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1960s UK house - lounge decor ideas needed!

last year

Hi everyone, I'm hoping you clever people can help! I'm about to move to a 1960s house in the UK and need some ideas of what to do with this lounge/diner which is something of a timewarp.
I'm definitely going to knock out the dated stone fireplace which stretches the right hand (party) wall and rounds the corner to the sliding doors, as you can just see in the photo. When I've looked around next door's house (we are semi-detached with that being the party wall), they have a fireplace against that wall too but as it is the narrowest wall. I have considered moving it as I'm unlikely to be able to use the chimney for a real/open fire due to asbestos, so the actual fire will probably be electric. I'm after some inspiration for placement of a new fireplace, maybe creating a faux chimney breast, and where it should go.
I prefer traditional styles especially with shelves/cupboards either side like some of the pictures I've attached here) to ultra modern/media walls but I will need some storage too and somewhere to put the TV. But obviously it's a 1960s house and I don't want it to look totally incongruent.
And finally if you made it this far, I will have an amazing view out of the windows there, so want to sit on my sofa and be able to look out of the patio doors at night!
It's south facing. So I'm also looking for ideas of how to arrange the furniture as I have 2 sofas and a small round dining table to go in here too.
I'm not sure whether to start! All ideas welcome. 😊

Featured Answer

PRO

Marina Drobot at Cinnamon Space

last year

last modified: last year

Hi Nathalie. I also think the party wall is the best wall to have your fireplace.

You could place the tv above the fireplace

Or you could embrace 60s and design a midcentury asymmetric fireplace with the tv next to it

the space near the window is the best for a dining table. You could add some built in bench, to create a cosy space and add some storage

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Comments (9)

User
last year
If you have an existing chimney breast, I think you should put your fireplace there. Where is the asbestos you mention? I live in a 60s bungalow and had a similar stone feature in my lounge which I removed. I had a gas stove installed in the chimney (there was a gas fire there previously).
Nathalie S
Original Author
last year
Thanks Sarah. Yes the more I think about it, the more I think it's impractical to move it to another wall, even if I don't use the chimney (there's probably asbestos lining the chimney but the asbestos surveyors weren't able to test it as I've not bought the house yet).
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User
last year
Ok, even if there is asbestos lining the chimney, as long as it is undisturbed it will not cause any issues. If you install a new fire, you will likely need a flue pipe installed anyway (if it's not electric).
Nathalie S
Original Author
last year
Thanks Marina! I'm just not a fan of any modern fireplaces...sorry. I agree that the best place for the TV will likely be on that wall but would it look okay to one side maybe? I prefer paintings /mirrors as a feature rather than TV but as it's quite large it may be tricky. I have got the furniture already and the cupboard opens into the lounge which limits me slightly. I'd had similiar ideas for the layout and your professional looking drawing reassures me, thanks!

I'll more than likely be having an electric fireplace, Sarah, yes 😊
PRO
Marina Drobot at Cinnamon Space
last year
Would that be better to try to get access to the cupboard from the adjacent room?

You definitely can make it work with the asymmetrical fireplace if you make built in cupboards around it.

Also an idea, maybe to put rhe fireplace on the corner near the patio door?
Nathalie S
Original Author
last year
There are kitchen units the other side of it, I don't want/have the money to spend money on it and it's timber frame so I've been advised not to do anything without a structural engineer so it's too much to consider just for a cupboard, as much as it would help the layout.
PRO
Marina Drobot at Cinnamon Space
last year
Of course. I think you could fit a deep cabinet in that doorway instead of a closet, to store dining china and glassware. It would be useful and add interest to the space
PRO
The Living House
last year
Hi Nathalie S, congratulations on your soon to be new home! It looks like a room which has great potential!

We are an online interior design company and would love to support you to achieve a lounge you will love! It would be great to have a chat with you to discuss how we can help you and learn more about your project, feel free to drop us a message or an email to hello@thelivinghouse.co.uk or check out our website www.thelivinghouse.co.uk

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