Portland is a town that takes its fireplaces seriously. Not just “crank the space heater” seriously, but more like “I want my living room to feel like a Scandinavian design blog” seriously. Whether you live in a century-old craftsman home or a brand new condo, here are just five of the ways the humble hearth has officially leveled up.

Functional to Fashionable

Fireplaces used to be only about function. The masonry might be falling apart, but as long as the heat kept flowing, there wasn’t much reason to think about it. Now? A chimney competes with your favorite piece of furniture as the cornerstone of your living room. Minimalist concrete faces, matte black tile, and mantles made from locally salvaged wood are showing up everywhere. The idea: let the fireplace serve as a visual anchor – something that draws the eye day or night.

Mixed Materials

If your fireplace is rocking a single material from top to bottom, it can sometimes feel a little… underdressed. The fix? Mixing textures and finishes, the same as you would when styling an outfit. Think smooth concrete paired with a chunky reclaimed wood mantel, or glossy tile framed in warm natural stone. That contrast gives your hearth instant personality: a modern look without feeling cold, a touch of rustic while not actually sitting inside Grandpa’s log cabin. Portland is basically a hodgepodge of styles already (just take a quick walk around the Pearl District), which makes mixed-material fireplaces a natural fit.

Tiles That Do the Talking

From hand-painted local ceramics and ornate herringbone marble to even bold prints, we’ve never met a tile design that couldn’t enhance the hearth. The fireplace’s face is prime real estate for exploring unique tile patterns and colors, and unlike your kitchen backsplash, it won’t get splattered with pasta sauce.

Exteriors as Heartwarming as the Hearth

If you’ve only ever thought of your chimney cap as a way to keep out rain and mischievous critters, then you’re missing an opportunity to dress up the exterior of your home. Custom caps in copper or sleek steel can elevate your roofline by adding an accent that’s hard to overlook. It’s the kind of detail that makes your home look distinguished, even from down the block.

The Smart Part: Inspections & Upkeep

You can’t have aesthetics without ensuring safety first, because even the best looking fireplace only shines when it’s functioning properly. A professional inspection will give you the peace of mind that what looks great on the outside also works perfectly on the inside. American Chimney & Masonry has decades of experience handling every aspect of fireplace construction and repair, so your hearth will photograph beautifully and perform flawlessly when you need it most.

In Portland, a fireplace isn’t just about staying warm, but staying warm in style. For both, you can count on American Chimney & Masonry.

From full-scale restorations to sleek new installs, American Chimney & Masonry knows how to blend form, function, and safety to design a fireplace you’ll actually brag about. Why? Because your home is your sanctuary!