Ina Garten's fireplace focal point transforms her living room into a cozy, autumnal oasis – here's how she grounds and warms her home

Nothing embodies fall quite like a cozy, crackling fireplace. However, we've never seen one look as welcoming or warming as in Ina Garten's living room.

The Barefoot Contessa debuted her fireplace on Instagram, with the first fire of the season burning away in an inviting reel. It has modern edging with a matte cream paint covering it. The fireplace is covered with a black screen, black candlestick holders, and a vase on the mantelpiece to offset the lightness of the lower half of the room. Antique-style, brass fireside accessories add functionality and warmth. A regal, golden mirror above the mantelpiece elevates the entire space. Garten's fire brings out the warmth of her textural beige throw blanket, pillow, and nubbly rug.

It's the epitome of the cozy living room. 'The fireplace truly sets the tone for this cozy space—especially when it’s lit!' says Victoria Holly, LA-based interior designer. 'The warmth of the fire immediately draws you in, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The warm-toned plasterwork adds depth and dimension to what would otherwise be a flat, boxy fireplace. The texture of the plaster gives the room a rich look that feels both inviting and refined.'

Part of what makes this focal point so striking is the artful blend of antique-style accessories with the modern living room style. Holly tells Homes & Gardens: 'Adding a gilt-framed mirror above the fireplace introduces a beautiful contrast with the clean lines of the mantel and the intricate giltwork carvings. Personal touches, like a small branch from outside and taper candles, add a sense of intimacy and make the space feel lived-in. The fireplace screen not only serves a practical purpose but also adds another dimensional addition, making the hearth a true focal point.'

If you hope to recreate this look, a mix of dark tones with the neutral living room color scheme is essential. 'The black and bronze accents provide a striking contrast against the cream plasterwork and fabrics, helping to ground the space,' says Holly. 'These darker elements prevent the lighter tones from feeling washed out, adding just the right amount of visual interest. Against the cream-colored walls and textiles, the black details highlight the clean lines of the fireplace, ensuring it doesn’t fade into the background. Instead, the black accents draw the eye, adding an edge that complements the warmth of the overall design.'

Shop Garten's Fireplace Edit

A combination of dark and light, modern and antique accessories work can work together to create a similar warm, welcoming aesthetic in any home.

No matter the decor in the rest of your living room, the secret to adding personality to your fireplace is with mantelpiece styling. In Ina's case, she keeps it relatively minimalist with black candlestick holders, a simple modern vase, and a small clay pot. She uses items of varied heights to add visual interest to this focal point. Garten also centers the decor to the left of the fireplace, breaking up the look with a touch of asymmetry. Items tend to look best organized in groups of three or five, with an emphasis on showcasing your personality.

The perfect fireplace can completely upgrade your experience of home by creating the ideal spot to sit back and enjoy.