How to modernise this fireplace and chimney area.
last year
I hate the darkness and the dated look. pls help!
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last yearIf the timber mantle is original to home, then think about painting the mantle and the bricks. As an example, These photos are the same room, mantle has been painted and new furniture.
Kat Bibi thanked dreamerRelated Discussions
Living area makeover
Comments (11)Hi Guys , you have probably already done this room already.. But I would have tv and Fireplace sharing the same wall and move the tv if possible to take advantage of the fire on those cold days, would be nice to see tv and wood heater from the the couch area. I understand that it looks like it was an open fire and you have had to box in the flue from the wood heater, so it looks a little nicer - unless there is an option to see part of the flue (like you see on escape to the country tv show' to give character. Otherwise , I would consider bricking up the gap and keep the mantle as its quite nice and render over the fireplace area, then choose if you want to keep the walls either side of fireplace with exposed brick walls but put in 'if you can afford or like - timber open backed booked cases into the space either side of the fireplace. then if you do not like the floor tiles and cannot replace immedately, go for a big cheap dark grey rug to match couch - will update the inside of the house while you decide on flooring alternative and look much more cosy. Just my thoughts, room has good structure - shame that you cannot see the fire from the tv- guess you need to decide if you want to feature the fireplace or cover it up and make focal point of the room where the tv is instead- this will guide you in either plasstering over whole walls - or keeping some walls as they are. cheers....See MoreWhat to do with this fireplace area?
Comments (21)In addition to my post above...having lived with a fire set in a wall for many years with a vent to let the hot air into the room...I'd do neither of the above....except maybe old cabinets of well seasoned timber and not new built ins up against the wall enclosing the chimney. The heat from that fire and from the vent would affect the cabinets, dry them out, make them crack...especially since timbers today are not well seasoned as when the fire place was built....That enclosed chimney/flue would radiate heat as well...There's a reason why the walls each side as well as the timber shelves are a dark colour and there's nothing built into the spaces on either side. Installing the cabinets and painting them a pretty light colour might look good for a while but not if you intend on making good use of that lovely fire place. I've lived in my current 1900s house for 32 years and have come to know the why's and wherefore's about timbers and heat in old homes. One longs for a lighter environment sometimes but this needs to come from other sources rather than anything against the fire place. Its a bit of a blocker to renovations at times but again, with Wuff, "Embrace what you have"...read up about homes of the same period, surf the net...you'll find some beautiful solutions. Here's one....you could clad the walls either side of the fireplace with a fireproof stone cladding...enlarge on that...may not be your 'cup of tea' but for what its worth in making your place "yours"....See MoreHow should I modernise my old meters stove?
Comments (27)In terms of the mantle - it may have been something more fancy previously. We have 3 fireplaces in our little 2x1 - including the one with the stove. Here is a photo of one of them - although it looks like the timber mantle and surrounds have been screwed on at a later date to suit the house rather than being original....See MoreHow do we modernise an art deco room without losing its charm?
Comments (23)I'd echo most others views -- personally , I could live with the aircon and the lights , but the furniture and the mirrors would go ! Again , just personally , I don't have a problem with the mirrors sizes , it's the silver that doesn't suit . I'd go approx 20% smaller mirrors , BUT with really nice wide sculpted dark wooden frames , and lift them a bit -- they almost look like they are sitting on the mantlepieces at present -- lifting them would show more balance IMO . Lounge suite I'd go big , boxy , good quality bright red leather . A modern corner suite would probably suit , or one with a moden interpretation of a chaise , but in big boxy red leather . Or maybe a more classic looking buttoned leather suite , just not in brown -- that would be too much brown . Red or white would work well . The dining suite could be a large 8 seater wooden table in darker brown ( that mahogony one clashes to me ) , or glass top and stainless if you want to be more modern , and modern red chairs -- several styles would work , depending on what table you choose , and how modern you want to be . And for a more modern twist on the windows -- wooden slat blinds -- I have done very similar in my own 95 year old place , and it works well ! My place is similar , although it doesn't have those higher picture rails -- my place has carved rails approx 1.2mtr above the floor level , and Rimu panelling ( a NZ wood ) below that -- has that 'gentlemans club' feel . I did the walls above that in a mid steel blue in some rooms , a grape colour in others , english cream in a couple , and an earthy orangey-brown with white gloss tiles in the kitchen ! And in most rooms , I did a feature wall , wallpapered in complimentary colours to the other 3 walls in that room ! Strange sounding I know , but it works ! In the larger rooms and entrance foyer , I have large gold waterfall chandaliers , the other rooms I have gold curved light bars with 4 to 6 led spotlights -- all with crisp white ceilings similar to yours , and art deco inspired ceiling roses and architraves . I love the mix of classic and modern , with a twist of class...See More
last yearAgree with dreamer, painting it white will tie in with your shelves and really lighten the room, try art on the mantle or change the mirror to an arched one would really look beautiful..
Kat Bibi thanked Julie Herbert
last yearLike most things , I look at it differently !
Apart from the TV , everything in the picture looks like it was at least 60 years old . I am assuming the house is even older than that , and because you have everything shown , I am wondering if you want to keep it ? You did say lighten things , and modernise -- fair enough . But too modern would look silly IMO -- well , out of place anyway .
How about change the wallpaper --
Add some vases and jugs --
and maybe change the chairs --
Use your imagination , add some whimsy , add some lightness -- the fireplace will look great as it is , in the dark tones .Kat Bibi thanked Pottsy 9 And A Bit- last year
- last year
I’m pretty much decided on the outside of the fire place but not yet sure weather to leave the baked brick on the inside, or to tile it. Any advice will be much appreciated.
- last year
Kate