Hi again- I'm an Aussie and the term 'wood burner' means a metal box with a glass door on the front and in the situation where you have a 'double sided wood burner' that means two glass doors on each end. A wood burning fireplace open either side between two rooms is a different thing. Sorry about the confusion. I looked into building one of those in brick and was strongly advised to place a glass panel on one side ( as Ironwood has pointed out) the natural draughts that move through your home will take the smoke with it. A piece of glass will prevent this from happening.

Hi all, bought our first home and found out mid sale that fireplace has to be fully replaced. getting it replaced and want to go from first pic to second pic for my fireplace - fireplace is gas, material around is rough drywall. Any ideas please? I just want a simple finish with a floating wood mantel. do I have to use wall boards? help!

This is a floor to cathedral red brick fireplace that I'm trying to update to a more transitional look. I have looked into painting or limewashing white but I feel like there will be alot of painted lines and could be busy. I also think that looks like the budget option. While I AM on a budget, I'd like to investigate more options stucco over the brick? drywalling the brick? Ideas? I can't change the orange peel textured walls or the dark hardwood floors or the fireplace box itself. The hearth goes across to the window wall and sticks out 2 1/2 feet. I have enclosed 3 pics for more clarity. Thxs for any help!

Any ideas what to do with this space. The wall on right has access to master bedroom. To the left is the breakfast nook and access to the kitchen. The entry way leads directly into the living room and to the left is the dining room area, which I want to use as multipurpose (that allows kids to play) etc. Any ideas? The walls just seem to separated, do I have the furniture closer together?