Few architectural features have the potential for as much presence as the fireplace. Whether pared back to minimalist lines and muted color palettes or elaborately carved and impressively ornamented, a fireplace grounds the space both visually and emotionally. The hearth is a natural gathering space, designed to warm, welcome, and soothe. At Laura U Design Collective, we’ve designed fireplaces that span styles and moods from neoclassical to modernist, rustic to urbane, but we always cast an eye toward balance, materiality, and how a family will actually live around that piece.
Here, we’ve gathered 21 of our most memorable fireplaces from the LUDC archives. Read on for our top fireplace design ideas; we want your family cozy and comfortable this Fall!
21 Stunning Fireplace Design Ideas to Inspire a Cozy Fall and Winter
This Minimalist Fireplace Flanked by Two Carved Wooden Doors at Braeswood
The fireplace here is defined by its pared-back plaster surround and rustic timber mantel. Between the craftsmanship and restraint of our designers, this fireplace leans much more contemporary than “modern farmhouse,” yet it blends in well with more antique and vintage elements. Its simple geometry draws the eye upward to the exposed ceiling beams and outward toward the dramatic carved wooden doors that flank it.
In the larger space, earthy stone floors and natural textures ground the scheme, while plush seating in jewel-toned velvets and layered neutrals adds depth to a relatively sparsely-decorated interior. Here, the furnishings and architecture speak to each other in the same language with slightly different dialects.
This Neoclassical Fireplace at Colonial Drive
At home in a transitional interior, the fireplace here is rooted in neoclassical form: a white surround with crisp lines, stepped molding, and restrained pilasters. It feels traditional in structure but pared back in ornament. This architectural detail supports the space without overwhelming it. A colorful abstract artwork above complements the fireplace while giving the composition an unexpectedly modern lift.
In this bedroom, the fireplace anchors an otherwise hushed palette of soft grays, whites, and layered neutrals. Tailored chairs, a pale rug, and filtered daylight keep the atmosphere serene and soothing. The effect our designers achieved here is a retreat that balances architectural gravitas with the ease of contemporary living.
This Arts and Crafts Movement-Inspired Brick Fireplace from Hedwig Village
Defined by a red brick hearth and a painted green mantel, this fireplace recalls the sturdy, simple honesty of the Arts and Crafts movement. Its tactile materials and unembellished geometry place it firmly in the tradition of handcrafted design, but the bold green finish adds a fresh, unexpected layer that integrates beautifully with other elements throughout Hedwig Village.
The surrounding lodge-style living room doubles down on texture: leather chairs, woven rugs, leafy greens, and vintage-inspired artwork all cultivate an atmosphere of warmth, gathering, and nostalgia. In this context, the fireplace feels much less like ornament and more like a true hearth.
This Bold, Blue-Gray Fireplace at Braeswood Place
Sharp-edged and saturated, this fireplace reads as unapologetically modern—just like the rest of Braeswood Place. The surround is clad in blue-gray stone, its angular cuts drawing the eye to the wide, linear firebox. The geometry here is deliberate and architectural, but it also feels a bit playful.
The room around it softens that boldness with approachable textures and curvier silhouettes. Warm walnut millwork, neutral upholstery, and abstract artwork above the hearth build contrast without creating too much tension. This room feels sophisticated but not severe, with the fireplace acting as the strong central note that everything else riffs off. You can relax here, but you can also host here.
This Intricately-Carved Niche Fireplace at Pebble Beach
Carved from pale stone or plaster (can you tell which?), this fireplace is both functional and ornamental. Its arched niche silhouette recalls Old World architecture, while the surface is layered with delicate botanical motifs that speak to craftsmanship and permanence. It commands attention without shouting at you from across the room.
The surrounding space strikes a more modern note: a sweeping curved sofa, clean-lined coffee table, and a dramatic chandelier in glass and metal. Neutral tones and subtle textures soften the stone’s weight to spark a conversation between tradition and modernity. Here, the fireplace grounds the space in history while allowing the furnishings to keep the mood fresh.
This Romantic Stone Fireplace with Herringbone Inset at Garnet Residence
In the Garnet Residence primary suite, the fireplace is framed in pale stone and finished with a herringbone brick inset. Its geometry is clean, but the natural veining and subtle texture make it feel romantic rather than austere. A brass-edged firebox polishes the fireplace, while stacked stone spheres bring a sculptural, almost playful quality.
