The focal point of this family room was an 80’s-style brick fireplace, which the homeowners wanted to use as a starting point for an updated design.
To start the transformation, the existing fireplace and hearth were demolished, followed by a rebuild of a structure to accommodate a new Napolean gas fireplace. The fireplace front was framed with steel studding and clad in fire-retardant material, the surface finished in 24” x 48” polished Marvel Calacatta porcelain tiles, with bevelled corner returns on both sides.
Three floating shelves on either side of the fireplace add loads of display surface for the homeowners’ cherished collections. The shelves are grooved underneath to allow integrated lighting to be flush with the shelf bottom. A single dimmer switch controls all the fireplace lighting. On the ceiling above the shelves are three small LED pot lights on each side of the fireplace to shine down on top shelf. The fireplace unit was wired for wall-mounted TV. A newly created mantle deflects the heat from the TV and is painted to match the doors of the cabinets below.
Full-height, shallow base cabinets on both sides of fireplace allows for additional storage behind closed doors. The door panels are in Cuisine Ideale Fitch Bay style with Frost lacquer finish. The countertops have same finish as doors.
To complete the renovation, the existing wall, separating the Family Room from the hallway and kitchen, was made slightly wider to accommodate seating for TV and gas-fire viewing. Existing flooring was removed and replaced by woodgrain plank vinyl. All baseboards were replaced. The popcorn surface on the ceiling in the hallway, dining room and family room was scraped and skimmed, LED slim-line pot lights added in all areas, and the walls and ceiling all painted.
The new room featuring floor-to-ceiling storage, a centralized entertainment area, loads of lighting and more open space looks amazing!
See full video below.
