Investor · Richmond, VA · Member since 2013 · 47 posts · 11 votes
Hi BP!
We are in DD for a rehab and we are looking for some advice on an effective, and economical way to fix up this yellow fireplace. It is a OLD house with some great charm, and some not so great charm:)
Also, the kitchen is our biggest "problem area" with a large brick fireplace taking up room. Any ideas on incorporating the fireplace into useful and creative manner??? We are currently working on what we will do with taking other wall in kitchen down to expand.
Bedford, NH · Member since 2012 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
11y
Yeah, the more I look at that kitchen, the more I would be inclined to try to flip the work area to that side of the room, and put the range there. It could look really nice, and be very functional. It might even be possible to run venting up the original chimney.
Bedford, NH · Member since 2012 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
11y
Is that tile? The yellow? Tiling a surround and hearth really isn't expensive. Worth just doing it rather than painting or something like that.
In that kitchen fireplace, assuming it is entirely non-operational, I have seen some with cabinets built into them that look quite nice, and if your budget extends to a large stand-alone range, that is the perfect spot for it.
Bedford, NH · Member since 2012 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
11y
Yeah, the more I look at that kitchen, the more I would be inclined to try to flip the work area to that side of the room, and put the range there. It could look really nice, and be very functional. It might even be possible to run venting up the original chimney.
Bedford, NH · Member since 2012 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
11y
Right, absolutely do not paint or tile over the brick in the kitchen fireplace. Get some TSP cleaner and scrub, it will clean up very nicely. You may need to refinish the mantle.
You have a real opportunity with that kitchen. You can put the range in the fireplace, since the firebox is so high and shallow. You can make up for any lost cabinet space with 36" upper cabinets instead of the standard 30", thanks to the high ceiling. That is the cheapest way to add cabinet space and has great visual impact.
You could put a great kitchen there for not much more money than a very basic kitchen.
Yellow fireplace, is tile... re-tiling might make the most sense. The yellow is not very appealing. As far as the kitchen fireplace, we would love to keep it as real and true it itself as possible. I think the idea of incorporating the range into that space, could look great and different! We shall see what the $$ says. thanks again.
Bringing the cabinets up to the ceiling would defiantly help with space. I think that if we make that wall the work-space and play off the brick, we could really create a unique kitchen. We were originally thinking to make it just counter/cabinet area, but i really think that the range there would be more efficient use of space