![Brilliant fireplace ideas](https://cdn.magzter.com/1509000563/1667470364/articles/aPP-W4khz1667558278317/BRILLIANT-FIREPLACE-IDEAS.jpg)
The type of fireplace design you're able to adopt depends on what you're working with. If you're building a new home, the world may be your oyster as you can really design and plan in where a fireplace will go and how it works with the space you're creating-subtle a stove or standout showpiece?
If you do have an existing fireplace in your home, there's no guarantee that previous owners will have retained the original fireplace. However, finding a replacement fireplace shouldn't be too much of an issue. There's a plethora of modern fireplaces available to choose from, while you'll be able to pick up original fireplaces from places like salvage yards or even from social media marketplaces, where people are renovating period houses.
CONSIDER PROPORTIONS
If you're designing from scratch or updating an existing fireplace, it's important to ensure that the chimney breast, surround and mantel (if you're having one) are in proportion with the room.
This is especially true of modern fireplaces, where styles and trends might adapt and change how you feel about a certain shape - just think about the garish brick and stone-clad beasts of the 1960s and 1970s.
With its twist on a traditional inglenook fireplace, this contemporary example blends seamlessly into the room, forming part of the back wall.
ADD DOUBLE HEIGHT FOR DRAMA
A common feature in barn conversions, vaulted ceilings are quickly becoming a firm favourite in modern homes and extensions, too. Allow the grandeur of airy spaces to shine by combining a show-stopping chimney breast as part of your fireplace design for something truly unique.
This story is from the December 2022 edition of Homebuilding & Renovating.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 2022 edition of Homebuilding & Renovating.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![WHY I CHOSE...TO HIRE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/HVGaVM8OS1690365129807/WHY-I-CHOSETO-HIRE-AN-INTERIOR-DESIGNER.jpg)
WHY I CHOSE...TO HIRE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER
Hiring a professional to help in an area you're not confident with can be invaluable. Ben Adam-Smith did just that by employing an interior designer to inject character into his and his wife Kay's self-build
![HOW TO PREVENT YOUR HOME OVERHEATING](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/hX14NFRVF1690364169583/HOW-TO-PREVENT-YOUR-HOME-OVERHEATING.jpg)
HOW TO PREVENT YOUR HOME OVERHEATING
With UK summers getting hotter, what steps can be taken to prevent overheating in homes? We outline what you can do to have a comfortable property all year round
![Multifunctional home office](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/bQF1NRgYn1690363801834/MULTIFUNCTIONAL-HOME-OFFICE.jpg)
Multifunctional home office
How to create a hybrid space that's suitable for both work and home life
![Build a new garage for less](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/5KDvQf5qT1690363297353/BUILD-A-NEW-GARAGE-FOR-LESS.jpg)
Build a new garage for less
Taking on a self-build or renovation project? Then factor in a garage from the beginning you can benefit from economies of scale and efficiency tactics, says Tim Phillips
![The golden rules of house design](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/e0bkx8WUk1690362548667/THE-GOLDEN-RULES-OF-HOUSE-DESIGN.jpg)
The golden rules of house design
Designing a house is hugely exciting, but knowing where to start can also feel daunting. With the help of some top architectural experts, we bring you the golden rules that will ensure you create the home of your dreams
![THE HEALTHY HOME](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/bGny7OvYU1690362181629/THE-HEALTHY-HOME.jpg)
THE HEALTHY HOME
PART THREE: BOOSTING BIODIVERSITY IN OUR HOMES
![Victorian overhauls](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/-vVfv5HqF1690361443158/VICTORIAN-OVERHAULS.jpg)
Victorian overhauls
A carefully conceived extension could be the key to unlocking the potential of your period property without compromising its character. Let our selection of innovative schemes be your inspiration...
![Bird's eve view](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/loPicgK-V1690360761899/BIRDS-EVE-VIEW.jpg)
Bird's eve view
Peter and Romney Lelliott opted for an upside-down new build, enabling them to enjoy far-reaching country views from the elevated living space of their contemporary new home
![A collage to treasure](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/EsAcQt8Zp1690358184836/A-COLLAGE-TO-TREASURE.jpg)
A collage to treasure
Kirstin Eriksson has transformed her Cotswold property by taking it from a neglected cottage to a perfect family home packed full of clever design ideas
![Hidden, paradise](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/cGwHImDb51690357484190/HIDDEN-PARADISE.jpg)
Hidden, paradise
With hard work and a lot of initiative, Minnie and James Vosper lovingly brought their run-down home into the 21st century