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Inspiration
Fireplace dreaming
January 28, 2026
Designing the perfect gathering space.
There is a quiet comfort that comes from gathering around a fire.
The steady glow, the warmth that settles into the room, the way people naturally pause and linger a little longer. A fireplace has a way of slowing time and bringing a sense of ease to everyday moments. In many homes, it becomes the place where stories are shared, where evenings wind down, and where people feel most at home.
A natural heart of the home.
In open gathering areas, the fireplace often serves as a gentle focal point. It influences how rooms are arranged and how people naturally gather, inviting moments of connection that feel unhurried and easy.
Each fireplace carries its own character through various styles, materials, and proportions, yet all share the same intention: to create warmth and a natural gathering place. The spaces that follow reflect a range of approaches, each centered on warmth and connection.
A timeless design.
Timeless fireplaces rely on balanced proportions and familiar materials to create an enduring feel and are easy to live with. They feel settled in the home, not tied to a moment in time.
Often seen with:
- Natural or lightly textured stone.
- Classic mantels and surrounds.
- Neutral, layered finishes.
A thoughtful focal point.
A statement fireplace brings a stronger visual presence to the room. Through scale, height, or material choice, it quietly leads the space.
Often seen with:
- Floor-to-ceiling stone.
- Paneling or vertical detailing.
- Bold material choices.
A place to settle in.
Less on formality and more on feeling, these fireplaces embrace texture, softness, and natural elements to foster a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
Often seen with:
- Warm-toned materials and finishes.
- Wood accents or subtle paneling.
- A scale that feels approachable and lived-in.
A place to gather inspiration.
Designing a gathering space often begins with noticing what feels right to you. For some, that starts with images and ideas. For others, it comes from seeing materials in person or talking through all the possibilities.
Begin with what draws you in.
We’ve gathered a collection of fireplace designs from Robert Thomas Homes on Pinterest, showcasing a range of styles, materials, and moods found throughout our homes. It’s simply a place to explore, to notice what resonates, and to imagine how a gathering space might feel in your own home.
Consider how the space will be used.
A fireplace is at its best when it works in harmony with the room around it. Thoughtful placement and seating that face one another help conversation unfold naturally, whether the evening is lively or quiet. For more ideas on creating a welcoming layout, our Senior Interior Designer, Michelle Olson, shares her perspective in our blog post, Your Home’s Warm Welcome, with guidance on furniture arrangement, flow, and layering a space for everyday living.
Bring the ideas to life.
Whether you’re simply beginning to explore ideas for your new home or are in the process of building, our Design Studio offers a welcoming place to gather inspiration. You can explore materials, learn about our design approach, and connect with our designers as you consider what might feel right for your own fireplace and gathering space.
If you’d like to learn more, ask questions, or visit the Design Studio during an open house.
Quiet moments, lasting warmth.
At its heart, fireside dreaming is about more than design. It’s about creating spaces that feel steady and welcoming, where moments unfold naturally, and memories are made without effort.
We believe the most meaningful gathering spaces are the ones that feel comfortable, thoughtful, and true. They are the places you return to again and again.
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