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Design Dilemma Fireplaces Living Rooms

What to do with the fireplace?

5 years ago

Hi. We have bought a new house. It’s a 15 year old townhouse and I’m struggling after a life time of living in period properties . The house is more modern in design. I don’t like the wooden fire surround or fire place but don’t know what to do. My hubby thinks we should get rid altogether but I like the idea of a fireplace. I don’t tend to like very modern fireplaces. I thought about painting the surround the same as the walls, and maybe putting in a gas wood burner. But I’m not sure it will work in a house which is pulling me toward a more modern interior design. We have chosen West Elm grey velvet sofas, a retro blush accent chair, and marble and mango wood furniture, with some brass/gold accents. Our budget is limited also. Photos show before we bought the house to now. Help and advice gratefully accepted.

Featured Answer

lesleyannhc
Original Author

4 years ago

Thank you for all the advice and ideas about the wood fireplace I wasn’t keen on. In the end I decided to paint it a little darker than the walls as recommended, and I love it! Still need to get a new mirror for above the mantel piece but here’s a photo of how it turned out.

Comments (24)

minnie101
5 years ago
I don't think you need a modern design, we obviously can't see all of the house but can spot a sash window and traditional looking doors. I would maybe save up and change the fire surround too if you don't like it. Have a look at the first few on the link, which are traditional with a contemporary twist

https://chesneys.co.uk/category/fireplaces/contemporary/our-collection
kazzh
5 years ago
I certainly like change in wall colour - a good start in giving a newer build some interest and character. Take it step by step and work on one element at a time, keeping an overall feel in mind when you contemplate a purchase. The room will build up, bit by bit, and lose the 'blah' that your currently experiencing.
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Hi again! For anyone that's interested, I have finally managed to have a go at my varnished stone fireplace and am pretty happy with the results… It's not perfect but makes a huge difference in terms of light in the room and cost me next to nothing! I used a tiny bit of annie sloan paint to dull and lighten the stone - my mum sent me leftovers of 'paris grey' that she had used on some furniture. The link I had found which described the painting process belonged to an artist, so I was aware that my results would differ quite drastically from hers, but I'm still happy! I also had a new mantlepiece made from old planks that my boyfriend has had stashed away for years - a carpenter we often use put it together for the equivalent of about US$10. We don't own the house so I haven't waxed the paint on the stone (meaning it can be washed off with water and a light scrub) and the new mantlepiece is literally slotted on top of the old one and discreetly screwed in place. It is no huge home improvement project but made a big difference to the feel of the room using minimal time, money and mess… Now just the rest of the room to decorate…!
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Many thanks for your suggestions. I will see if I can get a mantle to wrap around the current bricks. We may have to remove some of the bricks on the side to fit the mantle. I am not sure about having just a shelve above... I prefer to have the legs :) For the blue bricks, see below the inspiration I had. But as you said, it may be too bold :) not sure my husband would accept it anyway! Do you think it would look to strange?
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If they really really bug you, you might try this. Not sure how fireproof they are though. https://www.thegrownupedit.com/the-grown-up-edit-blog/2018/7/17/diy-hack-tile-transfers You could only do that on the square tiles for example. I love how the mustard tiles copy the pattern of the surround.
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Hi HU-416843511, if you are looking to completely take the fireplace out as mentioned you would need to get this wall plastered. We would still recommend having a focal point so an updated style fireplace would still work in the room to help create a focal point within the room. If you would like any guidance and help with your home, we are an affordable online interior design company offering expert advice with affordable packages. Heres the link to our website if you would like to take look - https://www.thelivinghouse.co.uk/
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Ribena Drinker
5 years ago
FWIW I like the fire surround. I think it looks good against the new wall colour.
tamp75
5 years ago
I think it’s ok but is just a bit lost on the wall as there’s no chimney beast. Maybe with a mirror or artwork above, it will look more like a ‘fireplace’ that you’re used to.
Sonia
5 years ago
Love your new wall colour. I like the fireplace and think painting it would improve matters. Many people choose a modern decor with traditional features like a fireplace and it can look fabulous. You can paint the surround the same colour as the walls (use satinwood or eggshell), or paint it white, or best of all paint it black, or almost black. Something like this:
lesleyannhc
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks for the feedback. I think I will finish the room and see how it’s looking, then price a new fire. I love the idea of painting the fire surround black so maybe that’s the way I’ll go.
Jules Mc
5 years ago
I'm with Forza , Lesley. I think it would look fab in charcoal /off black and really update it. I'd also consider spray painting the chrome elements on the fire itself black for another update (would have to check if it would withstand the heat though) Lovely room and new wall colour. Good luck.
Jules Mc
5 years ago
Sorry just looked again and hadn't realised the front bit of the fire you pull out (can't for the life of me remember what it's called) is chrome too. I wasn't suggesting that much spray painting going on!
rinked
5 years ago
Remove it. Mount your tv, maybe create a nice frame around it, and play movies with hearthfires.
PRO
User
5 years ago
Old houses are quirky and no one is the same as another. Maybe that's what's missing. The fire is just an off the peg electric fire and many people have those. It would certainly look better painted. Black or wall coloured will definitely help.

If you find it's still not doing it for you, then just because it's modern, doesn't mean you can't have stylish, so something a bit more up market might help. It's relatively easy to make a fake chimney breast.
Dawn Rawlins
5 years ago
Paint it in my opinion I don’t particularly like the orangey colour with that shade of grey. I paint everything and so easy to do and if you don’t like it simply paint it a different colour. Would look fab with a big silver deep framed mirror over. Again a tin of silver spray paint goes a long way I’ve bought loads of old fashioned gold framed mirrors, sprayed them silver and sold them instantly, worth a try without breaking the bank. Love the shade of grey you’ve used, suits the room.
KK1000
5 years ago
I love your wall colour, it looks good with timber surround , finish the room first and see how you go, if you still want a change get somebody to restain the wood instead of painting it , there is a dark stain called Black Japan it’s almost black but you can see timber grain.
KK1000
5 years ago
Black Japan stain
lesleyannhc
Original Author
4 years ago
So much better I think
E D
4 years ago
Very stylish. Well done.
minnie101
4 years ago
The room and fire looks great, it's so rare that people post after photos too! Hope you've settled in ok :)
Katie Rossell
4 years ago
Wow looks fab!
Anthony (Beano)
4 years ago
Looks very well, I like :-)
Sonia
4 years ago
That looks fab. Told you it would look good darker! The room looks very stylish and beautifully put together. Thank you for sharing “after” pics as it is so lovely to get feedback.
T Gray
4 years ago
I had to go check your original pics as I didn't think it was the same fireplace! That looks brilliant, you must be so pleased with the transformation.
Jules Mc
4 years ago
Looks great. What a transformation. Are you putting the old light fittings back up? I think they'd well.
lesleyannhc
Original Author
4 years ago
I won’t be putting the same light fittings up, as the ceilings are low and they were too big for my tall family. I’m still looking for something that is modern (maybe mid century style) and flush or semi flush. I haven’t found anything I love yet and don’t want to rush out and but something I don’t like. I’ve made that mistake before
lesleyannhc
Original Author
4 years ago
Glad you all like the updated pics and approve! I love looking at house photos so thought you would appreciate a share

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