Old Bones, New Vibes

Fireplaces in historic New England homes are more than just places to keep warm—they’re portals to the past, framed in marble, brick, and tile. Each one tells a story, an architectural treasure with layers of charm. Settle in (ideally fireside) as we share a glimpse of some of the oldest fireplaces we’ve had the honor to revive, from South End brownstones to a 200-year-old Hingham gem. We’ll admit it: we’re a little obsessed with historic hearths.

Past Meets Present

In this South End brownstone, we embraced the challenge of juxtaposing original architectural details with the contemporary. The living room’s marble fireplace became the focal point, complemented by sleek, modern decor. A mid-century armchair (hello, Eero Saarinen’s Womb Chair, b 1948) and minimalist coffee table sit comfortably alongside the original mantel. See more of this project portfolio here.

A Tale of Four Hearths

In this South End brownstone, featured in Boston Home, we highlighted the beauty of the original marble fireplaces. The grand mirror remains on the mantel in the formal living room, pairing it with trellis wallpaper and gilded sconces for old-school charm. The primary bedroom got a facelift with custom cabinets and a new soapstone hearth. Finally, the media room keeps its original green ceramic tile and surround for a functioning wood-burning fireplace. The family room, on a lower level, is the only space with a new fireplace—a sleek gas insert provides instant warmth. We selected a walnut-and-soapstone design that ties in perfectly with the nearby kitchen cabinetry. Tradition meets modern convenience, and we couldn’t be happier with the blend. Side note… we always recommend a custom cut carpet perfectly surrounding the edges of the hearth. And sconces. Lots of sconces.

Colonial Character

This 200-year-old home has three traditional fireplaces, each rich with character and history. Anchoring the house to its past, we made sure to preserve them just as they are. The family room is the only new design—unassuming, thoughtfully updated, and designed to complement rather than compete with the other fireplaces. It’s the quiet addition that blends seamlessly with its centuries-old companions.

Historic Home Fireplace Design

That’s all. Warm air is still visiting in New England, but Fall comes fast and renovations take time – and the fireplace is soon to be the main attraction in any living space. Whether it’s marble elegance in a Boston brownstone or rustic brick charm in a Hingham gem, we love a historic look. .