We remove these all the time during renovations. And we then put the fireplace (direct vent unit) whereever we want in the design. The only things to consider are: (and likely not too relevant for you in Florida but very relevant for cold climes - minus 30C this weekend!!!) 1) Is the chimney being used to vent a furnace or does the house have a direct vent furnace (vent out an exterior wall). You cannot remove if chimney being used by furnace, unless you get a high efficiency furnace. 2) The 'structure' of the brickwork - does it span more than 1 level. In Canada, we have basements and typically these structures on the main floor have another in the basement, same position on the floor plan. We remove all items normally and remove the external chimney. When we are re-purposing these fireplaces, we sometimes just remove the brick veneer and then install a direct vent fireplace. 3) What is the 'feature' in that room? Where should it be located? Generally, every room needs a feature wall, however the feature doesn't have to take up the entire wall. It depends on the furniture layout as well as other factors. 4) Consider your palette for the overall house - or the level of house where the fireplace now occupies. Some people want that industrial vibe of brick (painted or not) but many of our clients want something a bit more expressive of their unique personality. Establish a palette, then look at materials that support that palette. For instance, with the client select 3 main 'colourways' for the main palette: black, silver, walnut, in this example. We create a to-scale layout showing how tiles will be installed (We never spec a tile size that is too large or too small for the application as we are very aware that tile cuts that fall disturb the eye are not ideal. Therefore, we look for the right sized tile to fit the layout (or cut a slab to the sizes) or we don't use the tile at all - even if we love that specific tile. We spend a lot of time, creating a number of feature wall/material layouts to -scale, in elevation view, combined with floor plan view of the room to show how the furniture will fit around the feature (whether it's a FP or a TV.) First we use pencil on tissue paper showing the proposed 'design' (we show at least 3 options) sitting over top of the existing house in floor plan view and then we do a pencil sketch elevation to show all is working space-wise and aesthetically.. Then we move on to the colour renderings in a semi-photo format (we also do photo renderings of specific materials when clients wish). Hope these guidelines help you get the success you deserve with your project. Take the time to think out all posibilities and design a few options to consider. It never hurts to do your homework! Ask us for our design process list and we will send it by email to help!

You have some great large stones, established trees, plants growing along your fence and furniture. My husband and I just completed Year #3 of our backyard. Originally, it was very similar to your space. We did all the labor ourselves. Year #1 was cleaning; Year #2 was establishing grass; and Year #3 is installing the 'hardscape' and some perennials. Year #1 our yard had areas of stones and gravel so we did not purchase any. Year #3 we ordered two skids of flat rocks for $1,000 for the fire area and paths. We bought 14 2"x4"x10" and built two 4ft x 6ft vegetable boxes. We purchased $200 of vegetables and perennials. The hardiest perennials for low sun areas are: hydrangea, rhododendron, hosta, lavender and ferns. Vegetables need 6 full hours of sun each day. Don't start from seeds, purchase plants that are already growing. Big boy tomatoes, green peppers and herbs grow upright, so we put them in one vegetable box. Zucchini, squash, and cucumbers grow as vines, so I put these together in a second box. Sorry to say, but it may be too late in the season to plant. But that can always be your Year #2 goal. By the way, don't put gravel/pebbles around your vegetation. Your plants (unless they're cactus) will not have enough water. Good soil for the roots, soft mulch/bark around the vegetation will keep weeds at bay and moisture on your plants. Water in the cool of the morning, not during the heat of the day.

we mixed these 3 colors aqua, black the mirrored gold, and they look absolutely beautiful

Preparing your home and property for cold weather conditions and responding to them effectively can reduce some of the effects caused by winter's weather challenges. Experts agree that the following measures can be effective in dealing with the effects of severe winter weather: Have your snow removal equipment serviced and ready for action. Have rock salt on hand to melt ice on walkways. Make sure your walls and attic are properly insulated. Caulk and weather strip doors and windows. Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside. Have an ample supply of wood if you have a fireplace. Have safe portable space heaters available. Wrap water pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers to keep from freezing. Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing. Know how to shut off water valves. In case the power goes out, have disaster supplies on hand such as a flashlight & battery operated radio (and extra batteries), a first aid kit and extra blankets & sleeping bags. Develop an emergency communication plan in case family members are separated from one another during a winter storm. Teach children how and when to call 911, police, or fire department, and which radio station to tune to for emergency information. WINTERIZING YOUR VEHICLE Preparing your vehicle for the winter season is one of the most important keys to safe winter driving. Have a mechanic check the following items on your car before the temperatures drop. Battery Antifreeze Ignition system Thermostat Lights Flashing hazard lights Exhaust system Heater Brakes Defroster Oil level Tires/tread Wipers and windshield washer fluid Also, be sure to keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal, and maintain at least a half tank of gas at all times during the winter season. Follow the steps above and Ol' Man Winter will be just a little more bearable. email me at: valerie@valeriemcconville.com