I recently came across this design project that Michelle Morelan, designer and renderer extraordinaire, did for a couple in Toronto.
The clients had some general ideas of what they wanted to accomplish with the project, and Michelle created a plan to help them achieve their goals. The major objectives were to expand the space, replace all of the finishes, and to update the corner fireplace. Regarding the fireplace, Michelle said,
I am not a huge fan of corner fireplaces, but in this case, we decided to keep it; I designed the new fireplace surround with returns to the wall, and treated it with a drywall finish and paint to match the walls. It's a large piece in the room, but doesn't take up too much visual space. You can also enjoy it from the dining room with the wall removed.
The designer also specified a new fireplace insert with a herringbone brick pattern to add interest to the otherwise neutral space.
Changes for the rest of the space included adding wing chairs to the existing French country dining chairs and table, new side chairs in the living room that can be moved around for extra seating, and a wired niche on the adjacent sofa wall to hold the television. A few modern design classics were also added, which serve to both update and add to the overall warm and eclectic feeling of the room.
For more details on the total transformation, visit A Schematic Life. And if you're not familiar with Michelle's artistic work, take a look at her renderings gallery. Her drawings are fabulous!
(Images: Michelle Morelan)
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Wow, what a difference..doesn't even look like it's the same house.
Great job. Exactly what I would do!
wow-- quite the transformation
i really like how the baseboard and crown molding stop at the fireplace structure. It give s it a kind of monolith feel that seems like its a standalone structure that was built around but still feels as part of the wall as well. Great job!
Did the raise the ceilings too? It looks so much higher in the after pictures! Good job.
If that's a wood burning fireplace the smoke will make a mess of all that white. Looks nice though.
thanks Bethany, and for the nice comments all. Priscilla, it's a gas insert...and Jojo, no, didn't raise the clg, but the overall profile of the FP was reduced, with the returns, and the material choice reduces the contrast, so it's a combo of the two.
Fantastic. Much less 80s. :)
While I love the look, they've replaced a fireplace insert which was heat efficient with an open wood burning space that is not, and which will become filthy the first time it's used. Soot and white walls are not a good mix. There's a reason why most fireplaces have some sort of stone or marble surround.
Love it!
Wow! I'm not a fan of corner fireplaces either, but the transformation might make me a convert! It typically throws me off when there isn't a mantel, but this looks so modern and amazing - I love it!
Design before function = fail. Not even very good design at that.
Unless your fireplace is 3 feet deep you need doors or at minimum screens on it, end of story.
wonderful that the gas insert looks so convincing...maybe it's the herringbone brick interior? the newer inserts are a great upgrade...they have come a long way
http://majesticproducts.com/family/Fireplaces/Direct-Vent/Marquis/
thanks Danielle! I agree...love a mantle, especially during the holidays.
it's ceramic glass
Strange question, but can I ask where you got the Deer's Head sculpture? I've seen them in pictures quite a lot lately, but can never find one.
Not sure if it's still stocked, but the stag head came from the Style Garage in Toronto
http://www.stylegarage.com/products1/accessories/deer_head/deer_head.shtml
I really like it. I think corner fireplaces are great, personally. Glad you left it in!
I was thinking at first that they raised the ceiling, but I was mistaken, Going onto the designer's site, I discovered they replaced the fireplace with one with a small frontal area. A very nice remodel, though a little spare for my lifestyle.
Cleaner look, but I really hate fake animal heads. And designers that use colored fake animal heads or birds only make it worse.
The fireplace WAS fine. It's all the 'old lady' furniture, furnishings that needed to go.
I like that the fireplace is more a focal point now rather than the large tube TV
Love the fireplace update,weary of animal heads and all variations there of.
I'll go along with "wow"!
Gotta agree here although I find that particular brick unappealing to the eye. So much so that I might have broken one of my own rules & painted it. At least the textural interest would have been preserved. As it is, this room was transformed from cozy to antiseptic, it's uniqueness erased for showroom boredom.
Yes, gas inserts have come a long way but not enough to prevent that white from becoming the bane of the homeowner's existance. It'll be discolored in no time. And this would not be up to code in my neck of the woods. 'Course code rarely deters me when making changes in my own home - most are overkill. Not for everyone, but I prefer to LIVE in my home without regard for resale value.
It's the herringbone brickwork that caught my eye. I didn't realize that could be done without a lot of effort and I have always liked that look, it's beautiful.
The fireplace appears to be unfinished. A stone molding - simple - would have elevated the design and finished the look. The sectional backing into the dining room? It speaka for itself.