Trends: Fireplace designs that won't quit

by Ann Hayward 02/17/2025

When interior designers or architects design fireplaces, they often go with the classic brick fireplace or a timeless marble fireplace, which often serves as the focal point for a living room or dining room. But homeowners may be looking for fresh fireplace ideas that step outside the traditional setup, or want to explore new ways to spruce up their current sitting area with real fire as design inspiration.

Regardless of your style, design choices or current decor, there is a fireplace style that can pull your rooms together. Here’s a brief guide to four of the most timeless fireplace design trends:

Frameless

Frameless fireplaces are great for those incorporating a bit of sophisticated ambience into their living room or large sitting area. These fireplaces frequently utilize marble, stone, tile or other hard, fire-resistant materials to build simple yet bold fireplaces.

They fit seamlessly against modern and contemporary decor ideas, and tend to come in black, white and neutral colors, though bold hues and painted tile may also be available from certain suppliers.

Frameless fireplaces also come in electric variations for those looking for heat with a bit of artwork tied in.

Convertible

Convertible fireplaces are excellent when it comes to versatility and year-round design prowess. These fireplaces allow you to create an inviting area while giving you the option to use a crackling wood log as fuel, or simply enjoy the warmth of a gas fireplace with less cleanup.

These fireplaces also come in handy if the firewood season has been particularly wet. For those looking to diminish their gas bill, switching to wood during great harvesting seasons can help you do just that.

Corners

Corner fireplaces come in different sizes and types. Often great for maintaining the contemporary vibe, these fireplaces come adorned with sleek lines, soft ambient glows and are a perfect fit for those with exposed beams or other structural elements within the home.

Like frameless fireplaces, these can come as traditional fireplaces or electric variations.

Indoor/Outdoor

Possibly one of the most interesting in fireplace design, indoor/outdoor fireplaces utilize a shared wall for indoor and outdoor spaces. They usually come in traditional finishes such as brick or marble. For those with a design edge, try employing a rustic mantel outdoors, while a soft and memory-laced mantel adorns the interior working of the indoor segment.

Fireplace designs are ever-changing as innovation plays with decor and design features. You may find that one of these four fireplaces is precisely what you’re searching for to pull your ideal room together.

About the Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]