How We Built A Mid-Century Modern Fireplace

We love our 1968 ranch. It was love at first sight, even without some of the classic attributes that you might expect to have in the typical mid-mod ranch home, (it is more of a mid century modest). It has plenty of the space, comforts and style of the era. However, one of the things we wished for over the past 8 years was a fireplace. Last year, as our Christmas gift to one another, we decided to add one.

No easy task, as I was told by many contractors. Undaunted, Hubby + I  took to brainstorming, as we often do here at The Retro Christmas Card Company. One evening we decided that the perfect place for it would be right in the corner of the living room. That way you would see it the moment you came in the front door. To do this we would have to remove a set of inside sliding doors. They used to divide the home from the outside, but they are no longer needed since we added the Lanai Lounge (story to come later).

Over the years of research we have been inspired by those “see through” fireplaces that can be appreciated from both sides. I am a visual person so I began by running to my Studio and getting out a wax crayon. I then proceeded to draw out what I envisioned onto the glass door. Thank goodness, Brent “gets me”, and understands what I am trying to create by now, (and finally stops looking at me like I am nuts). Then we cut cardboard so that it would feel more “real”. Well, at least opaque.  

One of the real challenges of the project was the chimney. We really didn’t want to breach the roof. Considering that we live in Florida, and really wanted the fireplace for aesthetic reasons, and not so much heat, we found a solution. We could have the beauty of a real flame without the chimney expense. Our solution was a  Bio Ethanol Fireplace insert. It works using a liquid fuel. No ashes, no firewood, no cinders burning the carpet or slate floor.