From sparse and simple to curated and arranged, we’ve rounded up all the inspiration you can imagine for creating a dreamy and inviting hearth, all year long. “Creating a cozy and warm environment is all about approachability— inviting your friends and family to gather in the space,” says McBride. “My favorite way to do this is with natural elements that don’t feel too precious or fussy: a basket stuffed with blankets, stacked wood or a tall vase with branches, and somewhere to sit. [Think] low profile benches, or a pair of ottomans!” “Blues and greens were my inspiration here, as they are the most prominent colors in nature,” English explains. “By also incorporating a bold punch of wallpaper, fresh flowers, and artwork, I was able to achieve my goal of creating a home office that sparks creativity.” “A cost-effective idea to update your fireplace is to simply paint it," Sabrina Panizza and Aude Lerin, co-founders of Pl Studio, say. “Consider painting the fireplace mantel in your favorite color to add warmth as well as visual appeal to any area of the home. In our Victorian living room in London, we have opted for a warm and bright pink to create a cozy feel and add a touch of playfulness, which makes the space more inviting. “Selecting large pieces of art can help add interest and anchor the space,” says the design duo. “Hang or lean oversized artwork against the wall above your mantel for a bold approach that exudes confidence.” “Color should feel warm and toasty,” Angel says. “Pine greens, wine reds, biscuit browns— so long as a color has depth, it will look gorgeous throughout the seasons.” In this room, the team at Angel O’Donnell highlighted the personality that the fireplace naturally brings to the space. “Charisma is all about the looks. The strength of the mantel, the beauty of the surround, the elegance of the legs, and the generosity of the hearth,” says Angel. “These components can make or break a fireplace. When they’re lovely, they’re impossible to resist, even on a hot summer’s day.” “A firescreen with beveled glass causes the fire’s reflection to create a shimmer in your room,” Kleski says. “A well-placed log rack and natural elements in vases go a long way to create a cozy rustic feel.”
