Fireplace & Brick Wall in Lounge - What would you do?
My husband and I are moving into our new house soon, and looking for design ideas on what to do with this wall/fireplace in our new lounge/dining room.... This is quite a large space about 7m x 5m which will fit both our dining table and a lounge area with couches in front of the fire.......
We are planning to lay timber floorboards throughout the house and would like to keep the stained glass windows, but feel the brick wall and current fireplace is a bit dated and not quite our style.... We'll also be changing the colour scheme of the house from browns/reds to more grey/whites. Looking for ideas on what we could do to make it more modern (but not too much so as it's still an old house overall with lots of original features in the front half)
The house was built in 1924 and this is part of an extension that was added in the 1980's.
My husband isn't keen on a wood fire, so I was thinking of maybe putting an electric/gas one in the current cavity, undecided about the brick though.... What would you do Houzz-ers??
Comments (10)
PRO6 years ago- 6 years ago
Related Discussions
What to do to make this brick wall look more appealing?
Comments (17)Something like silver birch trees don't take up too much room but will provide some height and interest. Personally I pick out natives, after asking local garden centres for those which are natural to my area. I've used black mondo grass across the front of my walls with purple fountain grass behind it. The fountain grass really takes the summer heat, doesn't need much water and self-seeds. It's grown slightly taller than me after a few years. I have, what I call a 'survival of the fittest' garden. Over the years, I've experimented with all sorts of plants. Eventually, only those that survive with little help, and almost no extraneous watering, get to stay. One of the key things I did when planting out my garden was to dig down into the soil and lay a mat of used, natural-blend carpet underlay (not the more synthetic types used these days). Just ask someone getting rid of their old carpet- it's easy to come across. Above the carpet underlay I added water crystals, then put the soil back on top. After the gardens have been established, I haven't need to get the hose out since. I do have lots of succulents around the place, some native plants and ornamental grasses. I hope this helps....See MoreInternal brick wall - what to do??
Comments (24)If the brick is a functioning chimney I would leave it other wise a rough render could work. One of the issues is that the nearby features such as the light and painting clash. As in the dining room, try a large mirror and a big photo e.g. to link it all. Also good rugs with strong reds, browns, oranges would help co-ordinate the rooms at low expense. I would try a colourful Moroccon style rug near the brick feature before attempting a major fix....See MoreWhat to do with the brick walls in kitchen.
Comments (22)Reason I asked if you are replacing any appliances is because, if so, a new oven could be installed in cabinet below the cooktop. Do you know if the brick wall where oven currently is located can be removed completely? Is that your plan? If so, this would allow options for additional storage and benchspace. where is your pantry located? Is it adjacent to oven? Good idea to have new island further out to increase kitchen space. Does that mean you would also extend the bench (where sink is located) outward?...See MoreWhat can I do with this 1967 fireplace and wall panelling?
Comments (13)I love the timber panelling, maybe with a bit of a clean it will look a bit lighter, but in any case, I love it! I actually think some lighter flooring would make the room work better - not what you were asking about I know! The current flooring being dark and matte sucks a lot of the light out of the room and also makes the timber panelling/fireplace feel heavier. Even a lighter rug (or even a fun Ikea Stockholm rug?) could make it look more crisp, fresh and stylish, whilst still giving a nod to your home's gorgeous retro features. A fresher light fitting - maybe a simple drum style?) would make it look more modern also and less busy to allow the original features to be the focus. Your existing armchair etc suit it beautifully though! The fireplace I'm not sure about - I hate to ruin original features but I'm not sure about that?! Maybe wiht the other changes done it might work much better anyway? Otherwise an interesting tile or sandstone cladding could work beautifully with the timber tones?...See More- 6 years ago
PRO6 years agoThe stained glass windows seem to be at odds with the exposed brick, but probably match the original part of the house. If the stained glass windows are giving privacy from an overlooking neighbour I would keep them, and work to make the brickwork more like the original part of the house, so it seems less incongruous.
This could be done using a traditional wet plaster or solid plaster technique, which you would need to complete befor your gas insert fireplace is positioned. I would finish it of with a traditional timber fireplace surround and mantle piece, which would be the focal point of a more contemporary room, but link in with the original architecture.
Naomi Astley Clarke Portfolio · More InfoBest of luck,
Dr Retro
of Dr Retro House Calls
BUILD Architecture Award 2018 · More Info
6 years agoI would personally
stick with brick but you can also use marble to give it the modern look.
6 years agoThat's a lovely big room and the fireplace will look fantastic with a face lift.
- Your bricks could be faced with sandstone with a timber mantel, or just bagged with a sand colour which wouldn't be as expensive.
- This is a lovely room with the painted darker walls with the white timber clad fireplace and window benches with timber mantel and fan.
- This period house had a complete update by a firm of Architects who painted the bricks to match the wall colour and adding timber mantels.
6 years ago- 6 years agolast modified: 6 years ago
6 years agolast modified: 6 years ago
Wild Bear & Co Hervey Bay