Keeping with tradition..

It seems that I have developed a bit of a custom, when moving into a new home. This custom seems to be carried out within about the first day of moving in. This custom involves a hammer pick.

 

It took about 15 minutes from my parents waving ‘bu-bye’ to me discovering (through use of a hammer and sheer brute force) that there was a hole behind the plasterboard, deep enough to create a fireplace. This was my first flat, way back in 2000. I had created a firehole! Albeit a small one.

In 2008 I moved to the nice bit of town, but to a much smaller flat. One of those old electric fires, the kind with the smoked-glass cabinets either side, stood in front of a blank chimney breast…

Challenge accepted.

Built using old shelves and the wood from an old wardrobe, I cobbled together my first proper fireplace. It was a proud moment. It was bloody massive too!

So, when I discovered that number 69 had two very obviously concealed fireplaces, I had to continue this custom. The removal men left, I got the hammer.

Relive the moment with me…

YAAAY!

 

Best. One. Yet.

It had a couple of layers of various shades of cream paint, which definitely had to go. I tested a patch with paint stripper to see what was beneath. I was hoping for marble or slate, but sadly, it wasn’ t to be. It seemed to be some sort of coated concrete/composite material, as there were chips underneath, revealing a different colour.

So what?! I got me a fireplace in the bedroom!

A wee bit of work later, and she scrubbed up nicely. Once it dried off, the surround looked really patchy. The tiles and metalwork however…

I LOVE THEM!. The hearth is a bit damaged in places, but not enough to detract from it’s loveliness. I can tell you it looks fantastic in the room. Which we will be talking about soon…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6 thoughts on “Keeping with tradition..”

  1. Just found your blog. Loving the 69 house reno journey and i am enjoying seeing a bit of your personality coming through in your writing too. There are far too many design blogs that (while beautiful) are devoid of any personality!

  2. thats an amazing find so much potential , bet if i tried i’d just surprise my next door neighbour lol x

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