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The Old House Design Dilemma Fireplaces

Should I remove this huge 8' x 3' fireplace or just the hearth?

3 years ago

Please ignore the clutter. We are about to undertake a major kitchen, living room remodel to open up the floor plan. We are stuck on whether to remove the fireplace entirely or to somehow scale it down to just the insert. Please advise!

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Comments (12)

PRO
Home Interiors with Ease
3 years ago
I would remove it.
kudzu9
3 years ago
I'd get rid of that monster. It's not only dated, but takes up a lot of space. It would be a detriment to your remodel to leave it.
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Hope finding the brick above gives you a little peace of mind. Years ago, (dating myself) we had an oval shaped cast iron wood burning heater downstairs and a metal shelf hung between rafters in the ceiling to hold brick above the ceiling and thru the roof. The triple walled pipe attached to the back of the heater took the smoke from the heater to the brick. Covering that heater and pipe with the least possible brick or stone -- least possible expense -- would likely have resulted in a triangle shaped chimney. That is why I suspected you may find a wood burning stove or fireplace insert and some triple walled metal pipe beneath the stone -- but you may not be able to know for sure unless/until the stone is removed. Even if you eventually discover you don't like the look of the brick behind the stone downstairs much or any better than the current uneven stone, it would be easier to clad "straight/smooth" brick with something you do like than to try to alter the current stone. Also, without the stone adding to the size of the fireplace, it is likely there would be less of the floor to redo to match your new flooring. Looking forward to the "after" pics when you make your home/fireplace what you want it to be.
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Jen Osborne
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
This reminds me of an episode of Fixer Upper where they removed most of the fireplace to keep only the functional part of it. It gives a lot of character to the room and offers a separation between kitchen and living. Very lovely!
marlenerenee thanked Jen Osborne
ShadyWillowFarm
3 years ago
Can you get pictures from further away so we can get some perspective on the rooms?
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I have huge FP that separates my kitchen from my LR it did have a wall on one side when we started but my openings now on each side are large. I need to see an actual to scale floor plan of your space . This is mine,

I love the separation but my FP is much larger 10x8 x4 and so are the openings on either side. I think yours will need to be at least slimmed down . BTW ours is part of the actual support of the house so not easily removed you will have to check about that with yours
marlenerenee thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
Seabornman
3 years ago
You know it's an insert and not a traditional masonry fireplace? No flues coming up through from a basement?
marlenerenee
Original Author
3 years ago
It is a traditional 1950 masonry fireplace that connects to another wood-burning fireplace downstairs. It has flues that run all the way up. If we remove the fireplace we may have to put in a supporting beam of some sort and remove the chimney. I want it gone--but keeping it may save us quite a bit of money, so now I'm thinking on whether we should salvage it.

I have attached more views and a preliminary remodel plan by the architect (existing floor plan and remodel plan)
marlenerenee
Original Author
3 years ago
Have also thought about subbing out the insert for contemporary direct vent fireplace. We've never used the wood fireplace, never will.
ocotillaks
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I looked at your new plan. It seems very unwelcoming to enter the front door and be looking into the mud room. It feels like walking into a dead end. The fireplace gives a sense of entry. Something to consider: If you get an ice storm with the power out for overnight/days, that fireplace can provide heat and the ability to cook food.
PRO
User
3 years ago
My first thought was to keep it since it really shows the character and date of the home. However, after I saw the floor plan and its placement, I would remove it. The location doesn't make sense and seems to look like an after thought in the grand scheme of things. I can't imagine how much more the fireplace will stand out once everything is updated and that has remained.
marlenerenee
Original Author
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Thanks, we've actually decided to nix the closed mudroom and pantry idea--and just open everything up. Am waiting on the latest sketch from the architect.
PRO
Home Interiors with Ease
3 years ago
Perfect you are doing it right!

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