Michelle's Pick: Fireplace Design Trends

During the brisk autumn nights and the cold winter days, there's nothing better than gathering round a warm, crackling fire with friends and family. Whether you like to play board games, recap your day, or snuggle up and watch movies, a comforting fire ablaze in a beautiful fireplace sets just the right tone.

We spoke with Brown Haven Homes' lead designer, Michelle, to give us the scoop on the hottest fireplace trends this season.

Go Minimal

Even though it's the perfect place to display photos and collections, try to minimize accessories on the mantel to keep your space clean and modern. Try a simple mirror and glass hurricanes filled with a few sprigs of eucalyptus. The same goes for the hearth — uncluttered is trending. A large basket with throw blankets on one side or a cool antique fireplace tool set is all you need to create interest.

Get Creative with Color

To create a unique focal point in your great room, paint the wall above the mantel an accent color. Pick a color that complements your current paint scheme for a unified look, or go for the unexpected with a bright and vibrant color. This is such a small (but important) area that it's the perfect place to take a color risk.

Create a Seating-Height Hearth

On a cold night, everyone loves the spot right by the fire, but unless you're the family pup, it's not ideal to sit on the floor to enjoy maximum toastiness. Bring the height of the hearth up to 18 inches to create a standard, seating-height bench. Toss a few throw pillows on there and you have a cozy bench that's accessible to all.

Add Holiday Greenery

The fireplace is one of everyone's favorite places in the home to decorate for the holidays. This year, create a trendy fireplace by doing less. A few poinsettias on the hearth, some pine branches on the mantle, and maybe a candle or two, and you're all set to enjoy the warmth and happiness a holiday fire brings.

For more fireplace design trends, browse our online galleries, and when you're ready to create your own, schedule an appointment at any of our Design Centers in Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, or North Georgia.