This would be a very complicated engineering and design job. If you want a two sided fireplace, it will be most cost effective to remove the existing masonry and set it aside for re-use as a veneer over a metal fireplace. Removal of the masonry will still have to be engineered because you would have to hold up whatever is above, but, it would still be more feasible than cutting into the existing.

I would consult with a local, professional fireplace company. I have not done it, but believe that it would be more than just simply opening up a hole.

It CAN be done. I believe it has to do with your flue size & venting...but I think it will essentially have to be rebuilt to accomodate & be up to code. As Deborah said, contact your local fireplace company...& it WILL be expensive.

Kristi Lewis-Zulauf, what did you decide to do? I want to do the same with mine but it will mean moving our kitchen too in our reno project. Here you can see the living room on one side the the kitchen on the other. Your's looks much more ready to reno. Anyone have any advice?

jshaww3, I briefly noted your design question, and thought it might be very costly to re-engineer the fireplace. Would you consider mounting a "Wildon Home Arch Wall Mounted Fuel Fireplace" on this brick surface? You wouldn't be able to see through the fireplace, but it would give you a way to make this space more interesting. http://www.wayfair.com/Wildon-Home-%C2%AE-Arch-Wall-Mounted-Gel-Fuel-Fireplace-GB6918-UT1731.html

Yes, you can have it done. We do them. Flue size, smoke shelf and smoke chamber and damper all have to be redone. You will need a lentil on the new opening ASAP once brick removal has begun. When that is cured, then begin up inside it removing and rerouting things and increasing their size and these too will need curing. You must have enough updraft or smoke will get in your home. The best see thrus are gas to prevent this. They too will put out soot for various reasons and they need cleaning once a year but if gas are properly cared for you wont have an issue.

@Terra Vista Landscaping, LLC whats the price range for converting a fireplace according to what you described? Or maybe a starting price?

We want to do something similar with an existing gas fireplace. We want it double sided and more of a modern Spanish style. Photo 1 (current back side) photo 2 (current gas fireplace) photo 3 (style Inspo)

We have a fire place in our living room and the other side of it the back side is our screened in porch.

Would it be possible to make it double sided and a working fireplace when we are out on the screened in porch which we eventually want to make it a 4 season finished room?