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How a Fireplace Transforms an Open-Concept Kitchen

Open-concept living and dining area with staircase, hardwood floors, and a sleek ORANIER wood stove; the fireplace as a stylish design feature.

A fireplace has a unique way of changing a home’s entire atmosphere. It draws the eye, creates a sense of calm, and adds a comfort that feels deeply authentic – and with thoughtful design, it can be seamlessly integrated into modern spaces. Working with ORANIER, Kitchenfinder highlights how to incorporate a fireplace into an open-concept kitchen both safely and stylishly.

Where to Place a Fireplace in an Open Layout

In open-concept kitchens or great rooms, a fireplace naturally becomes a focal point. It helps define different zones – cooking, dining, and relaxing – without breaking the overall flow. One of the most effective placements is between the kitchen island and the lounge area, where the spaces naturally connect.

Early planning is key to smooth installation. Factors like combustion air supply, venting, clearances, and wall structure must be addressed up front. ORANIER fireplaces are designed with these technical needs in mind. For example, insulated rear panels allow many models to be installed directly against non-combustible walls – an ideal feature for compact or loft-style homes.

A great example is the ORANIER Club UH-550 wood stove set. This modular, closed fireplace system can be customized with finishes such as Sintered Stone or conStone. It features a 100 mm external combustion air connection (from the rear or bottom), which supports clean, controlled combustion – particularly beneficial in energy-efficient homes.

Loft Space with Exposed Brick Wall, Armchair, and ORANIER Club UH-550 Fireplace in a Dark Finish; Visible Flames in the Wood Stove.

Industrial Loft with ORANIER Club UH-550 in a Dark Finish – Where Technology Meets Home Comfort. Credit: ORANIER

Seamless, Smart Technology

Behind the scenes, these systems are built with intelligent technology. Many ORANIER models come equipped with conFlame, a smart control system that automatically adjusts air intake to maintain consistent, efficient burning. This helps regulate heat output while optimizing wood consumption.

ORANIER Fireplace with conFlame App Control - Keep an Eye on the Flames and the Technology with Smart Digital Control.

ORANIER Fireplace with conFlame App Control – Flames and Technology in View Thanks to Digital Regulation. Credit: ORANIER

Users can control the system via an app that even notifies when it’s the right time to add more wood – making operation both intuitive and efficient.  Together, the stove and control system offer low emissions and high energy performance. Maintenance is also simplified, with illustrated guides available for cleaning and upkeep.

Designed to Frame the Flame

Beyond warmth, a fireplace acts as a striking architectural feature. ORANIER offers a range of materials and finishes to fit modern interiors. These include:

  • Natural options like soapstone, sandstone, limestone, or concrete slate for a grounded look
  • Sleek ceramic surfaces – brushed, smooth, or textured – in tones such as silk white, anthracite, or warm earth colors

Lightweight concrete elements used in many units can be painted with standard wall paint, allowing for custom color coordination throughout your kitchen and living space.

With careful planning of sightlines, the fireplace remains visible from every key area including the kitchen island, dining table, and seating area, tying the whole space together. Even when not in use, the fireplace continues to anchor the room’s style and atmosphere.

Kitchen with Seating and Dining Area; in the Foreground: ORANIER Club UH-550 Fireplace with Sintered Stone Cladding and Large Viewing Window.

Open-Concept Kitchen with Freestanding ORANIER Club UH-550 Fireplace in Sintered Stone Cladding – Combining Modern Design with a Cozy Fire Zone. Credit: ORANIER

Open living area with large windows, blue sofa, and white cladding on an ORANIER fireplace; modern loft-style aesthetic.

Minimalist Interior and ORANIER Fireplace with Clean Architecture – The Fireplace Becomes a Stylish Feature in the Living Space. Source: ORANIER

Built on Heritage and Innovation

Founded in 1904 in Haiger, Germany, ORANIER brings over a century of experience in heating and kitchen design. Their modern fireplaces blend precise engineering with durable materials and environmentally responsible combustion. With closed systems, wood stove sets, and smart air-management tech, they offer both sustainability and performance for today’s homes.

Conclusion

Adding a fireplace to an open-concept kitchen offers more than warmth, it adds character, rhythm, and a true sense of home. With ORANIER’s technical excellence and Kitchenfinder’s planning expertise, incorporating a fireplace becomes a thoughtful, rewarding design choice that enhances both function and ambiance.