Just in time for the chilly Minnesota weather!

Nothing says “cozy” quite like a fireplace. Picture it – a fire crackling in the fireplace, a cup of hot cocoa (or wine!) in hand, cuddled under a blanket; it’s the recipe for a perfect fall or winter evening. But with so many options: brick, tile, marble, stone, shiplap, to-the-ceiling, etc, the choices can be overwhelming. So today we want to share some of our favorite fireplaces with you all to help you get your home ready for the change in seasons!

Some homes already have a great fireplace that just needs a little facelift. This one at our Highlands House project was already super beautiful and classic painted white, so we just added some tile detailing for a bit of extra flair! It goes well with the neutral vibe of the house, but adds some texture and interest, which we love!

Another recommendation we give our clients is to heighten a room by taking an existing fireplace and extending it up to the ceiling with brick, stone, or simple framing and shiplap. We completely changed the look of the fireplace at the Raspberry Hill House by giving it a quick paint job and wood mantel, and extending it up to the ceiling. It makes the room look so much bigger!

For a more dramatic look, you can extend the fireplace surround all the way to the ceiling, like we did at The Tonka House, our Cali Mod Custom project, and the Tree House Reno. This room at the Tonka House feels so spacious and the fireplace is a perfect focal point for the space!

The marble surround at our Countryside Custom project immediately draws the eye in this otherwise neutral space. A contrasting fireplace surround is an easy way to add interest to any room.

Regardless of how you design your fireplace, don’t forget to take your mantel into consideration! A fireplace mantel is the perfect place for decorative accents that can set the feel for your whole home. They’re also perfect for seasonal decor, HELLO greenery and accent pieces! Make sure to check out all our other mantel styling tips, too!

Do you have a fireplace? If so, make sure to share it with us on Instagram! Tag @almahomes so we can be inspired by your spaces, too!

Photography: Laura Rae Photography, Spacecrafting Photography, Sarah Olfelt Photo, Alma Homes