Darren Palmer’s fireplace design tips and inspiration for homes

FeaturingMODE Double Sided Tall KS1150 Gas Fireplace
Project ByDarren Palmer
LocationSydney, Australia
Photographed byTom Ferguson

Darren Palmer is one of Australia’s most recognisable interior designers, known for his sophisticated yet approachable style. As a long-time judge on The Block Australia, he’s helped shape the tastes of millions of viewers and homeowners — bringing a designer’s eye to everything from floor plans to focal points. With a career rooted in crafting stylish, liveable spaces, Darren knows exactly how to make a fireplace do more than just heat a room.

So, when it came to renovating his own Bondi Beach home, Darren put that expertise into practice. He chose the MODE Double-Sided Tall KS1150 Gas Fireplace from Stoke as the hero of the layout — a striking feature that connects the living room and study while allowing natural light to flow through. The result? A clean, contemporary space that’s both functional and visually inviting.

tfphoto darren palmer portraits 0670 webres flames — *The MODE Double Sided Tall KS1150 Gas Fireplace features as a centerpiece of Darren’s family home.*

We caught up with Darren to get his expert take on how to design around a fireplace, avoid common mistakes, and make the most of your fireplace as a true centrepiece. Here’s what he had to share.

1. What are the top three things homeowners should consider when choosing a fireplace for their home?

Start by thinking about how you’ll use the room — is it a space for relaxing, entertaining, or just a quick moment of stillness? That helps determine how functional your fireplace needs to be. Do you want instant ambience with the push of a button, or are you happy with a bit of setup and cleanup?

Next, consider the aesthetic of your space. Are you drawn to any particular style or trend? What kind of fireplace surround will suit that look — something modern and minimalist, or more classic and traditional?

Then there’s the fuelbed itself. Do you want a hyper-realistic flame effect, like I have in my home, or something more sculptural? There are options within options — for the specification of your perfect fireplace.

2. What are some common mistakes people make when designing around a fireplace?

Go big whenever you can. Bold is often beautiful — especially when it comes to fireplaces. Make sure you’re giving it enough space to shine, and place it where you can really enjoy it, both visually and physically.

3. What’s your advice for integrating a fireplace with other focal points, like a TV or artwork?

When designing your space, always factor in the heat zones for your layout. Also, think carefully about how your fireplace relates to other elements in the room, like TVs and artwork.