apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

It's hard to picture what you're describing, but here's my 2¢:

1. Remove the mantel.

2. Create a new surround for the fireplace, which would go from the floor to ceiling, in carrera marble.

3. Flank the fire place in IKEA cabinetry, one of which would house the TV. That way, it's not in sight when it's not being viewed. (I don't mind tech in the room, I just fear it would compete with the fire place.)

You might also consider buying two BJÖRNHOLMEN cabs:
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90113677

Just some thoughts!

Lots of luck!

If you are planning to build a wall around the fireplace how abt building a wall of bricks and painting it white or if u dont like the look of bricks u could consider plastering it.

Flatscreen TVs and fireplaces don't mix very well. You're making the right decision to move it but I don't know if placing them side by side will work either. I would definately consider moving the TV elsewhere.

I wish we lived closer (In SoCal not in NoCal) or else I would snag your mantel you are tearing out. Reduce, reuse you know! ;)

Good plans though!

What you're proposing would work well if your fireplace opening pushed 12" or more into the room - but it doesn't. If you build out the fireplace surround, your fireplace itself will be at the back of a deep hole - not good.

If you only bring the center wall section the depth of the brickwork facing tile from the wall, you'd effectively be left with a pair of wall-hung credenzas on either side of the fireplace - and that would not look right either. In addition, it appears that the electrical outlets are currently too low - they would only work in their current location if you placed the bottoms of the cabinets on the floor - you need either a space of 3-4" inches from the bottom to make this look correct and to allow doors to open without hitting rugs, etc. You also have a cable box - if that isn't less than 12" deep - including the plugs in the back - it won't fit in those wall cabinets.

What you need are a pair of built-in floor to ceiling cabinets on either side of the fireplace with enclosed doors on the bottom and open shelves above - the difference would be side panels that enclose the cabinets and shelves and go from floor to ceiling on both the wall-ends as well as the side facing the fireplace.

As far as the center area - perhaps going floor to ceiling would be good, but a mantle running across between the side cabinets would still be a good idea.

Because there are so many issues involved - including electrical, media components, space planning and construction - I'd bring in a professional interior designer who has the vision and resources that you lack.

Am I the only one who winces at the thought of tearing out a classic, solid-wood mantle and installing particle board veneer Ikea shelves?

I don't like the idea of ripping out a classic mantle either. The real problem is the feud between the television and fireplace. I think the fireplace could be better displayed (more later) and the television moved. As to where to move it, I don't know without knowing the rest of the room.

I know the "all white" thing gets played out, but I think it works well with classic ornate elements in order to visually "flatten" it without disrespecting it's original beauty. I suggest painting the walls and mantle white. I would then rid of the brick and brass by covering it with a white marble surround ... creating interest through material contrast, not color.

If you want color ... a pale hue for the wall AND mantle (still "flattening") could work.

Thanks for the suggestions so far - it is quite a dilemma.

The wood mantel is not original. In fact, it doesn't even fit right on the fireplace/floor and if you look from the side you can see the old, much smaller wood mantel underneath. I thought about painting it all white, but because it doesn't fit right, I nixed the idea and figured I would sell it.

I like the idea of moving the TV (I would love to move it OUT of the house, we didn't have one for five years, but my partner loves it). The problem is that with the four walls we have the fireplace on one, sliding door on the other and a corner entrance.

I will keep brainstorming - thanks!

I think you should do built-ins, but probably make them yourself. If you use plywood, you could paint them white and make them look awesome, and they'd probably be cheaper in the end than Ikea (and stronger). Its easier than it sounds. Remember, measure twice, cut once!

I agree that building out the fireplace might not be a good idea. It is made that deep for a reason. A contractor may be able to tell you how far you could extend it, even decoratively, before you have problems or hazards. Please check, just to be safe.

I'd leave the mantle and frame (just repair where needed), but I'd tile over the brick. Would be a world of difference. I am also a big fan of traditional white wood for the fireplace, so I would probably paint it.

If you have a salvage yard near you, see if you can fit another old mantel on the fireplace. I really don't know how old your place is, but that mantel doesn't look very old, but maybe "classic" in style. Remove it with care and someone would probably buy it if it's quality-made.

I'm not a fireplace person, so I don't know what else you need. I've never been to IKEA and haven't memorized the catalog selections (odd for an AT reader, I know) but I would vote against that. I'd just rather get some thing substantial and not something I would redecorate out in a few years.

I think the TV could go on another wall, but I can understand using the mantel in the meantime*. I'm undecided about the propriety of doing that. I mean, TV is the caveman fire. Some people think it's awful just in concept. I don't like it sometimes, but in certain situations, there's not much else you can do. I know you're in the middle of a renovation, so we can't say it looks yucky the way you have it, because everything kind of does... in the sense that the picture is of a temporary state. Without a floor plan or an alternate location (meaning room, possibly) for the TV, it's hard to suggest where in that room it would look best.

*Well, it's actually wall-mounted, huh? The stuff with all the wires makes a lot of crap you won't want to look at, but you could make the TV look like a piece of art. I don't honestly see the difference if you did it right.

You could install built-in bookshelves along the whole wall, though I'd make them 9" deep rather than 12" as that size works really well for all but coffee table books and won't make the fireplace seem so far back. I'd probably paint them white to lighten the wall.

I agree with the prior comments about the fireplace and the TV on the same wall looking a bit busy. If you install cabinets, put the TV in them so you don't see it when not in use.

Also, if you are tearing holes or running wires behind shelves, etc., consider running a gas line to the fireplace in case your city bans wood fires (as is being discussed elsewhere in Northern California) and you later want to install a gas fireplace. It could save you a lot of money as opposed to doing it later when the cabinets are in.

please hide those wires. There are many diys online for running the connections behind the wall. I feel the Brass fireplace doors need an update the most, maybe open it up.. Others offer great suggestions.