A fireplace is a constant in many people’s dream home wishlist. It’s a timeless element that can create storybook-like living rooms and the evoke the coziest of atmospheres. However, the rustic brick fireplaces of the past aren’t a fit for everyone’s modern-day homes. So, whether you’re hoping to upgrade the existing fireplace in your home or add a new feature to your space, you may be looking for modern alternatives. Below, take inspiration from 31 modern fireplaces that serve as a sleek and comforting centerpiece to your home.
Leverage Plaster
This design by Sunday House Design drew inspiration from the glamorous aesthetic of Crissy Tiegen’s Los Angeles kitchen—only the resident lives on a ranch in Oregon. The contrast of the dark gray plaster fireplace anchors the space and sets the tone for the rest of the room. The gray also pairs beautifully with cozy round-backed chairs in a warm sage color and the dark wood coffee table to lean into the ranch vibe.
Keep it Fresh and Clean
Sometimes, a bright white space is all you need to create a modern fireplace. Small bricks painted a crisp white color, round mirror, and minimal mantel decor make this design by Outline Interiors feel like a modern masterpiece.
Try a Mid-Century Modern Brick
The homeowner of this new build, designed by Mark Odom Studio, had a deep appreciation for mid-century architecture. They embraced the aesthetic not just through furniture, but through a fireplace that was very much inspired by the era with its pale, clean brick. “The architect sourced the stacked brick used for the 1950s-era fireplace wall to look like it had been constructed a half a century ago,” Odom says.
Play With Space and Shapes
Lofts lend themselves to modern details thanks to flooding light and open floor plans. That’s true in this space by Outline Interiors, which plays with space, color, and shapes to create a wow-worthy modern fireplace.
Add Some Modern Built-Ins
Prior to a remodel, this fireplace had a dark marble inset that made it look much smaller. Sunday House Design says to soften and brighten the space—and to make the fireplace look larger—they replaced the inset with a custom-cast stone fireplace. Flanking it with two light wood built-ins framed it and brought in more texture and softness to the space.
Go Grayscale
Corner fireplaces can feel a bit awkward, but this design by Outline Interiors is proof that if you embrace the layout you can dream up a true showstopper. Texture gray brick climbs up the wall and is accented with smooth marble at the base. Symmetry is created with the fireplace on the opposite side.
Fuse Traditional With Modern
This striking space designed by Ashby Collective combines traditional details with modern touches via smooth, clean lines and subtle gestures of curves and arches. Designer Cori Pfaff says, “The fireplace’s smooth plaster finish compliments the warmer wood textures of the ceiling as the large impactful art piece pulls it all together.”
Incorporate Beautiful Tiling
You can have your coastal-inspired interior space and modern design, too. Just take your inspiration from this Outline Interiors design, which effortlessly weaves together Spanish-style tiling and a wood mantel.
Utilize Bold Tiling
Go one step bolder by incorporating a dramatic tiling from floor to ceiling, as pictured in this design by Living with Lolo. The contrast between glossy and shiny surfaces, bold tile, and rustic warm wood easily captivates your attention in this space.
Opt for a Double Sided Modern Fireplace
Opening up a fireplace like this creates more flow from one room to the other, while also allowing multiple spaces to enjoy that cozy, crackling flame.
