Fireplace Modification
5 years ago
We need to replace carpets in lounge (very old) but cannot agree on a complete revamp of the room, so as an interim I am considering removing the stonework either side of the fireplace, along with the hearth (to be replaced with a conventional rectangular hearth or none at all. Any idea what is possible, what I will find when removing the stones etc? My wife is keen to fit a gas fire behind a glass screen, with no hearth so would be good if we could fit a carpet which allows for this upgrade in the future.
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5 years agoRelated Discussions
How to lay out/decorate/modify room with an almost triangle floorplan
Comments (23)Hi @Paul McCann, I am not sure what's you budget is, your plan for the property and if it's worth the work but flipping the functions from the front to the back of the house could be a good solution to embrace the orientation and balance the layout. Smaller room at the front, less deep, will maximise the North's light. Keep the services like laundry room, toilette and stairs in the middle where it's going to be dark as you will use these spaces for the least amount of time. Place the kitchen and dining area at the back to get all the light on the room you will use the most. Here are a couple of quick options for an alternative layout: Op1 is keeping the stairs where it is currently and do not touch the first floor. Op2 is moving the stairs that will effect also the first floor Please bare in mind that with no dimensions and very little idea of baring walls and structure of the house, location and surrounding this is just a fun exercise!...See MoreOpen Plan Room Design Advice
Comments (10)Dear James, You have a great feature there with your fireplace and wood burner. I really like the exposed brickwork, and the way this feature within your space flows through from the fireplace, stairs and in your kitchen/ dining & breakfast room. This is a really good focal point for your space in setting a theme. The larger shelf that sweeps round that you currently have an armchair in front of can ideally be removed with the unit under it also being taken out. This would open the area near the stairs; allowing you space to move through into the centre area easily. Opening the stairs themselves will allow light to flood through, this will greatly improve the access you have to natural light. Try to go with a unified neutral tone that reflects the natural light in the day, I'm not saying brilliant white here, a warm cream, with a sandy undertone, one that ties in with the beautiful wood surfaces in your kitchen. Consider spotlights that positioned correctly will illuminate key focal points in the evening to create an atmosphere, and highlight the textures and features of the space. Mirrors are brilliant pieces for reflecting light and creating the feel of more space, and positioned right can help the flow through your space. Use accessories to define your zones such as seating area and kitchen. experiment with pattern and colour to create your theme. I hope these simple but effective tips help to give you a start on your ideas for your space. We are here if you would like to discuss any of these further, please don't hesitate to contact us. Kind Regards Michael Jhala Designs...See MoreArea Rug & Coffee Table Help
Comments (11)I absolutely agree (& appreciate) all advice! I was afraid of being too detailed but the help I've received has given much guidance. I'm pointing out a couple key things in hopes of helping me out even more building on these great tips. Included before photos (we have lived here for 9mo now so some is my poor choices/coupled w/financial patience+ happy decisions! Ready to tie it together & LIVE w/out mismatch/incomplete "one day" still lingering. Before: So much blue pulled out more in fireplace/kitchen backsplash & did not like. It's more gray when not accented so that was 1st intention. I loved the blue loveseat but wanted something more practical(& less blue)..Green replaced it but seemed small (although matched main sofa)Added wall frame behind & knew coffee table would eventually not be larger than green couch. It's comfortably laid on (as if a chaise lounge) so turned out practical. The rug is absolutely too small which I worried about. We purchased on our own & after curtain fiasco's, settled with it actually "going" okay. The blue ikat chair was also going to be a (sad) sell considering it's comfy & swivels. Realized it would go very unique IF my rug were not the same. Please note: I think swapping the orange/ivory couch pillows to tie in the new pieces would help? Larger, more neutral area rug but COMFY. Smaller, square & practical coffee table have been big concerns but thanks to you all.... *** I think a square/tufted ottoman top, "bench coffee table" may be solution? Possibly with gold/antique silver legs to match end tables? or something white washed/gray weathered-- not TOO farmhousey--- to tie in mirror & "bar" shelves. Rug must be MUCH larger but still at loss for exact type/color. (afraid I will overdue it... OR that a neural style will end up uncomfortable AND orangey/outdoor looking.) **Kitchen bar stools are also going to be replaced as they don't go well with space so suggestions for those more than welcome! Large space between dining table windows is terrifying. Will take time I am afraid.Needs to be just right for blank 10FT+ of space! Eventually raising window curtain height above actual windows would make the space seem larger & continue the theme of French Country Farmhouse meets a COMFY, Eclectic Minimalism? I am to the point of *wishing* I could just hire someone!!!...See MoreStruggling with terminology
Comments (19)Hi Jonny Depending on what size the space is you would be looking at it could cost between £300 - £500 to create this 'wooden false wall' this is referred to as stud wall/boxing. Essentially this would be done by a carpenter who would use wood batons (studs) and plasterboard fill-in around the space for the TV. An open fire place needs an actual brick chimney and if you wanted a wood burning stove with any kind or surround this would need to be brick. You cannot build wood around a fire at all and you cannot build around a stove without a brick barrier between its flume and any surround as the heat will warp the wood and destroy your electrical appliances. To put a fire of any kind you need planning and a certified builder/carpenter and a certified installer for the type of fire place/stove you're putting in. Whatever you decided you will need a brick barrier which the stud will need to be fixed to. It makes sense to do this slightly bigger than the TV you currently have and stud up to the edge of your TV. That way if you change the TV later you can cut into the stud wall and make it bigger relatively easily. In reference to the recessed curtains you can also use a metal recessed track that can be easily hidden in the ceiling. This will give a much cleaner look. https://www.justpoles.com/Curtain-Tracks---Valance-Tracks-/Metal-Curtain-Tracks-Uncorded/Renaissance-Metal-Project-Double-Curtain-Track--Recess-Fixed--White__p-86-89-25844.aspx The flooring is not Amtico it is a wood effect porcelain tile in a chevron cut/style - porcelain tiles are great if you are doing under floor heating. You will find it very difficult to find an Amtico flooring with a grout line effect that comes in a light colour like the one you've got pictured....See More
5 years agoI hada very similar fireplace to that in my lounge. Anything is possible. Here are my before and after photos.
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5 years ago- 5 years ago
We had the same problem but took it a bit further as we knocked down the walls on both sides to create an open plan area and then added stone work around the chimney. We have an open fire on one side and an electric fire on the other (we wish we’d had it made open through to the other side but couldn’t afford it at the time).
Nothing beats the focal point of a nice fireplace.
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5 years agoIt is dated isn’t it and it just doesn’t go with your lovely room. Get the sledgehammer out! There are some lovely electric fires that would create a modern vibe. Something like this.
PRO5 years agoDuring this project we removed the fireplace and replaced it with a gas inset fire. Hearth removed and timber sourced to match existing. Beautiful stone selected. Not great photo but gives you the idea. Good luck
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