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we are starting to ask ourselves whether we should remove the fireplace for reasons of space, and potentially because it would no longer fit with the style that the new kitchen would take us.
We lived in a house that had two fireplaces like this, back to back. One was painted white. (We did use one of them in the winter months, however.) Some other threads here on fireplace remodeling/re-design:
We live in Southern California for one. But kidding aside, just never really figured out how to use it. I'm sure it's not hard but just hasn't happened for one reason or another.
And thanks everyone for the comments. Really appreciate them.
If I could change gears, my wife is thinking maybe an eclectic fireplaces would be nice? I'd never heard of that but I guess we'd be able to keep the fire place brick side but wouldn't need the kitchen side. I know the cost to do would not be small, and clearly we want to be sure we're not moving soon, buts it's an interesting ideas. Or maybe it's a crazy idea that takes the house further away from its origins.
Or maybe I can't do that? Kinda assume the fireplace side is just a facade. It's wider than what you see on the kitchen side but is it all one piece? Clearly I'm out of my element.
Kinda assume the fireplace side is just a facade. It's wider than what you see on the kitchen side but is it all one piece? Clearly I'm out of my element.
It doesn't look like a facade. A lot of homes in Southern California were built with these types of fireplaces in the 1950s and 60s. Get a chimney inspection. They can tell you whether it's functional, or fix it if it isn't. And now that it's been raining here practically all winter, you could actually enjoy the fireplace.
It doesn't look like a facade. A lot of homes in Southern California were built with these types of fireplaces in the 1950s and 60s. Get a chimney inspection. They can tell you whether it's functional, or fix it if it isn't. And now that it's been raining here practically all winter, you could actually enjoy the fireplace.
Yes to the chimney inspection. And plenty of people use electric fireplaces.
It's hard to know what rest of house is like, but the changes need compliment rest of house. I would put a big thick mantle in and then box in the brick from mantle to the ceiling. I am bothered by the brick to the peaked ceiling because it is not in the center of peak.
How I would finish the boxed part would be house style dependent...it could be craftsman style wood, plaster southwestern, Capecod board & batten, modern drywall to match existing wall texture, antique mantel from parlor, marble victorian, etc. And I would change out that brass.
Last edited by historyfan; 02-05-2017 at 06:02 PM..
Reason: clarity
It's hard to know what rest of house is like, but the changes need compliment rest of house. I would put a big thick mantle in and then box in the brick from mantle to the ceiling. I am bothered by the brick to the peaked ceiling because it is not in the center of peak.
How I would finish the boxed part would be house style dependent...it could be craftsman style wood, plaster southwestern, Capecod board & batten, modern drywall to match existing wall texture, antique mantel from parlor, marble victorian, etc. And I would change out that brass.
The off center chimney breast is pretty normal mid 20th century design. It looks to my eyes to be appropriate for the age of the house.
I do think putting an appropriate mantle on the brick would be fine, but I would be careful to have it in keeping with the style of the house.
I like painted brick. But in this case I think the natural brick has a lot of character, and in homes of this era, character in homes was often lacking.
I have three gas fireplaces. I upgraded two of them to be able to turn them on with a remote. You do that and you'll use it whenever there is a little chill in the air. In Southern California, I'd guess you'd use it most of the winter. You may be able to skip the heater if you use the fireplace.
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