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Fireplaces Renovating Design Dilemma

Help - Renovation ideas for an existing living room

6 years ago

Keen to seek renovation ideas for this living area especially on how best to repurpose the existing dual fire places. Any advice is appreciated.

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Dr Retro House Calls

6 years ago

I disagree with juliahocking and believe that "whiting out" all of the retro charm of this room under layers of white paint will destroy the warmth and character of this space. It will also make it look like every other house on the block, and it will always look like an older home smothered under white paint. While white paint works wonders for smaller spaces, this room looks large, light and airy and doesn't need white paint to make it look even larger.

Another approach is to celebrate the existing character and build on it. The exposed rafters were probably originally a dark stained oregon timber, but their character has been lost forever under the green paint.

The rhythmic repetition of the rafters is an important feature of the space, so while the stained oregon finish cannot be re-instated I would repaint to match the timber used in the timber trim, which will relate to the brickwork. Consider uplighting the cathedral ceiling to emphasize the drama of the height.

The brickwork has lots of life, colour and drama, and is at odds with the sterility of many contemporary homes. Use the earthy colours in the brickwork for inspiration for the rest of the room furniture. Think earthy, organic, textures and finishes. The space is large enough and light enough for some dramatic elements, such as some primitive art, so don't go bland and safe.

Best of luck,

Dr Retro

Comments (15)

juliahocking
6 years ago
Wai Lee

Paint everything in this huge room white - rafters & window frames included

Replace floor covering with dark grey carpet Use large rugs to define areas of different use - TV/movie watching, reading, conversation

Add green furnishings - some plain, some patterned Also mix the textures

Use chrome, silver & a suitable (to you) accent colour to style

Also place large indoor plants strategically to create a comfortable environment

Place family photos & other art on the ledge above the fireplace

Use the 2nd opening in the fireplace to store fuel wood Stack it to the top with round logs of a consistent size

Enjoy
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Sara Graham
6 years ago
I agree with Dr Retro, embrace what you have. It’s a large space and can handle the brick. I’d paint the beams a timber like colour. Depending upon your budget and what’s happening in the rest of the house I’d change the flooring to timber or perhaps carpet, or use large rugs to soften the tiles. Keep it earthy and organic.

On a practical note, I’m not sure if you currently have an open fireplace (I can’t make it out from the picture) but an insert wood heater is much more efficient than an open fireplace and less drafty. Use the other side for wood storage as suggested.

Good luck, it’s a great space.
Sara Graham
6 years ago
In addition, if you don’t intend to use the fireplaces or put in an insert wood heater then block off the chimneys to reduce drafts. If you do decide to use them make sure they are safe and get a chimney sweep out to clean them before you light a fire in them.

If you prefer an open fire to a wood heater/stove using something like a Jetmaster insert makes the fire more efficient and throws out more heat but it’s still not as efficient as a wood heater/stove. See photos
juliahocking
6 years ago
annb1997
6 years ago
Hi Wai. I think the most jarring feature of the room is the green colour of the rafters. Are they painted or is that a green stain? If this were my Dilemna, I would consider painting them semi-gloss charcoal or black (just my preference).

You mention repurposing the dual fireplaces, which begs the question do you not want a fireplace at all? In terms of the fantastic style of your house, it would be a shame to not have either a wood-burning or gas-insert fireplace. What are your thoughts?
me me
6 years ago
I agrre that it's the green rafters that need a colour change. The rest of thdd room is awesome. Just needs some furnishings.
JE C
6 years ago
Great potential! Agree with earlier posters...what is the floor, I think timber would look good in this space, warmed up with characterful rugs.
girlguides
6 years ago
Old fireplaces make for great book shelves niches
Wai
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you all!!! This room currently has a traditional woodfire place which is not something I am comfortable in using and would prefer something that is more user friendly. As for the flooring I am thinking of some kind of light colored timber flooring. The room itself has an area of 5m by 5m.
annb1997
6 years ago
The free-standing wood-burning stove is an option for repurposing the existing fireplace. Just be sure to have chimney swept prior to any flue installation. An installer will likely request this. It is for fire safety and it makes their job easier. Other option would be to have gas plumbed to the location and a gas insert fireplace. It really is a matter of preference. Obviously, burning wood is a bit messier and does, over time, leave a smoke residue on walls which just means more maintenance involved.

As you mentioned a preference for lighter timber flooring, you could take a look at the various oaks available.
Susan Ballard
6 years ago
I would paint beams same colour as ceiling Remove shelf above fireplace and on other walls Put in insert fireplace and make second fireplace for stacked wood and I would render fireplace wall but leave brick walls either side natural brick This will make height of ceiling stand out more as lost some of effect when painting out beams Would definitely paint out beams still Also make sure your door frame colour didn’t jar against room look
specialvintage
5 years ago
I too have exposed beams in living room. I plan to use insulation batts and cover with ceiling. Will improve climate. Also, on right hand side of fireplace have you considered a built in library shelf? The difference colours of book spines make the space more interesting.
SUZIE SILJANOVSKI
5 years ago
The green beams have to go and it all depends on what style your going for if you want modern paint all white and use marble tiles or you can leave it brick and change the colour of the beams.
You have lots of space to play with.
KK1000
5 years ago
You can replace fireplace with either electric or gas one in the style that suits your taste , built in options is nicer for modern look . Pick a grey colour from your brick wall and repaint rafters and windows/ door frames in the same or slightly darker colour. Replace carpet with wide plank timber/ timber look floor boards . Go for mid century/ industrial look with lighting and furniture and lots of colourful oriental rugs. Use motorised roller blinds on the windows.

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