Stone fireplace designs can be achieved in several different ways. You can haul stones from rivers and stream beds into your home or you can order a truckload of them. Even if you live on a sandy beach or in the desert, stones can be imported at a price. Other alternatives to use are stone veneer, slate, or flagstone. Even some ceramic tiles can present a look of natural stone.  Firebox brick liners save time and the cost of laying brick, Not all liners are smooth; some look exactly like brick in both color and texture, so you'll gaze into the fireplace and think it is the real thing.

Also available now are firebox covers made of copper that look like stone. Use them to cover up your fireplace when not in use to keep out drafts. If your current fireplace is a square box and you are longing for an arched stone hearth you can purchase stonework to create an arch around the square without actually reconstructing your whole fireplace. A Country Fireplace Surround can be the frame for stacked granite blocks to create a rustic fireplace with a neat wood surround. The wood surround can be shabby chic white or it can be stained in warm wood tones.

You can completely change the look of any stone fireplace designs by the type of mantel you install. Wood mantels can be thick and commanding or thin and feminine. Slabs of slate can be used as well granite or marble to keep with a continuous stone theme. By installing the mantel either high or low can change the whole effect of your fireplace.

When you think of a fireplace hearth you might picture someone sweeping it out as many old fireplace hearths were level with the floor. But the hearth can also be designed to be tall enough to work off of like a serviceable counter or just the right height to sit on and snuggle up to the fire.  Your stone fireplace designs can include a two-sided opening into two adjoining rooms so the fire can be enjoyed from either room. This opens up two rooms and makes the home feel more spacious.

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