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Chapter 3: Farmhouse Fireplace Ideas. How We Designed a Custom Fireplace Wall That Feels Original to the Home & Sources
- Jul 23
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 4
Farm Luxe Journal | Chapter Three
Here we will give you behind-the-scenes and all the links! Want your fireplace to look like it was always part of your home, not something that was added during a renovation?
The difference usually isn't the fireplace itself. It's the architectural details surrounding it. For Project Farm Luxe, we designed a custom fireplace wall that feels timeless using five simple design decisions anyone can borrow ~ from chunky mortar joints and organic-cut stone to an electric fireplace that eliminated the need for a chimney!
In this chapter, we're sharing the exact details we used, why they work, and the product sources so you can recreate the look in your own home.
Every English Cottage Needs a Fireplace...
At least that's how I felt every time I walked into this house during the design process. The home had beautiful views of the surrounding farmland, wonderful natural light, and all the ingredients for an English countryside retreat.
But something was missing...
A place to gather.
A visual anchor.
A reason to curl up with a blanket on a rainy afternoon.
The best homes always have a place that draws everyone together.
For this home, we knew it had to be the living room.
And it all started with a fireplace.
The Five Fireplace Design Ideas We Used
1. Choose organic-cut stone instead of perfectly stacked stone. Natural variation instantly makes a fireplace feel older and more authentic.
2. Use oversized mortar joints. Chunkier mortar softens the stone and creates the handcrafted look found in historic homes.
3. Consider an electric fireplace. You can skip the chimney and invest more of your budget into beautiful architectural details.
4. Add soft architectural curves. Rounded transitions and gentle lines make a fireplace wall feel warmer and less builder-grade.
5. Break built-ins into smaller moments. Instead of one giant wall of cabinetry, combine niches, shelving, and separate cabinets for a collected look.
Organic-Cut Stone Creates an Old-World Feel
One thing we wanted to avoid was making the fireplace look like an obvious addition. We've all seen fireplaces that feel "stuck on." This home deserved better. Instead, we asked ourselves:
"If this farmhouse had always existed, what would the fireplace have looked like?"
That question guided every decision. Rather than sleek stone or oversized tile, we selected a natural flagstone inspired material and installed it with 1” chunky mortar joints to create the feeling of age and craftsmanship.
Project Farm Luxe. - Before Fireplace Wall Project Farm Luxe - Fireplace
Before vs After
It instantly softened the room. Nothing felt overly polished. Nothing felt brand new.
Instead, the fireplace feels as though generations of family have gathered around it. That sense of history was exactly what we hoped to create.
Custom Built-Ins Should Feel Architectural
A fireplace wall is rarely just about the fireplace ~ The surrounding millwork completes the story. When designing fireplace walls, we always consider the entire composition: the stone, cabinetry, lighting, artwork, and how the family will actually use the room.
We designed custom built-ins inspired by vintage English cabinetry, balancing open shelving with closed storage so the family could display meaningful objects while easily hiding everyday clutter.
One thing I always remind clients:
Open shelving only works when it has breathing room.
Empty space is just as important as the objects you display.
A few favorite books, collected pottery, family photographs, and something living, a trailing plant or seasonal branch, create a shelf that feels curated rather than crowded.
The beauty comes from what you choose not to fill.
Warm Walnut Makes Everything Better
Throughout Project Farm Luxe, we layered weathered oak furniture with richer walnut accents. Mixing wood tones adds depth and keeps a room from feeling overly matched. It's one of the easiest ways to make a home feel collected over time instead of purchased all at once.
That contrast became one of my favorite details.
The walnut brings richness. The oak keeps everything relaxed.
Together they create a room that feels timeless instead of overly themed.
Layered Lighting Makes Fireplace Built-Ins Feel Custom
One of the easiest ways to make built-ins feel custom? Thoughtful lighting.
Rather than relying on overhead fixtures alone, we layered decorative lighting over the built-ins to create warmth in the evenings.
The Best Part? This Custom Fireplace Uses an Electric Fireplace. No chimney was needed!
Yes, It's completely electric!
By choosing a high-quality electric insert, we eliminated the need for:
a chimney
venting
structural framing changes
expensive masonry work
That allowed us to invest more of the budget into custom millwork and natural stone ~ the details people actually notice.
By incorporating the fireplace into a full built-in wall, we created a beautiful focal point that also eliminated the need for a separate media console.
The result feels custom, functional, and incredibly cozy!
It's choosing the solution that supports the way your family actually lives, in a cost efficient way.
At the end of the day, this fireplace was never about adding another feature to the home.
It was about creating a place where the family naturally gathers ~ a space that feels warm, welcoming, and as though it has always belonged. Those are the kinds of details that make a house feel like home.
SOURCES:
Fireplace Stone: Feildstone Horizon Stone Hermitage
Fireplace Sconce: Basil https://on.ltk.com/+g_d2BLRWKE-72ffjqx8hZg
Roman Shade: Two Pages https://on.ltk.com/+tfOEVxcwMW7LpWhnICTffw
Performance Plush Rug: https://on.ltk.com/+AoHO59isR_OqEU1Fsr24RA
Continue the Farm Luxe Journal
Next week, we're opening every drawer and cabinet.
I'll show you the five hidden storage ideas we designed throughout this home ~ from the breakfast banquette to the under-stair library.
And explain why thoughtful storage might be one of the most luxurious investments you can make!
XO, Burcu
Previously on the Farm Luxe Journal
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make a fireplace look original to an older home?
Using natural materials, custom built-ins, layered lighting, and architectural details can help a fireplace feel like it was always part of the home's design.
Can you add a fireplace without a chimney?
Yes. Electric fireplaces can create the look and ambiance of a traditional fireplace without requiring a chimney or major structural changes.
What should you put around a fireplace wall?
Built-in shelving, cabinetry, artwork, lighting, and natural materials can help create a balanced fireplace wall design.
