Need help with a living room fireplace

7 years ago

I want to update the look of the fireplace to complement a more modern feel in the living room. The furniture I have in mind includes barcelona chairs; nubby, pale fabric on a sofa and love seat;

and a large glass coffee table. Thanks for any recommendations!

Featured Answer

groveraxle

7 years ago

You could keep the fireplace and go rustic modern instead.

FWIW, the Barcelona is the second most uncomfortable chair I've ever sat in, the first being the Wassily chair. I caution against either of those.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (22)

jeff1185
7 years ago
Depending on how much work you're interested in putting into it, you could tile over the stone. I tiled over my brick fireplace and was happy with the result. Search Houzz photos for "modern tile fireplace" for some examples.
michelesteiner thanked jeff1185
PRO
Alex & Lily Home
7 years ago
I was going to suggest tile as well. There are many many beautiful options. A larger format tile will compliment the more modern feel you are going for (12" x24" or even 12"x 36"). Less grout lines = more modern.
michelesteiner thanked Alex & Lily Home
Related Discussions
What is a good furniture layout for this awkward open living room?
Q
Comments (2)
Hello Cody, If the TV isn't going on the mantle wall than the only other available wall is the 13'5" wall. You might think about moving the TV to this wall and balancing it with art or plants. Your sofa can be turned with its back to the entrance/stairs and a small console table can be placed behind it to act as a visual stop. Your chair can be placed where the sofa currently sits or you could add a pair of new chairs to this area near the stair alcove which would create a smaller seating cluster there. Small benches could be placed in front of the fire for additional seating, when and if necessary. This one is a challenge, but if you don't mind the TV as focal point and the sofa perpendicular to the fireplace, this could work. Best of luck with your decorating and please let us know if we can be of assistance, Elizabeth Cabell, ASID, CID Cabell Design Studio
...See More
Need help for living room ideas
Q
Comments (1)
Add lots of red, rugs, cushions, pillows, lamps add beige also,looks a nice place
...See More
Need help for my living room. My living room ha
Q
Comments (5)
Loft beds can be a great way to save space- definitely search loft- beds in the photo stream for some great ideas- there are many! including this cute and fun one!
...See More
Need help for Living and Dining Layout Design.
Q
Comments (2)
Hi Kathryn, Could you perhaps give more information with some pictures and a floor plan so that we can help you design your living and dining room.
...See More
jbtanyderi
7 years ago
Make sure you have tables/chests close enough to seating that people can easily set things down. Barcelona chairs were never designed for a long sit (they were created in case the Queen of Spain needed a brief rest while touring the German pavilion at the Barcelona World's Fair in the thirties).
michelesteiner thanked jbtanyderi
PRO
Studio Riche Designs
7 years ago
Hi, Michelesteiner! It all depends on your budget. An easy, cost effective solution is to paint the stone white. Then, hang a contemporary, abstract artwork or mirror on it to add to a more modern look. But, if you can splurge a little and change it, I'd pick tile below.
michelesteiner
Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you for that interesting idea! I have seen the white tile you picture in a couple showrooms.
everdebz
7 years ago
What about a soft color in fabric?

http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/INSPIRE-Q-St-Ives-Lift-Top-Tufted-Storage-Bench/6748812/product.html?recset=ef5a3b91-ee52-4c4e-89e8-99172019ba81&refccid=4OGOB2TVSCMLEB2MZFQ5OXX6WU&recalg=870%2C839&recidx=3
PRO
Flo Mangan
7 years ago
I have some questions. Will the rug, current furniture, piano etc be going? Is there a TV to be in this room? What do adjoining rooms look like? Changing the fireplace will drive other changes so the choices you will have will expand as you move along. I don't recommend Barcelona chairs for two reasons. First, the are horribly uncomfortable. Second they take up a lot of floor space. Generally would rather have a couple more comfortable chairs than a love seat. Sofa and love seat say "traditional" to me. So, get all your design choices laid out before you tackle the fireplace. Now the fireplace. Resurfacing stone is not a simple project. Research that, talk to several Mason's about what they would recommend. Get references from person you lean toward and contact them and learn what to expect and if this company did a good job, timely, and with attention to detail. This is large area so make sure you understand all costs. You also have the hearth. Is that coming out? What floor impacts might result? Probably need to replace with maybe black slab of granite and select depth of stone that will work with existing floor. Lots of things to consider. Better to understand now than jump into fireplace and run into lots of issues that cause more expense and delays in execution. This looks like a working fireplace. White stone could discolor with one fire where the damper wasn't closed. If it has or you just want white get a gas log insert.
michelesteiner thanked Flo Mangan
gustaviatex
7 years ago
You could paint the stone fireplace and hearth flat white. Remove that black fire screen as a first step. If that doesn't do it for you, then you can go to the expense of having it tiled. And Flo Mangan makes a good point: a sofa and love seat shout "traditional" and you wanted a more modern look. She is also right about Barcelona chairs; you sit so deep it is hard to get up. They are better for bank lobbies.

Look for a fabric sofa on legs and two leather chairs than can sit side by side or at each end of your square glass coffee table. Hang out at the West Elm website looking for sales and ideas.
gustaviatex
7 years ago
groveraxle I thought you would at least paint out that doll on the hearth :-)
PRO
Flo Mangan
7 years ago
Hahaha. I was waiting for a comment on that. I think Grover has good idea on the rustic/modern concept. Good going Grover!
groveraxle
7 years ago
michelesteiner
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks so much for the comments and room inspirational ideas! What program did you use to import colors and the rug?
everdebz
7 years ago
Yes to keeping fp as it is - wonderful options in earthy colors, the grey cement and rusty brown ok.
groveraxle
7 years ago
Michele, I use Photoshop Elements.
PRO
Pamela Qarbaghi
7 years ago
The Beach House · More Info

My Houzz: Laid-Back Casual Style in a San Francisco Home · More Info

Open Concept Great Room With Vaulted Ceiling · More Info

Sometimes it is best to keep the stone and paint it to refresh and change the look.
PRO
Mountain MT Homes LLC
7 years ago
A hearth is missing as a nice Walnut slab would help the look.

Ken
everdebz
7 years ago
sale:

https://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-cm-twisted-tradition-rug-2
michelesteiner
Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you Zoe!
decoenthusiaste
7 years ago
http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-a-stone-fireplace/

I'd give the stone FP a good cleaning, find a great rustic mantel and go with a MCM rustic look as suggested above. Mix MCM and natural or distressed wood.

Little Big House · More Info

Midcentury Living Room · More Info

Elegant modern rustic dining room · More Info
Gargamel
7 years ago
I like the fireplace as is
jbtanyderi
7 years ago
The rug is too small for the space. The Barcelona is quite uncomfortable. It was designed as a visual gem rather than a thing of comfort.