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Fireplaces Living Rooms Home Decorating

Victorian conversion - open to ideas!

Christopher Doyle

last year

Hi all,
I've attached some pictures of our living room. The paint colour and furniture is ours but we're planning some work soon - mostly ceiling down and soundproofing installed and a herringbone engineered wood floor.
I'm probably most interested in whether you all think darker or lighter wood would work for the floor and any ideas re: the non functional fireplace. Also looking to replace the alcove units with something a bit more premium. Generally going for a mid century with Victorian features look.
Any ideas or inspiration welcome!

Featured Answer

Sonia

last year

Look at your beautiful window. I would take inspiration from that, so have new cupboards and shelving made in a more traditional style and also so with the fireplace. Look for something more in a Victorian style, doesn’t have to be original but if it was it would look amazing. A good carpenter could make the cupboards and shelves for you. A rich coloured floor would suit the age of your building rather than a pale floor. It’s a gorgeous room which has so much potential.

Comments (12)

Jonathan
last year
Personally I like darker floors in older building.

The fireplace- consider if you want to get it working- most people would put a flame effect gas fire into your existing cast iron insert and then upgrade the mantle but you might well conclude that an inefficient flame effect has fire is undesirable given current fuel prices- the possible cost of a chimney flue might make it unaffordable (plus it’s a big hole in your room for heat to disappear into). Instead you might add a chimney balloon to your existing set up and change the surround to one that better fits your decorating. Alternatively fit a contemporary LED flame effect fire- this might mean making the chimney breast deeper but even so could still be cheaper than the gas fire option. I also think a modern panoramic fire could work very well with your mid century vibe

Cupboards in alcove- I think the cupboard ms should be in proportion to something else- if you buy a traditional fire surround then take your inspiration from that- if you go for a modern fire then the alcove cupboards should match the proportions of the panels under the window.
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Hi, I love Victorian houses especially ones with original features. Is there also a fireplace in the lounge? I don't necessarily think you need exactly the same on both rooms. I this if the flooring is the same then you can create two different moods. Like you say if one get more light and has a large bay window then you will automatically get a very different feel. I would say that out of the colours you mentioned I would be more inclined to go with the grey tones in the front room. These would tie in tonally with the navy in the dining room. I would also follow the same theme with woodwork and mouldings etc. Perhaps you could be brave and introduce a bright accent colour in the front room like a lovely bright yellow/mustard colour. This would add the warmth and work with the brighter aspect. You could include it on larger spaces such as a rug, cushions and blinds etc Hope this helps. Good luck with your move!
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Christopher Doyle
Original Author
last year
Hi Sonia and Jonathan,

Thanks for your ideas. Sonia - I like the floor colours suggested. Leaning towards the caramel oak below.

Jonathan - we have researched recommisioning the fire but at the moment can't really justify the cost of life lining. I'm looking at bioethanol just to have a flame and a small amount of heat at the moment but ideally want to keep the cast iron insert and maybe replace the surround.

Alcoves - picture below (with the slatted fronts) is what we were thinking, might be a bit too midcentury but think it might fit. Possibly with a wood worktop above the cupboard as in third picture.
Bethnal Green House 2 · More Info
Sonia
last year
Caramel oak flooring is beautiful. I’m not so sure about the modern cupboards, but if you like them then that’s all that matters. However, mid century furniture sits well with Victorian features.
Christopher Doyle
Original Author
last year
Hi all, some mid-renovation pictures. Went for dark floor and the reeded cupboards. Hopefully proportions and floor colour will work out!
pmasmith3
last year
Gorgeous floor and love the dark cupboards and shelving in the alcoves!
Sonia
last year
I want that floor! 😂 stunning.
Christopher Doyle
Original Author
11 months ago
Hi all - the finished room. Thanks for your input along the way!
Sonia
11 months ago
Looks lovely, and even though I’m a traditional girl at heart those cupboards look fantastic. Great choice.
Angie
11 months ago
Great work, love the floor. And the cupboards work really well. You must be very pleased.
pmasmith3
11 months ago
That is one gorgeous room!
Tricia G
11 months ago
Wow, your room looks amazing. Love it. The floors are beautiful.

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