By the Fireside

A great fireplace can transform any room into the ultimate relaxation or conversation spot! Glean some inspiration from these hearthside favorites.

Tour the hearths of these homes to inspire a warm, inviting space for any mid mod abode.

1. THE FIREPLACE IN RICHARD NEUTRA’S 1958 HASSRICK

HOUSE is pulled forward from the wall, and its contrasting bright tone creates a pop against the darker surroundings. Cedar tongue-and-groove ceilings bring warmth to the room, while an expansive glass wall connects to the exterior. Split Rail lounge chairs provide a stylish spot for fireside relaxing.

2. BUILT IN 1958 BY CARTER SPARKS, THIS WAS THE FIRST OF A SMALL SET OF 55 CUSTOM HOMES IN SACRAMENTO, separate from the tracts he worked on with the Streng Brothers. Next to the impressive fireplace is original built-in cantilevered seating against brick walls, painted taupe by the homeowners. A frosted clerestory between the living room and bedroom brings warmth to the space, while a narrow window next to the hearth seating adds additional light.

3. A CRACKLING FIRE IS THE CENTERPIECE OF A COZY CONVERSATION AREA IN THIS 1958 HOME IN WALLINGFORD, Pennsylvania, by Architect Irwin Stein. A built-in sofa near the hearth was reupholstered in Maharam wool, and a metal wall sculpture adds dimension to the room. Acrylic shutters on the second-floor master bedroom allow a connection between the two floors. The sunken dining room to the right of the fireplace adds another place to entertain in this two-bedroom, split-level home.

4. INNOVATIVE AND FUNCTIONAL, THE FIREPLACE IN THIS 1957 A. QUINCY JONES HOME RUNS from the interior out, with the exterior portion doubling as a planter. Inside the fireplace, Geo Shapes gas logs from Real Fyre add a unique mod twist on traditional logs. Part of a Mutual Housing Association in Brentwood, California, this 2,000-square-foot model was built with post-and-steel-beam construction on a multilevel hillside lot.