How to Combine Modern and Traditional Fireplace Ideas

Studies show that 55% and 48% of home buyers would prefer gas and wood-burning fireplaces in their homes. But picking a luxury fireplace can be tricky if you have a specific style in mind for your home. That’s why it’s essential to research traditional fireplace ideas and create ways to make these units modern.

For people who want to live in a stylish home or designers looking for unique fireplace design suggestions, you need to blend the old with the new. 

So, to keep up-to-date with the latest custom fireplace trends, you need to learn about the influence of the “cottagecore” movement and other techniques for transforming a traditional fireplace. 

Ready? Let’s get into it! 

Cottagecore and Traditional Fireplace Ideas

Over the past few years, there has been a rise in “cottagecore” themes across the internet. This term is used to describe a way of life that takes influence from traditional, cozy living conditions like rural country homes and castles but makes it modern. You can find many people buying expensive fireplaces to achieve this look in their homes. 

Even though this trend is popular on social media, it originates from the pastimes when homesteading and gardening were a way of life for people. In the 1960s and 1970s, this romanticism of fireplaces and comfortable living rooms made a comeback and then disappeared. 

But, now, the interest in old-fashioned architecture like wood fireplaces is rising in popularity! 

So, how do you incorporate the feeling of tradition in a modern, relevant style for your fireplace?

How to Blend Old and New Fireplace Ideas

Regardless of the type of fireplace you have in your home, you can always use traditional fireplace ideas in combination with modern interior design. But, to get the perfect layout, you need to separate the fireplace into different sections. 

First, you need to consider the structure of the fireplace. For example, if you live in an old home, there might be a chimney to work with, and that needs to be designed with the surrounding space. So you can keep a healthy flow of air for your wood-burning fireplace. 

Even if you don’t have a chimney, you’ll need to position the fireplace in a space that is not going to catch fire and be a hazard for people walking by. Ideally, you can work with a professional who can help you pick the right location for the fireplace, depending on the size and shape of the room.

Fireplace Decorative Elements

Everyone has their own style when it comes to interior design, but you need to think about the position of your fireplace with decorative elements if you want to have a modern but old-fashioned theme. For instance, a formal layout will create a different tone from a casual layout.

So, you need to determine how the fireplace will be used and in what room of the home. 

Traditional fireplaces were aligned around seating areas where there was a bookshelf or small table nearby. Then, there would be an armchair or sofa that would be facing the warmth.

But a modern fireplace layout is a little more relaxed. 

Typically, you’ll find a fireplace near a TV or piece of artwork, and the seating is placed for watching movies or relaxing. If you want to have both, you can try placing the TV near the bookshelves around your fireplace. Or, you can make the seating face the fireplace and keep the artwork on the wall.

Design Tips for Modern and Traditional Fireplaces

A classic style for traditional fireplaces is to place the unit near a brick wall. Don’t paint over the surface, and leave the brick exposed. This creates a cozy, “cottagecore” aesthetic that will make you feel relaxed during the cold months.

Another tip for creating a traditional fireplace is to place marble features in the surrounding area. You’ll need to maintain the marble correctly by cleaning and repairing cracks if they appear. This will keep the marble surface looking fresh and clean.

If you want to add a modern touch, then you can also place the fireplace near a block color wall. This is one of the most popular trends in luxury homes as it draws attention to the design of the fireplace. But the block color can also be used to make the space appear bigger if you choose neutral tones. 

Texture is also great for modernizing old-fashioned fireplaces that need to be transformed. You can use soft textures to create a welcoming atmosphere that’s inviting to your houseguests. 

Pick the Right Fireplace

 Ultimately, the choice of your fireplace will allow you to combine modern and traditional design elements. For instance, you can install a wood-burning fireplace in a minimal, geometric-styled room such as a living room. This will create depth in the space and act as a focal point for the room. 

Alternatively, you can place an electric fireplace in a cottage-themed room with natural wood and plants that will give the room a stylish upgrade. But the most important thing is color. Traditional colors are usually white and neutral. Whereas modern colors as bold and appear in blocks. 

You should have fun experimenting with various color tones and contrast until you find the design that reflects the atmosphere of the space. Don’t forget to pick a high-quality fireplace before you start designing! 

Make a Room Shine With the Best Fireplace

Even though having a modern fireplace is good to mix traditional fireplace ideas if you want to have a unique living space. It doesn’t need to be complicated to achieve a balance between the old and new styles; all it takes is color and a careful layout. 

But picking the right type of fireplace will give you a starting point for the rest of your interior design. Whether you want a cottagecore wood fireplace or a modern electric fireplace, we have options for all types of homes. 

You can find out products on our website here. Contact our team if you have any more questions, and we’ll be happy to help!