The larger suite reflects the “warm and romantic” character that guided the redesign of this home. Chevron Maya Romanoff paneling draws the eye upward, echoing other custom details throughout the residence. Blush velvet upholstery, pale linens, and warm wood tones layer the space with texture and color, cutting through the starkness of the original white-on-white shell.
This Elongated Stone Fireplace at Green Tree
Long and lean, the fireplace at Green Tree is framed by a veined marble surround set within a dark wood border. Its proportions stretch horizontally, emphasizing the firebox’s width and creating a strong architectural line across the wall. This fireplace feels graphic but not cold; it is a deliberate piece of geometry warmed by natural materials.
In the seating area, the palette leans quite cosmopolitan: a cognac leather bench, polished brass accents, and stacks of art books speak to a modern, urbane sensibility. Here, the fireplace doesn’t recede into the background; it uniquely complements the low-profile furniture.
This Neutral Brick and Plaster Fireplace in the Hedwig Village Loggia
Outdoors but sheltered, this loggia fireplace is built of pale plaster and surrounded by weathered brick laid in a herringbone pattern. The design is simple, almost elemental, but the texture of the brick keeps it from feeling flat. With the fireplace, this loggia is a natural gathering point in every season.
The seating area leans casual and welcoming: woven armchairs, a slatted wood coffee table, and soft cushions that echo the muted tones of the brick. Surrounded by greenery and framed by arched openings, the whole space feels like an extension of the garden.
This Veined Marble Fireplace at Garnet Residence
The fireplace here is cut from a slab of marble with soft gray veining, its crisp surround left free of aggressive ornamentation. Around it, the living room layers plush upholstery, mirrored surfaces, and sculptural accents to create a space that feels polished but not precious. The marble fireplace anchors this mix, grounding the glamour of the room in something more elemental and enduring.
This Sleek Lined Fireplace at Heights Modern
At Heights Modern, the fireplace is pared back to essentials: a rectangular firebox set within a smooth surround of veined marble. Its lines are sharp but not severe, the stone adding just enough variation to soften the composition.
The furnishings mirror that restraint but with playful punch that echoes this April’s High Point Market trends (though it was designed years prior). A bouclé swivel chair, minimalist tables, and bold geometric artwork create a setting that’s contemporary but approachable. The fireplace is one more strong line in a room built on clarity, proportion, and confidence.
This Dark-Toned Stone Fireplace at Huntwick Forest
Here, a surround of dark stone is balanced by a pale plaster mantel, creating a crisp frame for the firebox. The stone’s depth of color gives weight to the fireplace, while a dark herringbone inset adds texture. Stacked spheres inside the hearth nod to sculpture, keeping the whole composition from feeling too serious.
The larger room is bright and lofty, with exposed beams, tall windows, and pale upholstery. The contrast between the dark stone and the light-filled architecture brings balance to the space, grounding a living area designed as much for gathering as for repose.
This Beveled Fireplace with Dynamic Veining at Memorial
At Memorial, the fireplace is clad in stone with a dramatic, painterly veining. The surround is cut with beveled edges, so the veining shifts direction as it turns, giving the piece a sense of movement. The firebox itself is low and linear, an understated counterpoint to the bold stone.
In the room around it, glass walls and sleek modern furnishings add to that lofty yet masculine feel we love. A leather-and-plywood Eames lounge, sculptural wall art, and an open view to the outdoors complete a space where architecture and furniture both lean modernist, but with warmth and tactility.
This Minimalist Fireplace Surrounded by Gray Tones at Mountain Lane
Smooth plaster in a charcoal tone sets the stage for this minimalist yet incredibly impactful fireplace. The firebox is slim and rectangular, resting on a low stone hearth that stretches the width of the wall. Its simplicity is deliberate, letting the texture of plaster and stone speak without excess detail, which is perfect for Aspen.
The mood is subdued but layered: soft rugs, tailored seating, and artwork propped casually on the ledge keep the space from feeling stark. Even the mounted bison head above adds to the play of rustic and modern, grounding the fireplace in a context that’s contemporary yet distinctly regional.
