MCM Fireplace Design Delima

11 years ago

Not sure what to do with our living room fireplace. The home is clearly Mid Century Modern. We've updated many parts with contemporary style fitting the MCM look.

This fireplace is the centerpiece of the sunken living room. It includes a 24" deep hearth ledge that runs the width of the room. The red hood is metal.

We have debated updating with a more modern tile face, possibly with textured pattern panel tiles applied to the right of the fireplace. And we've considered leaving this as is.

We love the home and the MCM architecture, but we will be selling in 2-3 years. So resale is a concern.

Thoughts or suggestions are welcome.

Featured Answer

PRO

Ellsworth Design Build

11 years ago

The red seems off... Frank Lloyd Wright used tons of it, but this doesn't feel original... Black, or copper with a black wash would seem more in keeping with the stone hearth

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Comments (15)

oinco
11 years ago
love that MCM fireplace! It would be helpful to see some pics of adjacent space(s). Is the wall sort of a seafoam green? Is that carpet or tile flooring? color??
The brass trim can easily be refinished to a more contemporary color for starters.
printesa
11 years ago
The fireplace looks lovely. I would only change the brass trim
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Craig CraigMDesigns
11 years ago
If you're selling in three years and like MCM I'd leave in intact and authentic, it's very unique. And brass and gold are a huge trend that's shoeing up on every contemporary store and website so embrace it! Good luck!
PRO
WrightCreative
Original Author
11 years ago
For those seeking further contextual pictures, see these.

Wall to far left is original 1955 stacked stone. That is 18 inches thick common to the outside front wall.

The kitchen is all redone by my wife and I. Simple cabinets, concrete counters. Center kitchen island is black walnut live edge with concrete center. It's 12 feet long counter height and serves as work surface and dining room.

Hope this helps.
PRO
Ellsworth Design Build
11 years ago
Cool house! So many nice earth tones the red is just off.

Love your island
flopsycat1
11 years ago
Very cool house. I think anyone wanting to purchase your home would enjoy the quirkiness of the fireplace, or refinish it to their taste. ( Looks like you have a microwave under your microwave?)
Lynne Mysliwiec
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Any idea what type of metal, or was it painted when you took possession? It's unfortunate that the hood detail is slanted because it makes the pictures next to the fireplace look crooked.

You could consider tearing off the existing metal and replacing it with new metal in a non-triangular/non-pyramidal configuration. Square it off. You could choose industrial steel panels and have them chemically treated to give them a beautiful patina.
decoenthusiaste
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Since you're modernizing but keeping MCM elements, I'd change the color to one that is more stage-ready for resale. Red isn't everyone's cup of tea. I don't suppose you could take it off and cover that wall with stack stone to match the other wall.
apple_pie_order
11 years ago
Peer at a corner underneath the hood to see what color paint it originally had. The red is not original. Someone who buys this house will probably do so because they love MCM design. Tiling over an originally-metal fireplace would not be in keeping with the other wonderful changes you have made and the original style.
printesa
11 years ago
Here is a fireplace similar to yours (it says orange color) on ebay http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vtg-Mid-Century-ORANGE-Dyna-Flame-Electric-Log-Heater-Fireplace-PickUp-ARK-72714-/231145616574
acm
11 years ago
Wait, you have two fireplaces in the same room? Do they both work? I much prefer the stone one and would be tempted to remove this crazy thing, sorry, although the new finishes suggested above would help. If you remove it, then that wide ledge becomes a natural credenza for your TV and they aren't fighting for attention on the same wall; instead, your arrangement can be open to the stone fireplace on one side... (Of course, if the stone fireplace doesn't work, then the calciulus is different...)
PRO
Brand Name Realty / Signature Premier Properties
11 years ago
The red metal "awning" has a "dated" look. If selling in the near future remove it and replace with a nice mantel. A lot of do-it-yourself kits available. You can trim the area above and along the fireplace opening with granite or glass tile. Keep the colors "neutral". Oh yeah.....put that flat screen tv above the mantel. Good luck.
Marty
PRO
Dytecture
11 years ago
Duplicate post.
lefty47
11 years ago
HI -- OK - I know it's a duplicate post but saying it anyway . First of all .. yes it's dated .. that's because it's mid century modern .it is supposed to be dated . And that's not a bad thing . And Frank Lloyd Wright had nothing to do with mid century modern concerning the color of the metal . The reddish orange color is common for mid century time . I would leave it original , because people look for that if your selling in the near future .