Old Bones, New Vibes

There’s something magical about fireplaces in historic New England homes. They’re not just spots to warm up—they’re like time machines wrapped in marble, brick, and tile. Each one is an architectural gem, full of charm and stories from centuries past. Grab a seat (preferably near a fire) and let’s take a little journey through some of the oldest fireplaces we’ve had the pleasure of reviving. From South End brownstones to a 200-year-old Hingham beauty—we’re historic fireplace geeks..

Where Past and Present Meet

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. Yes, mixing modern design with classic features can bring new life to these historic homes. See more of this project portfolio here.

A Tale of Four Hearths

Let’s be real—some rooms just demand a little extra grandeur. In this South End brownstone, we let the original marble fireplaces shine. In the formal living room, we kept the grand mirror on the mantel, 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, while the media room has its original green ceramic tile on the wood-burning fireplace (how cool is that?). The family room is the only space with a new fireplace—a sleek gas insert provides instant warmth. We went with a walnut-and-soapstone design that ties in perfectly with the nearby kitchen cabinetry, keeping things simple yet stylish. 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

A 200-year-old home with three traditional fireplaces… you know we had to keep those beauties intact. Each one oozes character and history, grounding the house in its past. The family room is the only non-original design… it’s not trying to outshine the originals—it’s more like the cool, quiet neighbor who fits in but doesn’t steal the show. A modern addition that happily coexists with its centuries-old counterparts. And everyone’s getting along just fine!

Historic Home Fireplace Design: Arctic Blast Proof

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. They’re functional and full of history, making them the real MVPs of any room. Nothing like a fireplace to bring the heat (literally and figuratively). When the arctic blast, polar vortex, or even a brisk coastal wind rolls in, you’ll know exactly where to turn for some old flame inspiration.