If you need a fire for heat you will have to have an insert constructed, the gas brought in and possibly the chimney lined and possibly a air brick for ventilation. If you are not keen on the work consider faking it: Electric fires don't have the same level of regulation and can still give a flame effect while throwing out heat. Alternatively if you don't need neat but want to see a dancing flame consider a Bioethanol fire: http://www.gelfireplaces.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&category_id=7&flypage=flypage_default.tpl&product_id=316&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=57

Hello, It seems to me that the chimney sticks out about 350 - 400mm into the room. That's a lot of potential space. The TV is probably 50mm deep. That leaves 300mm of space doing what? I would suggest removing the chimney breast completely throughout the house. This should not cost more than about £5,000. Then I would build a bit of stud for the TV and any other elements I wanted and gain additional space on the ground floor and first floor. If you remove the chimney on the ground floor get an engineer to design a suitable support and remember any structural supports have to be signed off by building control.

I'm inclined to agree with Jonathan but if you do want to go with the chimney concept and want a bit more variation to the 'shape' of the wall then there are a few things you could do. We've got an actual chimney breast and have put occasional bench seating either side with hidden storage below, which is super useful for times of year when we have extra visitors and need a few extra seats for bottoms! (Excuse the empty holes in the middle- waiting for our log delivery!) If you thought carefully about the actual chimney breast higher up I guess it depends on what you want above it- a large mirror or picture could easily be put up on top concealing a cupboard door behind it for hidden storage. Alternatively you could have the 'sides' of the chimney breast with hidden doors (push close / push open) to storage, so long as you think carefully about what height your shelves are at and avoid the doors opening into them. I always think books look quite nice in fireplaces, especially if you paint the inside a bold colour as a backdrop to them. I'm sure there are lots of other options too! Hope it helps! Claire

Sounds like you've made huge steps to create a modern open feel which you love.  Why stop now just for the sake of a future buyer? If future buyer wants traditional features then it already sounds like you're wouldn't be the right house for them. Unless you're planning to sell in the next 2 years I wouldn't be thinking king about anyone else, it's your home.  But having said that each room ca  have it's own feel so if it suits to keep it I wouldn't worry that it doesn't 'fit in' with rest of house.  Basically, I'm saying be confident to do whatever you want to do! Lol.