Still in the kitchen guys (sorry, I promise not to talk about my house everyday but it is top of the mind at the moment) and here is my current fireplace.  I am a bit lazy here…this image is from the real estate listing…but the fireplace hasn’t changed.  It  is really not very well constructed and is not attached to the wall very well.

Truth be told, I was prepared to lose the fireplace all together but the architect and builder both convinced me that it is a “feature” I probably shouldn’t part with.  It is a lot more expensive to put one in than take it away.  Anyways, we currently have in the budget to lose the brick around the fireplace and the hearth (and the glass doors, of course) and replace with marble or limestone.  We are also installing gas logs as we will never use it if we have to buy wood, etc.  The budget now calls for a new mantle to be built out of wood.  I had been thinking of doing a low profile limestone (or cast stone) upgrade but then I saw the below and pretty much decided I love it.  Our builder said it will be easy enough to recreate.  Thanks, Veranda!

image by Mali Azima

I am planning to do pretty light colors on the walls to help brighten things up in the house but our kitchen island will be grey.  Wondering if a similar color mantel to mirror the island could look really nice in our space.  I love how they didn’t do the standard painted white mantel.  And I really love the shape up top!

By the way, in phase 2 of the remodel the small window you see to the right of the fireplace (top image) will become a door to the mudroom which will include a half bath, a stackable washer and dryer, built-ins/lockers and a mother’s command central.  Because of this future entry-way we have to be careful with the scale of the fireplace….I think this will be appropriately petite!  Also, note the wall between the family room and the kitchen is being almost completely opened up in the current remodel.  Maddie will be devastated that she is losing the glass pocket doors (hidden in the opening up above) that currently allow her to sequester herself in her “castle” but her mama cannot wait!

Anyhow, here is another image of the fireplace shape in a natural finish.  I like it a lot as well.

image by Mali Azima

Any comments?