Kitchen fireplace

[Sonyaclegg]

The PP for the work to the fireplace came though allowing a stud wall to be built at the back, which was then plastered to create a suitable surface for tiles etc. We had a stonemason repair the nibbled bits on the right hand side. It's not perfect but its as good as I can get it.

 

[vicky whitworth]

Can I ask why did you do that? Didn't you like it the way it was?

 

[plasticpigeon]

Unless the camera deceives, it looks an excellent repair. How was it done, with new stone, or with a mortar repair. I understand why the plasterboarding was done. If a cooker is going into the chimney, then it is nice to have a wipe clean surface behind and the chimney will have to be blocked off from the bottom to stop things falling in the food.

 

[Sonyaclegg]

Vikki, the cooker is going into this space so it couldn't stay as it was. I have another fireplace in the main lounge which is the same construction, only twice the size. That will be restored for use with a fire as it was in the past.

Plastic, the repair was done with stone. A bit like crowns! The new pieces of stone were fitted with steel dowels and fixed at the rear where it can't be seen. It's as good as it can be. The stone isn't an exact match but the overall presentation of the fireplace is much better.

 

[88v8]

Good looking stone repair. I too prefer the fireplace as was, but appreciate why you've changed it, and with the stud wall it's entirely reversible.

By the time you finish this house you'll be able to start a Consultancy on Period Property restoration.

Ivor

 

[JoceAndChris]

This is something that people would argue the toss over forever.

Chris loves it and thinks it's a big improvement; I'd have saved the money and spent it on battered tapestries and antiques, I love crumblage. But, it does look better from the point of view that this is somewhere you want to cook and eat, and it isn't the only stone fireplace in your lovely house. I think his repair is extremely clever.

A lot of people prefer the look of stone left in its damaged state but of course the end of that journey is ruin. You've preserved the feature, but adapted to take a range and 21st C cooking. Good work. I'm sure you'll leave damage and things left undone elsewhere - buildings restored to within an inch of their lives always make people think they wish they'd seen them before.

 

[LadyArowana]

The stonemason did a brilliant job. I prefer it now it's mended, I think because of the scale and position of it. If it had been a "few dings" and just evidence of use then it's nice and characterful, but big losses like that to me it has tipped over the edge into the category of damage. As Joce says the end of the road that starts with damage is a complete ruin.

 

[masochists-r-us]

I think it's lovely Sonya, but it will look even better with your range in place. We're doing the same with our kitchen fireplace i.e. plastering the inside due to the vast amount of crumbly soot which rains down.With regard to the two smashed jambs (a common problem, I understand) we were hoping to go for a stone repair as opposed to replace. Please post another photo once your cooker is in.

 

[Sonyaclegg]

The work is reversible so if the next owners don't want the gorgeous bespoke kitchen that's going in, so be it!

If you look to the right of the photos, on both, you will see I have left the groove worn by the arm that would have held cooking pots etc. I felt it was important to leave that so the fireplace could still tell its story. The damage was too much, in my opinion, to leave as it was. I aimed for a sympathetic repair. Joce is right in that we have lots of other nibbled characterful stone in the house which won't be altered. Just pointed and cleaned.

I'm with Nigel and Joce on the philosophy of different rooms for different eras. The downstairs of the house ( kitchen, snug, utility ) is more modern. The formal reception rooms will be more traditional, and the kids have to have what they want within reason....we are in negotiation :wink: Youngest daughter wants pink. Ok. She's five so that's fine. Son, eight, wants red. Not so keen but again, I want him to feel he has a say as he is old enough. Youngest son, four, goes with the flow but expressed interest in an owl rug. I think he can have one. Eldest daughter wants traditional wallpaper but its too tricky on the walls so a compromise may have to be made for soft furnishings in patterns of her choice.

I recently saw a post that the final stages are the most stress inducing. Septic tanks, underfloor heating etc, no problem. Colour and fabrics is very difficult for me! I need to learn to go with my instinct. Trouble is, I don't trust it :roll:

 

[JoceAndChris]

Owl rug, awwww! They all sound such fun. And your confidence will increase as you go along, though it's true that decisions on interior detailing are a lot harder.

I'd steer the red-lover towards something muted - plum/terracotta and dark cream are easier on the eye than bright bright reds paired with stark whites.

If you look at the Farrow and Ball website, clicking on the paint colours, you see they recommend what colours go with what. It's very interesting to look at their suggestions of colours and decide if you like their proposed combinations which play with the colour wheel. Certain combinations are such a delight, green and gold, salmon and browny fawn, Wedgewood blue and white with gold accents. Lessons in colour are all around us in nature and historic buildings' interiors, I always have my camera at the ready!

The easier thing about your house is I don't think you have the divisions of chair rail, picture rail, cornice and plaster work which can see you juggling with around 5 colours and 3 or fabrics, plus the dreaded and impossible choice of rug. Maybe I'll stick owl rugs throughout!

 

[Sonyaclegg]

I've got some to contend with ...

 

[JoceAndChris]

I'd forgotten the previous owner's ceilings! Lovely, and nice in simple off white.

 

[plasticpigeon]

fantastic stuff

 

[Sonyaclegg]

We are doing all the ceilings in Pointing (f&B). It's a lovely soft white and it looks well.

 

[Sonyaclegg]

Kitchen update. Nearly finished

 

[Sonyaclegg]

Pantry cupboard with bi-fold doors.

 

[Sonyaclegg]

.

 

[88v8]

Classy. In some future time it will be sworn that these are 'original'.

Ivor

 

[plasticpigeon]

It's looking very nice.

 

[angrybird]

beautiful kitchen and the fireplace looks great too x