Fireplace Update Ideas

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

I am trying to update a 20yr old home and just completed this updated firework. My dilemma is as follows -

1. Should I put some base cabinets or leave the space on either side of fireplace as such. I like the open area (the black walls are 27" deep behind the stone accent wall, so lots of room opens up).

2. How do I accentuate the dark walls with some complimentary artwork without turning my living space into an art gallery!

I will appreciate your thoughts and suggestions!

Many thanks,

Michelle

Featured Answer

daneejela

5 years ago

Comments (16)

PRO
PRM Custom Builders
5 years ago
Looks great.

We have a few custom fireplaces with cabinets and ideas that may help. Feel free to check them out. https://www.houzz.com/projects/users/prmcustombuilders
Michelle Davidson thanked PRM Custom Builders
susan49417
5 years ago
TV is WAY too high.
Related Discussions
Ideas on how to update fireplace?
Q
Comments (6)
The limestone doesnt really go with the brick at all. If you want to keep the brick, I would change all the limestone to bluestone. Thats typically what is used to mantels and ledges. I just re did my fireplace that was brick and bluestone and did it in cultured stone. I would probably do some sort of wood mantel since you have a rustic look going on with the deer mount.This is before, with bluestone ledges, mantel and hearth.After, we removed the ledges, and changed the mantel to wood and the hearth to limestone.
...See More
Fireplace update ideas
Q
Comments (6)
I'd say w/that pinkish brick, there is no harm in painting it. What do you think about doing a dark charcoal gray and removing that mantle? there really shouldn't be one on there,,,it's meant to be naked because of how the different depths of brick is fashioned. looks way to busy w/that wood. so here are some pics, even though they have mantels, ignore that. if you choose to whitewash... take the brass screen and paint it w/heatproof matte black spray. looks great when finished.
...See More
Fireplace update ideas
Q
Comments (5)
We definitely want to redo the flooring all together....we thought either stained concrete or wood flooring. The walls we thought to replace paneling with drywall. I am stuck at the brick.....I thought maybe a whitewash since there are two different types of brick. The red brick has like a glaze or topcoat of some kind. My home is a 1960s ranch style, very low pitch roof. This living area is actually an add on, the red brick is actually the exterior wall. The ceiling in this room is very short starting at 8ft the highest and ending a little over 6ft. The room is rectangular that helps to get a better idea of the layout. The pic is from when we just moved in, we just didnt have the extra money to work on it then. So I cant really take a recent pic, especially if the whole room.
...See More
Ideas to update this fireplace
Q
Comments (4)
Here's the link: https://paloform.com/fireplaces/greener-shades-of-grey-concrete-fireplace-mantels-and-iaq/attachment/modern-fireplace-mantel-resized-600/
...See More
arcy_gw
5 years ago
Wow in 20 years a permanent fixture like a fireplace can be outdated?!! I do not understand rooms with a TV buy no seating placed so one would watch the TV. LOL the "usual" is shelving and built-ins so this will be interesting to follow.
daneejela
5 years ago
I think your fireplace looks beautiful!

I would not rush with anything, take your time..I don't think it needs much.

I would first try to add some simple additions, like bright artwork that pops or cool sconces, a plant, maybe an accent chairs if there is place for it.
Michelle Davidson thanked daneejela
PRO
Michelle Davidson
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you all for your thoughts! Agree that the TV is too high, esp with the mantle gone. I do have fiddle leaf fig for accent that I took out for the picture. Was thinking of putting two accent chairs on the near end of the carpet, not the end next to the fireplace.
PRO
Michelle Davidson
Original Author
5 years ago
We watch TV once every few months, so TV being high hasn't caused a pain in the neck.
PRO
OTM Designs & Remodeling Inc.
5 years ago
Looks great! Custom cabinets on the side of the fireplace will be great!
Michelle Davidson thanked OTM Designs & Remodeling Inc.
tqtqtbw
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
It looks beautiful. Colorful art with lots of white like the photo shopped example is very nice. Are the original cabinets still there. I can't tell in the pictures. I like base cabinets, either built-ins or in the form of matching free-standing cabinets/buffets.

Can you reach the coffee table from the sofas?
Michelle Davidson thanked tqtqtbw
PRO
Michelle Davidson
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you for your comments. The current two sofas will give to a leather sectional. That provides seating for watching TV and better reach to the coffee table. plus would open up the entire left wall which has huge windows overlooking rolling hills and tall trees.
jbtanyderi
5 years ago
That looks like the usual TV-above-the-fireplace problem. Lower the screen to SEATED EYE LEVEL, and have it os a sing arm. Otherwise, get ready to pay the chiropractor/physiotherapist on a very regular basis.
Michelle Davidson thanked jbtanyderi
PRO
Manhattan Home Design
5 years ago
I'd go with the second choice, rather than the cabinets. I'd also do neither but that's up more to your tastes and needs. Other than that, you've done a fantastic job! It looks amazing! Let us know if there's anything we can do to help you!
Michelle Davidson thanked Manhattan Home Design
keith Dcil
5 years ago
Beautiful renovation. I would not block the new black walls with built-ins. I would add matching open console tables on either side of fireplace (brass or nickel) and matching modern tabletop lamps. I would also place framed family pictures and nick-nacks on the new table tops to warm the space a little. For console tables look at Restoration Hardware's greydon shagreen, thaddeus forged or torano marble console tables. For table lamps look at Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams marco buffet, olivia table or mila table lamps. I would also lower the TV because there is too much blank space between the firebox and the tv - I would try to have an equal amount of blank space above and below TV.
Michelle Davidson thanked keith Dcil
PRO
Michelle Davidson
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you Keith, moving the TV to a halfway point is a great idea from a balance standpoint, even if I don't watch TV.
PRO
Stecki Construction
5 years ago
Beautiful update! I think two side tables on each side of the fireplace would look great! However, the cabinets would give you more storage!
Michelle Davidson thanked Stecki Construction
PRO
Lion Windows and Doors
5 years ago
A couple of color-blocked pieces of abstract art on either side would look beautiful!
Michelle Davidson thanked Lion Windows and Doors