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Home Decorating Design Dilemma Fireplaces

seeking advice about fireplace/awkward wall design

4 years ago

We bought this house almost a year ago and this area has been very difficult for me to decorate. Since it is one of the first things one sees when walking into the house, I am hoping for some ideas/ recommendations. I would like to update the tile around the fireplace and possibly add a custom built-in inside the alcove which also must accommodate the television. Most of all, this “step wall” has me completely stumped. The stairs up to the 2nd floor are located directly behind the fireplace. The door to the right leads to the basement. Thanks in advance!!!

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Comments (5)

njmomma
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Not a Pro.

I would some how want to make that visually a whole wall, but still keep the light coming in from the windows. Painting door same color as wall. Cover niche and put tv on another wall? keep niche open and fill with shelves and books or firewood. Large art over fireplace.

Some inspiration: Maybe adding some stringers to bring the ceiling and step as one with some interest.

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Danielle T thanked njmomma
C Marlin
4 years ago
As already said, work to make it one unifying wall, make the alcove (remove arch) with TV a solid built in with same color painted wood. Can you do more to de-emphasize the door, remove trim? One large subtle artwork over mantle, no candles. Make it all simple, it already has too much necessary things going on..
Danielle T thanked C Marlin
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I like the concept of the "wide shelf all the way across" like CPArtist has shown above. Yes, it's mainly a Craftsman thing, but I think it can work in other applications as well. If you're going to use tile on a fireplace, I agree with going with something really great -- and handmade to your specifications sounds ideal. This is a focal point, not a place to scrimp! I think "taping it out" is a wonderful idea. You'll need a big, wide space, but go into a hallway if you have to. Or even do it outside. So many of us are visual people, so SEEING is best. If you're trying to fit a TV on one side or the other, here's a question for you: Must your built-ins be symmetrical, or would you be okay with one side -- the TV side -- being larger than the other side? This question has no right or wrong answer; it's your opinion. And one last thought: If you do end up with a SMALL fireplace (and I didn't do the math, so I don't know), you might consider going with a small wood stove (or a gas stove that looks like a wood stove) instead of a fireplace. Do some googling. It can be a good look, either inside a masonry fireplace or placed in front of a stone or tile wall.
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cawaps
4 years ago
The architect did you no favors when designing that wall.

Even before I read the previous responses, I was thinking much the same thing--sheetrock over the niche and visually minimize the basement door. I went looking for an old post on concealed doors. This isn't the one I was thinking of, but covers the same territory:

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/2523382/making-a-utility-door-disappear#n=7

Basically, you can replace the door with something with no trim, painted the same color as the wall that will completely blend it. It won't be truly hidden, since you will still see the outlines of the door, but it will be much less obtrusive than what you have now, and will let your fireplace be the focal point it ought to be.
Danielle T thanked cawaps
threers
4 years ago
Remove arch over niche; build in shelving for TV and drawers or shelving in lower part of the alcove. If possible, have TV on shelf, at equal height and same width as mantle. Good advice about your door in previous comments. Remove little plants on top of wall and then ignore the wall. The light fixture in the stairwell isn't great; hopefully some other Houzzer will have an idea about that.
Danielle T thanked threers
l pinkmountain
4 years ago
You need a good carpenter who can do sheetrock!
Danielle T thanked l pinkmountain
Danielle T
Original Author
4 years ago
I’m considering looking into actually installing a railing and balusters, and removing the step wall altogether. I can’t do too much about the door. it will be a big project but I think it will be amazing.

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