ELECTRIC??? That's the MOST expensive way to go. If you just want the entertainment of a fire then I guess it's fine. But if you're looking for anything else like heat.... OUCH. Do a Google for electric fireplaces and I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for. Up here electricity is VERY expensive at almost 15 cents per KWH. And power failures can come during a blizzard. So we have a real fire.

a bump out is a framed section that the fireplace goes into. Lets say you want to install a fireplace on a exterior wall that will be flush with the inside wall. The fireplace would extend beyond they wall to the outside,you would have to frame a little box around the fireplce to protect it from the elements. The bump out construction is just as important as the house construction, but it gets over looked as far as making sure that its insulated and constructed properly.

My apologies for the confusion with my sketch; wish I could edit the way we used to. Yes, there's a walk-in shower on the other side of the bathroom. I took a few pictures this morning, hope these help clarify the space. Part of what I struggle with is that we re-did this (down to the studs, all DIY) ~ 10 years ago. So much work, results pretty good, but I'd do it differently, this time. DH even made the cabinet, which as you can hopefully see, angles in to provide more leg room. Room foot print (oh how I hate this floor and the mosaic tile!): There is 18" between the toilet and cabinet. Thank you for the responses; as always, you make me consider new ideas/rethink existing. roarah - we're north of Boston, somewhat less expensive but probably not by too much:) So helpful to hear your scope and costs. gsciencechick-you make it sound so reasonable. OutsidePlaying - Ah, scope creep. I've only been thinking about the impact of a gorgeous tub area and now you remind me that every picture of the finished area will remind me of the too-narrow walk through (18"). We're fine with moving plumbing (full access downstairs). Point taken about scale of small sink and large tub. The current access door leads to the linen closet area and then family room, and we are used to it there and I like the view:) rockybird - There's enough room, but we'd probably go sideways each time (mental cringe). You have a good eye - no, I don't feel the windows are placed correctly for the sunset; I would increase the number on the left side of the house corner. What addition are you doing? (I love your home). lisad82 - Your point is good about the wasted wall space; I'll take the time to map this out on graph paper/in Sketchup, to see what a changed config allows. DH said that about the sunset too! It's just so pretty, when we occasionally see it. I'd like to see more of them. I do appreciate the advice about making the current space more efficient, but we've already done that. (So maybe I am just questioning my finishes, food for thought).

Anything could be dated tomorrow. That is what keeps the home furnishing and interior design (or most other) businesses going. Someday Soon asked for an affordable idea. I just showed a picture from Someday Soon’s idea book. My suggestions assumed that Someday Soon had some skills and some tools. If Someday Soon does not have tools, they could just paint everything on the fireplace area black, including the tile, which would eliminate the drywall repair steps. An an alternative to real wood would be a small amount of wallpaper in a frame to simulate the fireplace box. I would put it in a frame hung on the wall, and not glue the wallpaper directly to the wall. I have been in wallpaper hell enough times that I know how fast wallpaper can become dated, and how hard it is to repair the damage caused by wallpaper.