WELCOME to the DESIGN  JOURNAL

Home

Shop The Look

Project Reveal

Interior Design

July 24, 2025

Two Fireplace Looks That Define the Room

Fireplaces are more than a source of warmth; they’re a natural focal point. Whether your style leans modern and moody or light and layered, these two looks show how the right choices can transform a whole room.

The following content may contain affiliate links. When you click and shop the links, we receive a commission.

A note on availability: every piece in our boards was hand-selected when we designed the look, and retailers refresh their collections often. If an exact item has sold out or been discontinued, we’ve linked the closest match we could find, chosen with the same eye for shape, finish and feel.

Modern marble fireplace look with black slatted wood paneling, colorful block art and linen ottomans

IN THIS LOOK

Shop the fireplace looks

  1. Marble-look tile
  2. Slatted paneling
  3. Block wall art
  4. Linen ottomans
  5. Electric fireplace
  6. Dark veined tile
  7. Wood sideboards
  8. Palm wallpaper

Tap any piece to see why we chose it, then shop it in one click.

Two fireplace looks that define the room

Look one, modern marble and slatted wood: a soft marble-look tile surround flanked by black slatted paneling, with bold block art and linen ottomans.

Look two, light and layered: dark veined tile from floor to ceiling, an electric fireplace, warm wood sideboards and a playful light-blue palm wallpaper.

Fireplace look with dark veined floor-to-ceiling tile, electric fireplace, wood sideboards and palm wallpaper

Pro tip: Run fireplace tile all the way to the ceiling for drama; it makes the ceiling feel taller and turns the fireplace into architecture.

The pieces, and why we chose them

01 · LOOK 1 · SURROUND

Marble-look tile fireplace surround

How it looks & feels: Soft veining with sculptural sophistication, no stone upkeep.

The problem it solves: Delivers a marble look that resists stains and heat.

Where it belongs: Wrapping the firebox.

02 · LOOK 1 · TEXTURE

Black slatted wood paneling

How it looks & feels: Crisp black slats that add depth and rhythm.

The problem it solves: Adds texture and helps absorb sound in open rooms.

Where it belongs: On either side of the fireplace.

03 · LOOK 1 · ART

Colorful 3D block wall art

How it looks & feels: Dimensional, playful color against a neutral backdrop.

The problem it solves: Gives the mantel wall a bold, personal focal point.

Where it belongs: Above or beside the fireplace.

04 · LOOK 1 · SEATING

Neutral linen rectangular ottomans

How it looks & feels: Soft linen in clean rectangles that feel calm and tailored.

The problem it solves: Adds flexible seating by the fire without blocking the view.

Where it belongs: In front of the fireplace.

05 · LOOK 2 · FIRE

Electric fireplace

How it looks & feels: A realistic flame with a clean, built-in look.

The problem it solves: Adds warmth and ambience with no venting or gas line.

Where it belongs: Built into the feature wall.

06 · LOOK 2 · DRAMA

Dark veined tile, floor to ceiling

How it looks & feels: Moody, dramatic veining that runs the full height.

The problem it solves: Turns the fireplace into a true architectural feature.

Where it belongs: The full fireplace wall.

07 · LOOK 2 · STORAGE

Wood sideboards

How it looks & feels: Warm wood that balances the dark stone.

The problem it solves: Adds storage and a surface for styling on each side.

Where it belongs: Flanking the fireplace.

08 · LOOK 2 · PATTERN

Light blue palm wallpaper

How it looks & feels: A soft, breezy palm print with a relaxed coastal mood.

The problem it solves: Lightens the room and adds personality around the stone.

Where it belongs: On the surrounding walls.

MORE STUDIO PICKS

Shop our full LTK collection

Explore our curated favorites for a stylish, timeless home, from statement lighting to everyday essentials.

More looks you’ll love

Frequently asked questions

What tile is best around a fireplace?

Porcelain, natural stone and ceramic are all heat-safe. Large-format porcelain with marble veining gives a luxurious look with less maintenance.

Are electric fireplaces worth it?

They are easy to install with no venting, provide supplemental heat and create ambience, which makes them ideal for renovations and condos.

Fall in love with where your life unfolds.

ASR Design Studio is a full-service residential interior design studio based in Escondido and serving San Diego County. We specialize in renovations, new builds, furnishing and thoughtful styling, blending our signature modern coastal style with the way you actually live. We take on a limited number of clients each year so every home gets our full creative attention.

Comments +

Leave a Reply

BACK TO INDEX

WE'D LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR HOME

Designing Spaces that Feel Well-Loved, Inspired & Intentional

BOOK YOUR DISCOVERY CALL

Planning a renovation, a new build or finally furnishing the home you love? Book a complimentary discovery call to talk through your vision, timeline and investment, and see what working together looks like.

Fall in love with where your life unfolds.