7 Fireplace Design Ideas for Cozy Winter Nights

January 30, 2015

Can you believe this time last year there was snow on the ground in Charleston and many homes were without power? We know a lot of families who used the power outage as the perfect excuse to light up the fireplace, step away from technology, and enjoy the company of each other. We think a good fireplace can provide endless  memorable moments among loved ones. So while it’s still cold, light a flame and relish the comfort that comes from a good fire before the hot weather returns. Here are a few fireplace design ideas from MDI’s own design to get you inspired!

1. DeBordieu Project

In this project, we used reclaimed wood from a variety of sources to create a really intimate, comforting place to get warm.



Transitional Living Room by Charleston Interior Designers & Decorators Margaret Donaldson Interiors

2. The Hunting Life

A clean and warm look allows hunting accents to become the focus. Authentic and understated, all antlers were found on the property. The brick fireplace and rough hewn mantel center the room.


Rustic Living Room by Charleston Interior Designers & Decorators Margaret Donaldson Interiors

3. Kiawah Family Home

Four swivel chairs in petit, hand-blocked print are situated around a reclaimed iron and wood coffee table. Root stools serve as drink tables between the chairs. A turquoise sofa completes the seating. Being an island home, the seagrass rug adds the casual tone to the overall design. Wool sheer draperies soften the wall of glass and protect the room in the off-season.

Beach Style Living Room by Charleston Interior Designers & Decorators Margaret Donaldson Interiors

4. Light and Airy

This project was from the fall of 2013, and it’s another example of keeping the fireplace space cozy while still light and airy. We envision large family gatherings here, where the focus is on the warmth of each other’s company rather than the impersonal intrusion of a television.

5. Modern Dining

We also did work on James Island’s Bishop Gadsden dining room. We found that a simple, understated fireplace design was best so as to prevent distraction from the room’s focus, which should be the food.

6. Back Porch

With such beautiful surroundings, it would be a shame not to take advantage of the scenery year-round. This back porch fireplace provides the perfect excuse to enjoy the great outdoors in comfort while the days are still cold.

7. Fire Pit

Fire pits are just as romantic as indoor fires, and they’re wonderful for intimate gatherings of family and friends. Whether you want to roast marshmallows, play musical instruments, tell ghost stories, or just revel in nature’s offerings, a fire pit is practical and fun.