From REAL HOMES

BY HADLEY MENDELSOHN NOV 11, 2021

HEIDI CAILLIER DESIGN

Of all the fireplace surround materials to choose between, marble is arguably the best. Not only can it speak to both classic and modern designs, but it's also a high-performer when it comes to maintenance and longevity. Keep in mind that marble is prone to etching (most natural stone materials are in comparison to their more durable but less luxe composite cousins), but as designer Dries Otten points out, "the first scratch is the deepest," and from there, imperfections only add to an opulent old-world look. Since marble is a natural stone, it ages very gracefully. While it's on the pricier side, though you can find some great reclaimed mantels at flea markets, Facebook Marketplace, or even on the street (speaking from firsthand experience, here—miracles do happen). Or, perhaps you're lucky and happen to live in a space that already has marble fireplaces and you're just here for inspiration on how to decorate it. Whether you're renovating and need some convincing to go the marble fireplace route, or you want to price up a preexisting one, these designer marble fireplaces ensure that you are in the best of hands. Ahead, discover 20 marble fireplaces you'll want to curl up by forever.

1 Jumping-Off Point ARENT & PYKE This living room designed by Arent & Pyke incorporates the existing fireplace beautifully. Though the eccentric details like the tiles on the firebox and the intricate pink columns on the mantel support could have been seen as distracting with the wrong design scheme, they actually become the glue that holds everything together. They speak to the Art Deco floral rug as well as the geometric cube table, and all the contemporary, colorful accents.

2 Marble Statement Wall CATHERINE KWONG DESIGN Catherine Kwong Design makes a strong case for a marble statement wall above a sleek fireplace. The metal sheet below gives it a less precious edge. 3 Matching Marble Frames TAMSIN JOHNSON INTERIORS Interior designer Tamsin Johnson used the same marble slab surrounding the firebox to frame the doorway for a surprising touch of glamour that also ensures cohesion between zones in the open floor plan. And rather than playing it safer with neutral-tone marble, she opted for swirls of deep purple and red.

4 Layers of Marble NICOLE FRANZEN This classic fireplace features several different layers and tones of marble, bringing a rich warmth to the small modern living room. Modern and midcentury furniture keeps things contemporary but the neutral tones and understated combinations as well as a classic gilt mirror on the mantel marry it all together nicely.

5 Subtle Accents NICOLE HOLLIS STUDIO Look closely and you'll see that the two support columns are deep maroon. This colorful accent spruces up the inky black facade. A modern and eccentric mirror above the mantel doubles as artwork and sets the scene in this moody, art gallery-esque living room designed by Nicole Hollis Studio. 6 Quiet Simplicity SHADE DEGGES A sleek and understated gray marble frame props up a lighter mantel surface and tiled surround. Designer Jae Joo opted for two comfy, oversized armchairs facing the fireplace rather than a sofa angled towards two chairs or a wall to ensure an extra cozy and intimate fireplace experience.

7 Color Play HEIDI CAILLIER DESIGN One of the beautiful benefits of marble is that veining can be a multitude of colors. In this living room by Heidi Caillier, it connects the unique dusty orange paint to the brick firebox as well as the black painted trim and even the cream walls and khaki accents. And all it takes is a little in the hearth area.

8 Earthy Hues WERNER STRAUBE A bright white paint makes this living room by Corey Damen Jenkins a breath of fresh air. The warmer tones in the marble facade play off of the woods and browns while still maintaining the crisp, cool atmosphere. 9 Understated Centerpiece TAMSIN JOHNSON INTERIORS The real showstopper of this Parisian dining room by Tamsin Johnson Interiors is the elaborate wall mural, which highlights all the beautiful original molding. To keep the design scheme aligned with the bones of the space while still bringing in some contemporary flair, Johnson opted for a white marble dining table surrounded by black and white Marcel Breuer Cesca chairs. The black marble mantel props up a playful modern vase.

10 Ultra-Modern NICOLE HOLLIS STUDIO For an ultra-modern marble fireplace, choose a crisp white Carrera and opt for a flat facade. In this living room designed by Nicole Hollis Studio, the plush and illustrious gray carpet softens the space while still implementing the surface materials and colors used throughout. 1