This Dramatic Fireplace in the Study at Heights Modern
In the Heights Modern study, the fireplace rises up toward the ceiling in dark stone veined with metallic streaks. The pattern feels almost like lightning caught in stone, giving the surround a sense of drama without adding any unnecessary bulk. The firebox itself is modest in scale, allowing the vertical surface to dominate.
The furnishings are restrained but handsome: a tailored desk, patterned bench, and deep shelving filled with books. Together, they form a masculine room that feels private and serious, yet the fireplace introduces just enough boldness to elevate it beyond the expected.
This Eye-Catching Focal Point in the Primary Suite at River Oaks Modern
Opposite a beautifully framed bed, this fireplace is wrapped in marble with soft, dramatic veining while its beveled surround draws the eye inward toward the firebox. The stone continues down into an extended hearth, blurring the line between architecture and built-in furniture. The geometry is crisp, but the veining keeps it from reading as too rigid.
In the context of the primary suite, the effect is one of quiet luxury. White walls and pale floors amplify the light, while the marble’s pattern anchors the room.
This Fireplace with Natural Wood Tones at University Place
At University Place, the fireplace is framed in warm oak with a crisp marble surround. The pale stone keeps the composition light, while the beveled wood border brings warmth and grounding to the room. The contrast is subtle but effective; it feels fresh without being fussy. Our team coated the walls in plaster by Segreto to add to that feeling.
The space around it reinforces that ease. Built-in shelving, layered textiles, and low-slung seating make the living room approachable and family friendly. A sculptural pendant overhead and art in moody tones add just enough drama to balance the softness of this space’s furnishings.
This Striking Black Marble Fireplace at Sandalwood Contemporary
Is this the most dramatic fireplace design on our list? Perhaps! Here, the fireplace is clad entirely in polished black marble, its veining exaggerated into near-symmetry across the tall surround. The stone is bold, reflective, and commanding, making the firebox itself almost secondary to the composition.
The furnishings keep pace with that drama: sculptural seating in graphic upholstery, contemporary artwork, and a minimal palette of black and white. Together, they create a striking interior that feels as much like an art installation as a gathering space.
This Raw Umber Fireplace at Heights Modern
At Heights Modern, the fireplace wall is sheathed in a deep umber-toned surface that recalls weathered steel. The firebox is left simple, letting the expanse of material carry it. It’s dark, matte, and quietly powerful.
The rest of the room softens that strength with curving furniture and tactile finishes. A sculptural chaise in pale upholstery, layered artwork, and a delicate white side table all temper the heaviness of the wall. This space is moody (perfect for fall!) but never oppressive.
This Black Stone Fireplace with Puffy White Plaster Surround at River Oaks Modern
In this River Oaks living room, a black stone hearth is wrapped by a sculptural plaster surround with rounded, almost inflated edges. The softness of the plaster plays against the solidity of the stone, creating a fireplace that feels contemporary but still inviting, especially as light and texture are important elements of this home.
The styling heightens that contrast: bold artwork above the mantel, organic pottery on the coffee table, and low-profile seating in warm neutrals. This space is entirely modern, yes, but it is also softened by texture, curve, and craft.
This All-Black Fireplace with Herringbone Details at River Oaks Contemporary
The fireplace at River Oaks Contemporary is finished entirely in black stone, with the firebox inset lined in herringbone brick. The uniform color palette emphasizes texture over contrast, drawing the eye to pattern and shadow.
Set against paneled shelving and traditional seating, the fireplace is a dramatic focal point that impresses without overwhelming the room. It carries enough weight to anchor the space, while the furnishings and artwork keep the mood layered and lively despite a traditional palette of dark woods and neutral upholstery.
Create a Cozy Nook This Fall with Laura U Design Collective
From intricate plaster niches to sleek marble slabs, these 21 fireplaces show the range of moods a well-designed hearth can set. They can be quiet or commanding, sculptural or understated, rustic or urbane. Still, they are always personal and always integral to the architecture around them.
If this collection has inspired ideas for your own home, our team at Laura U Design Collective would love to help bring them to life. Whether you’re in Houston, Aspen, or beyond, we specialize in creating spaces that balance beauty and comfort, fireplaces included. Reach out to begin designing a home that’s every bit as inviting as the ones you’ve just toured.