Is this Art deco fireplace a keeper or not?

9 years ago

The 100 year old house we have just purchased came with this Art Deco fireplace in the dining room,,,,
We think it is a beautiful piece itself with built-in -clock but it does not really match with our furniture, our taste is modern and simple. And we don't own any Art Deco stuff and not Art Deco fan either.
As it is quite a statement piece it will become the focal point of the room if we keep it. Could someone suggest how to blend this with modern furniture?

Featured Answer

PRO

Rebecca Mitchell Interiors

9 years ago

I would try very hard to incorporate into your overall design. It is a unique fireplace and will be a conversation piece! To make it less of the focal point of the room you could paint the wall behind it a dark colour from the fireplace) so that it stands out less against the background. Hard to tell what the fireplace is made of - is it glass or stone or both?

Comments (11)

PRO
Rebecca Mitchell Interiors
9 years ago
It's gorgeous! Is it an original art deco fireplace or a reproduction?
germanshorthairpointer
Original Author
9 years ago
The house is over 100 years old and the seller who had lived there over 60 years said it was already there when they have moved,,,not sure when it was installed but it goes back at least 60 years...
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PRO
Rebecca Mitchell Interiors
9 years ago
If you paint the fireplace wall (just the area behind the fireplace) and the two sides...
nwduck
9 years ago
That seems like a "keep" to me. Painting the wall dark seems like it might be the way to go. It doesn't seem so Art Deco that it wouldn't go with modern furniture....seems rather sleek and simple.
decoenthusiaste
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Really, there is nothing so modern and simple as Art Deco - at least the lines. Sometimes the materials can get a little glitzy, but she's a keeper! I don't like clocks as decor, but this one I make an exception for! Does it still keep time more than twice a day? Note my Houzz handle is deco - enthusiaste, not decor - enthusiaste!
germanshorthairpointer
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you Rebecca. I saw your work. I like your taste very much. What color would you paint?
PRO
Rebecca Mitchell Interiors
9 years ago
Oh! Thanks. As I said, I can't really see the fireplace all that well. Can you provide some more information or photos? Then I would be happy to recommend some colours.
studio10001
9 years ago
Fabulous piece, and easily melded with modern furnishings. Strong lines are all that are called for to make this feel at home, so your simple furnishings should work just fine. Look also for sleek metal finishes on smaller pieces such as occasional tables and lamps, straight drapery panels, and mixing in fabrics like raw silk and velvet to reiterate the gleam of the surround. Larger and fewer pieces will help keep this center stage.
bgfuqua
9 years ago
wonderful fireplace! keeper for sure! modern goes very well with this - do you have any silver metal in the room such as furniture legs, light fixture, or curtain rods? a bit of silver would help integrate the fireplace, and painting the wall medium to dark would keep it from dominating. modern rooms are actually more interesting when an antique is included.
Brown Dog
9 years ago
If your house is a monument to Art Deco design then you should probably leave it as is. But if your house is a typical century home and with an unusual fireplace then don't feel tied to it. If you love it, keep it. If you feel it's always going to bug you, sell it to a architectural salvage company. I have a feeling it's not a genuine Deco piece.