STOVES AND FIREPLACES
These are considered design decisions that help fireplaces feel like part of the fabric of the room
combustion systems help the fuel burn more effectively.” For Phil Wood, the UK managing director at Swedish wood-burning stove brand Contura, versatility and smart tech are the buzzwords of the day. “Modular stove systems that offer customisable design options, allowing stove owners to create a fireplace to suit their exact needs and space, while simultaneously creating a bespoke look, are proving popular. Similarly, models that pair style with innovative smart technology are revolutionising the wood-burning stove experience and are raising the sustainability benchmark for the industry.” Through features like mobile app controls, eco modes and sealed systems, fireplace tech can provide stats and data, thereby empowering stove owners to optimise efficiency and performance. Burn bright On the subject of sustainability, impending rule changes could impact your choice of heat source. “Cambridge has increased its Defra zone, which will help clean up the air. As a result, people are replacing inefficient open fires with more eco-friendly stoves,”
Miami blue, Peapod green and Raincoat yellow are good examples of how the stove itself can introduce colour without having to redecorate the entire room,” says the company’s director, Jon Butterworth. Similarly, tiled hearths are having a resurgence to add both depth and visual interest, including handmade zellige tiles, encaustic patterns and even sculpted 3D ceramics. “The return of the protruding mantelpiece, reimaged with experimental finishes like opalescent stone or patinated zinc, is also a notable trend for 2026,” says Joe. “These aren’t just decorative additions; they’re considered design decisions that help fireplaces feel like part of the fabric of the room.” Smart stoves In terms of the heat source itself, an extended viewing area is a mainstay design preference, created to truly showcase a roaring fire as a core element of the room. “Recent stove design has focused on getting more useful heat from the fuel while improving the view of the fire,” observes Jon. “Features such as preheated airwash systems help keep the glass clearer, while primary, secondary and tertiary
MAKING A STATEMENT Westland London (left) has seen a trend for coloured marble. An inset stove by Arada (top right)
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