Asymmetrical fireplace needs an update

11 years ago

Can anyone suggest a way to update this 1980s fireplace without tearing out the whole thing? I like the stone, but I am really struggling with the asymmetry and the diagonal wood strips. The house has a rustic look, with natural wood moldings and wood beams in the ceiling.

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smasonoc
Original Author

11 years ago

I like the idea of a wood mantel. Here is the mantel my husband made in our current home. Wish I could take it! Maybe he could make a similar one for the awkward fireplace. I like the idea of extending it to the right to help with the asymmetry.

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Comments (7)

Judy Mishkin
11 years ago
would you like it better with just wallboard? it will still be asymmetric but if you can find a mantel that goes with the stone you might like it more.

there will come a day when houzzers will shriek you must not under any circumstances remove this genuine bit of decorating from the past. we're not there yet.
smasonoc
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks! I hadn't thought of a mantel. Maybe I could replace the wood with wallboard or slate and balance the asymmetry a little with a mantel.
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Lauren Arvanitis
11 years ago
Maybe re-stain the wood to match the cool beams. Then put in a similar style wood mantel that started where the fireplace begins and ran over the stone on the right, it could make the asymmetry look more intentional.
acm
11 years ago
This is not 80s! probably more like 70s. Anyway, do you have a sense of what's behind the wood strips? Because I think just getting back to a stone expanse would be great, and then, sure, a mantel. But I feel like there might be some problem back there -- broken stone? some functional soffit? it was built crazy? If it's one of those, you might have to reface in some way...
smasonoc
Original Author
11 years ago
Might be a 70s look, but the house was built in 1986. There is no stone behind the wood portion, it is framed with wood on the face.
ritting28
11 years ago
The stone is beautiful. Get rid of the wood and try a stone slab or tile or drywall (nonflammable). A mantle like your other one would be a great touch.