The fireplace is often a focal point and central feature to the home, which means its design should reflect the home's overall architectural style. When designing a space, this is often where people get stuck.
They choose a fireplace style that's trendy at the time but doesn't suit their home, and a couple years down the line, the fireplace looks dated.
"When it comes to architectural elements—especially something as central as a fireplace—it’s important to stay true to the home’s overall style," says interior designer Melanie Zaelich. We asked designers to share common fireplace design mistakes so you can make a more timeless choice for your home.
1. Overusing Fieldstone
Fieldstone fireplaces were rampant in the 90s and early 2000s, as clients sought to add authenticity to gas fireboxes and new build homes. Despite being natural, however, large, multi-colored fieldstone is downright maximalist—making it difficult to work around as time passes. "My clients see it as a dated look—one that was overdone in its time," says designer Michelle Hoey. "Fieldstones can be large and overwhelming, which in turn drives so much of the room’s style."
Stone is still a hugely popular fireplace material, but a more modern choice would be stone that looks like once piece, rather than the stacked, cottage look of fieldstone. "There’s a continued desire for more modern or minimalist aesthetics that allows for the client to make changes within the space down the road," Hoey says.
2. Linear Fireplaces That Don't Match the Aesthetic
Linear fireplaces offer a sleek look that's attractive to people who want to remodel an old fireplace, but designers say this style really only works among other modern elements.
"Clients start browsing what’s popular and are drawn to the modern, clean look of a linear fireplace" Zaelich says. "But because it’s distinctly modern, it’s really only suited for modern homes." She explains this creates an architectural mashup that makes it difficult to find direction in the decorating process. "Your fireplace should complement the existing architecture to create a cohesive, timeless design," she says.
3. Bold Decorative Hearths
Highly decorative fireplaces have been popular in the last few years. Think layers of molding on the mantel, picture molding on the chimney, decorative tile, maybe even some corbels. The problem? Most homes are simply not formal enough to warrant this kind of extremely decorative fireplace. "Suddenly everything in your home has to match this very bold look," Hoey says.
Once again, consider the architectural style of your home to guide your fireplace design. "Antique limestone and marble mantels can look beautiful in a formal Tudor drawing room, but it will look out of place in a Craftsman style house," Zaelich says. Decisions like molding should match the rest of the molding in your home.
If you're unsure about what style of fireplace would be appropriate for your home, research historical references, such as "craftsman-style fireplace," or hire a designer to help guide your choices.
Read more at Better Homes & Gardens
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