- Changing from your existing masonry fireplace to the linear gas fireplace in the photo you posted a link to would likely be fairly expensive, as it would require removing/modifying the masonry of your existing fireplace, but there are other approaches you might consider. One of the keys to modern is minimalism. You might try keeping the appearance as uncluttered as possible - perhaps by removing an existing mantel or stripping away other elements to leave only the most essential parts. If it is a wood burning fireplace, the building code requires that you leave non-combustible hearth protection in front of the fireplace, but you might be able to change the hearth material to make it more modern (pink wall with hearth flush on floor). The other thing you might consider is changing over to a modern gas burner, with glass media or stones (first photo, with black mantel). There are gas inserts that are beautiful as well last photo with stone wall), but the investment goes up when you get into a full system with firebox, surround, venting etc. If you have a photo of your current situation, we might be able to tailor our suggestions to be more helpful.

I think i'd use subtle blues and/or greens against that brick, which i would use a sealer on to bring up the color a bit. White would be rather boring on the windows i feel, i'd use a darkish muted red or charcoal maybe for this detail. Such a pity to adopt boring western color codes when you have such a fabulous tradition for color in India. You don't have to go crazy on flashy color and can adapt it to a more modern feel. Very cute little house, i love it's details.

A Rumford design is very shallow, has outward-flaring sides, a back that arches forward, a curve on the underside of the front lintel leading back to a broad slot-like flue with a flue chamber above it. The overall front opening is almost square, sometimes slightly taller than wide. Rumford fireplaces are very distinctive looking. You can get some basic information from this wikipedia article here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rumford_fireplace and there is plenty of info online, even ready-made reproductions (more or less accurate). Rumford developed his improvements and published them in the late 1790s, just before fireplace heating was displaced by stove heating (a process already well underway when Rumford developed his improvements). Good luck with your whatever you decide to do.

I would prefer natural stone cladding instead of exposed brick decor. This is simply because natural stone cladding can provide a classy and elegant appeal to the home. Also, it is easy to maintain and lasts long. Another reason I would prefer stone cladding is that it provides a modern touch to the interiors. I would also prefer patterned tiles or textured walls over exposed brick as I feel that it makes a space look more lively and beautiful.