from master stonemasons like the artist Lew French. And if you’re going to add paint color to a fireplace surround…I vote for black for a stand out fireplace surround.

Striking fireplace design

Outstanding fireplace designs

Ultra modern fireplaces

Beautiful fireplaces

Tile fireplace