1930s lounge and fireplace

7 years ago

I bought my 1930s house last year, which was in need of renovation. The lounge had a 1930s tiled fireplace. My initial thought was to remove it but after deliberating, I bought an antique French stove and fitted it myself (not straight forward in the end). I had the hearth made out of honed marble in a biscuit colour. I have two questions, I was thinking of building some recess cupboards either side of the fireplace and on one side, have a bracket for the TV to fold out... does anyone have any design ideas? Secondly, I thought I would board the floor (over the top of the existing ugly boards)... would you go light or dark? Thanks in advance.

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Lauren

7 years ago

I agree there's a balance to be found - you don't want it to feel pastiché.

I wonder if you'd considered going with a bolder colour on the fireplace wall? I think something dark and dramatic would not only help tie in the deco fireplace but also make the whole thing feel a little more contemporary. Which could help if you want to bring in other more modern details/furnishings.

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Comments (17)

Steve West
Original Author
7 years ago
Pic didn't come out well so here is another
Fiona Davenport-White
7 years ago
What colours are you thinking of painting the walls? I have fireplace envy btw!
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PRO
User
7 years ago
Dark on the boards, can't see the recesses, got any more pics?
Steve West
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks for the replies... excuse the mess... it is a work in process! The fireplace was not straight forward but I'm really pleased with it now... the stove was actually made the same year as the house was built!

For the walls I was thinking of an 'off white' like a greyer side but not a cold grey if you know what I mean.

I was also thinking of adding coving but I need to be careful not to make it too grand as it would have been fairly simple.

I have original panel doors which are being stripped next week but I believe they have been stained quite dark so I guess if I wax them rather than repainting, I may need a light oak floor to keep the room light and airy in the day.
Kyle Barrett
7 years ago
Youre leaning hard into the art deco vibe with all that! That's ballsy and I'm excited to see the finished product!

Any ideas on furnishings yet? I think a French leather club chair just became a safe bet!

Art deco is such a cool style.
Kyle Barrett
7 years ago
Didn't answer either your questions. Given your commitment to the era, I'd pick up some books on 1930s interiors. Plenty out there, with catalogue drawings to give you an idea on the potential cabinets. I really like the idea, sounds like a great project I'd be doing if I could afford to own a house!

As for floors, darker is probably more period appropriate. Id end up going that route personally, but realistically the most period appropriate is carpet.

Anyway, keep this thread updated, wanna see more.
Lauren
7 years ago
Hey, love what you're doing with the space - I can see it having a real classy deco ocean liner feel when you're done!

For the alcoves I would try and pick up a pair of matching deco sideboards/display cupboards that are approximately the right size but free standing. Then mount your TV above whichever works best for you. It would look striking to get wall lights put in above each too.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pair-of-Art-Deco-cabinets-/302279395014?hash=item46614186c6:g:SlgAAOSwls5Y6-CB

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Art-Deco-Glass-Display-Cabinet/252853424960?_trksid=p2047675.c100009.m1982&_trkparms=aid%3D888007%26algo%3DDISC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D40656%26meid%3D0f1ce1e86f79402885d19f0a997ea863%26pid%3D100009%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26sd%3D302279395014

I've attached a pic of an artists impression of the interior of the 1930's houses built locally to us which gives a good idea of the furniture and style. These were very much intended to be bought by the working man/family but still have elements of grandeur!
Lauren
7 years ago
Thought you might like a bit more of a blank slate to work with!
Juliet Docherty
7 years ago
The fireplace looks great now, much better with the lovely stove. Personally, I would make the space quite eclectic and decorate it to make the best of the space, rather than seeking authenticity. In fact I would avoid to too many period pieces as it could look themed.
Steve West
Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you both. I totally accept that I have to be careful not to over do the Deco theme. If I can achieve a balance that would be great.

I just know that if I built cupboards in bead and butt, it would look wrong (I did one like this in my old house, which was a cottage so it worked).

Lauren, thank you for your input. I had always thought those cabinets looked a bit dated but actually I really like the first ones you showed! I may pursue that.
A B
7 years ago
I would have a simple sideboard on one side with the TV on, then a floor lamp on the other side. Would have to have a deco mirror above the fireplace though! Have you decided on colours yet? It will be beautiful when finished I'm sure
Kyle Barrett
7 years ago
Yes I agree actually, I collect MCM stuff - and follow groups that do the same. Unfortunately I see a lot of pads that look like MCM museums rather than somewhere I'd actually wanna live or that look nice.

Definitely concur with the balance comments.

But I guess it's just cool to see someone taking the art deco and running with it rather than tearing it out. I gotta say, depending on how long you stay - you might find when you come to leave that it's a pretty damn desirable feature.
James H
7 years ago
Teal and mustard yellow are really nice with the style. I would also consider stripping the picture rail and skirting boards. Ours is very different fireplace but you can see the effect / colours I mean
suzanne_mcnamara60
7 years ago
Same fireplace in the house I grew up in and I have hated it so much for years, until recently, I now envy the beautiful features in my folks house compared to my 1990's house. Anyway we had green carpet and red velvet curtains, through the 70's and '80s with lots of ansley China. Wood floor now and bright curtains, still the China on the wotnot. Beautiful,, enjoy.
PRO
Woodpecker Flooring
7 years ago
Hi Steve, what a bold move to keep a feature that we don't often see appreciated! We'd suggest going for a darker wood floor with this. A chocolatey colour will pair well with the brown features of the fireplace whereas you might find it hard to choose a lighter shade that doesn't clash with the tiles. Dark would bring a nice feeling of warmth and a touch of 1930s glamour to the room too. Here's some food for thought below:

https://woodpeckerflooring.co.uk/product/chepstow-distressed-charcoal-oak/

https://woodpeckerflooring.co.uk/product/salcombe-shadow-oak/
Jessamine Matheson
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I would go for American oak boards - an amazing bargain and the long wide boards look great. We re-floored a three-story house in 2002. The house has been tenanted ever since, so the floors haven't exactly had much in the way of TLC, but they still look great. And of course, because it is solid wood, we can always just sand and re-oil if needed (though we haven't needed to yet). At the time, it cost less than £2000 for the timber for the whole house - a decent laminate would have cost twice that, even then.

We bought a 1930s apartment overlooking Hyde Park in 2006. It wasn't in great condition but, under the grotty carpet, the original parquet was still there, and all the original panelled doors. We fixed it up respectfully and it was a great, and very comfortable, place to live. It broke our heart when we sold and the new owners gutted the place and threw everything in a skip.

1930s lounge and fireplace

Lauren

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1930s lounge and fireplace

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