Designing the interior of a new house, whether that be a new build or an established home you’ve just moved into, is an exciting opportunity to create a space that reflects your personality and lifestyle needs and provides plenty of comfort and functionality. Here are some ideas to guide your interior design journey in your home, along with some fireplace inspiration:
Decide on a Style
It’s important to decide on a style that is perfect for you. You may have an idea in your mind already, or you may not have a clue. Take as much time as you need – this is one of the most enjoyable parts. Popular themes and options include:
Modern: Clean lines, minimalistic decor, neutral tones, and functional furniture.
Bohemian: Eclectic mix of colours, patterns, and textures with a relaxed vibe.
Scandinavian: Light colours, natural wood, simple furnishings, and cosy elements.
Traditional: Classic furniture, warm colours, ornate details, and rich textures.
Industrial: Exposed brick, metal fixtures, raw wood, and a neutral palette.
Below is our Purevision PVR Cylinder stove in a modern home with a distinctly Scandinavian feel. This stove is well suited to such a room, which has light colours and simple furnishings.
Living Room Ideas:
Some say the kitchen is the heart of the home; others say it’s the living room. The living room is where comfort stems from in a home; after all, it is the room where you tend to relax and socialise – unless you’re having a house party, where it tends to be the kitchen.
Here are some considerations for living room design ideas:
Furniture Layout: Arrange seating to encourage conversation, like a sofa and chairs around a coffee table. Many prefer to fit TVs to walls, as it saves space – especially as many TVs nowadays are considerably wider and thinner than ones from yesteryear.
Lighting: Use layered lighting for ceiling fixtures, floor lamps, and table lamps to create ambience. Opt for LED bulbs as they are more energy efficient and tend to last longer.
Accent Wall: Consider a statement wall with textured wallpaper, a bold colour, or wood panelling.
Rugs and Pillows: Add softness and warmth with area rugs and cushions in coordinating colours. Large rugs can also help keep warmth in a room if you have a hard floor.
If you’re looking for a feature fireplace in your living room but don’t have gas or prefer not to have a stove, there are so many options available for those who want to go electric. Below is our iRange 750 Deep, which creates that stunning focal point in a living room whilst embracing the convenience and energy efficiency that comes with electric. Electric fire design advancements mean they can also look great in a limestone surround. This fire also allows you to switch between a range of flame and fire bed colours – so you can create the perfect ambience in a room. Gone are the days when an electric fire was the least desirable option.
The Kitchen:
The kitchen is a place where people tend to congregate, especially so if you’re entertaining a larger number of guests. It’s where you cook, and often where you eat, so it’s only natural that people gravitate to this room. It’s important your interior design ideas reach the kitchen – people always notice a nicely designed kitchen. Here are a few considerations:
Open Shelving: Mix open shelves with closed cabinetry for a modern yet practical look.
Countertops: Choose durable materials like quartz or granite for a sleek finish.
Island: If space permits include a kitchen island for extra storage, seating, and workspace.
Backsplash: Add character with subway tiles, mosaic designs, or patterned tiles.
Can you have a fire in the kitchen? Absolutely. Below is an iRange 1500e, which will create an instant talking point and an incredible focal point simultaneously. While a fire in a kitchen will not be for everyone, for those who want to be a little different, this is perfect for them.
The Dining Room:
The room for enjoying meals or just relaxing. Not all homes will have a dining room, but for those that do, here are a few considerations:
Dining Table: Select a table that fits your family’s size and complements your style.
Chairs: Mix and match styles for an eclectic feel, or go for a uniform look for elegance.
Lighting: A chandelier or pendant lights above the table can make a statement.
Wall Decor: Hang artwork, mirrors, or a gallery wall to personalize the space.
You have a wide range of options for fires in a dining room. Here is our Panache 8040, which is ideal for a dining room as it fits nicely in a wall, allowing space for large dining tables and chairs. In a dining room, it’s often the table and other decor which enjoy most of the limelight, so a hole-in-the-wall fire can be a perfectly subtle visual point, depending on your preferences.
The Bedroom:
Bedrooms should be cosy sanctuaries and an interior designer’s delight – as it’s all very personal to you. It’s where you sleep, and so you need to focus on relaxation and feeling free to express yourself more than perhaps you would in other rooms.
Bed Frame: Choose an upholstered, wooden, or metal bed that matches the room’s style.
Colour Palette: Opt for calming colours like soft blues, greens, or neutrals.
Storage: Use bedside tables, under-bed storage, and built-in closets to keep the space tidy.
Layered Bedding: Add comfort with a mix of sheets, blankets, and decorative pillows.
Many older homes have open fireplaces in bedrooms, which go back to a time when homes had no central heating. Nowadays, they are mostly redundant and boarded up or are simply unused. While you have a wide choice of fires for the bedroom, one that would look incredible and fit with the original character is one that occupies the original open fireplace. Below is a Fireline 4kW wood-burning stove which could fit perfectly into an old fireplace, subject to size. While a very small open fireplace would not be large enough for a stove, you may be able to renovate the fireplace for it to fit. Advice from an expert is essential here as there are a lot of considerations.
Tips for a Smooth Design Process
Plan Ahead: Create a mood board or use design apps to visualize your ideas.
Budget Wisely: Prioritise big-ticket items like furniture and save on accessories.
Stay Consistent: Maintain a cohesive theme throughout the house for a polished look.
By combining functionality with creativity, you can create a beautiful and comfortable home tailored to your needs and style. While we have featured a fire in the examples above, what you ultimately decide is your decision – that’s the beauty of planning your own interior design.
