When Nate Berkus has a new home design obsession, you know it’s going to be something amazing — after all, the HGTV star has a knack for creating the spaces that leave a lasting impression. He has long been a champion of timeless design, and one of the home features that will never go out of style, in his opinion, is vintage decor. Recently, Berkus took to Instagram to rave about his current design fixation within this realm: vintage fireplaces. He says, “I have an obsession with vintage fireplaces, and not only finding vintage fireplaces … but also, how are they installed? What’s the hearthstone? What’s the pattern of the interior brick?” (per Instagram). In other words, he not only loves these fireplaces but also wants to know every detail about them.

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Hearing Berkus’ appreciation for the intricate details of this design element is truly inspiring for anyone wanting to get that kind of ageless aesthetic in their homes. Whether you’re looking to add a truly antique design, or you already have a mantel you love and want to decorate your fireplace like a professional, Berkus has plenty of ideas on how to achieve the old-world charm he’s been loving lately.

This fascination has been on Nate Berkus’ mind for years. In fact, back in 2021, he took to Instagram to share a photo of a favorite fireplace, noting in the caption, “My fixation with antique fireplace mantels, modern paintings, and details like the pattern of the interior firebrick is endless” (via Instagram). While Berkus loves the hunt to discover unique fireplaces, you can get a similar look with a more budget-friendly, ready-to-order mantel and some specific decor pieces. On Amazon, you can pick up the Creative Co-Op Lodge Fireplace Mantel ($156) in a distressed finish to get the lived-in look of an older style.

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If you’re curious as to how Berkus would guide you to achieve more of the aged look he admires, consider some of his helpful tips. The most important approach is to decorate your mantel with stylish designs to give it that timeless appeal. In Berkus’ recent post, he mentions that you can emphasize the vintage charm with a few impactful decor details, such as classic candlesticks and mirrors. Luckily, you don’t have to hunt through antique stores to find them. For instance, you can get the Nuptio Brass Taper Candle Holders (a set of three for $16). To finish the look, Berkus urges viewers to add fresh flowers in a vase, saying, “It’s something that’s really easy, and it always feels really elevated” (per Instagram). With these simple touches, you get the kind of fireplace design that Berkus deems obsession-worthy.

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