Ask A Designer™
Ask A Designer™: Gillian Atkins’ Best Tips For Adding A Wood-Burning Stove In A Cottage Living Room
Published on February 5, 2026
In this edition of Ask A Designer™ Gillian Atkins, senior designer at Lynda Reeves Design Studio, LRDS, shares advice for introducing a wood-burning stove in your cottage living room. Take a look!
Q: I just renovated my cottage and need some advice on how to finish the space. I hope to put a wood-burning stove in the living room for extra warmth in the winter. Do you have a style you recommend? Also, how should I treat the surrounding wall and floor to protect against the heat? — M.M., Prince Edward County, Ont.
A: Great work — the room feels fresh and welcoming. Consider tucking a new fireplace into the corner near the window. Choose a slim, modern, cylindrical wood burning stove like the one shown. Check the building codes for your location but, generally, you need to install a noncombustible material directly behind the unit, as well as a stone underneath that extends 18 inches in front and eight inches to the sides and back. Try using a simple soapstone slab as a hearth and round the edges to create a pie shape that mimics the curve of the stove so it fits nicely in the corner.
For the walls, take two pieces of stone and butt them together in the corner, and repeat the rounded-edge detail. Your bookcase is too small and airy for such a big wall. Instead, try a long and low storage unit for wood, then install a gallery wall above to fill the space. Add rattan blinds, a warm blanket and throw pillows with colour and pattern.
Lastly, move the ottoman and add a good-sized coffee table, place a larger rug and you’re all set.
1. Faux Mohair–framed Ombré throw in Bordeaux, $119. West Elm. 2. Premium Plus Woven Wood-bamboo shades in Tortoise Cocoa, from $157. Select Blinds Canada. 3. Intargia throw pillow in Bronze, $395. Elte. 4. Silestone Eternal Charcoal soapstone, pricing upon request. Cosentino. 5. Dundas Reclaimed Wood coffee table in Hughes Ale, $899. Urban Barn.
6. Fun Living Room framed poster set, $268. Opposite Wall. 7. Cylindrical Family Wood-burning fireplace by Hart Enjoy Life, $5,900. Wayfair Canada. 8. 37½” sq. Costal Currents #56 framed painting by Shane Norrie, $2,225. Wills & Prior. 9. Khamira Powder-coated Steel Firewood log rack by Latitude Run, $840. Wayfair Canada.
Mock-up by Gillian Atkins
House & Home