It started off with a decision to replace the windows in the lounge and dining room. This was the final stage of a project to replace all the windows of our 1970s bungalow with more energy efficient ones. Having been happy with the work done previously on other rooms, we called back the same window company for a quote.
The technician explained that in order to remove the existing windows, the teak cladding on the lounge chimney breast would need to be taken off. Immediately, the scale of the redecorating job ahead of us was ramped up. We had never been keen on this dated cladding, or on the fireplace that we inherited when we bought the home, so it was time to bite the bullet and throw the lot out. Rather than replace the fireplace with something more attractive, we decided to block up the chimney, cutting a potential draught source and aiding the never-ending battle against rising heating bills.
But like many people, we still wanted a fire as a focal point. So began the search for a hang-on-the-wall electric version. My husband saw a reasonably-priced one at a local fireplace centre and I duly went along to look – only to dismiss it straight away as far too small for our large living room. On a tour round the rest of the shop, we found one that we both liked and was much better proportioned – but of course it was three times as much as the one we first viewed!
We went away to spend hours trawling the internet and visiting DIY stores to look at more fires, but eventually came back to the swish but pricey model we had already seen. We had been won over by the slim dimensions and the attractive Corian® surround, which we knew would be hard-wearing. But there were still choices to be made – brick or reed background? Brick. Log effect or pebbles? Logs. (Why have pebbles suddenly become trendy – who burns pebbles?) Then the colours or stone look options. Does anyone really need a mind-boggling choice of 100 colours?
Having placed our order, we needed to make sure we had exact measurements and knowledge of the position of the connections so that the cable trunking could be precisely placed before the now-naked chimney breast was re-plastered.
Fast forward a few weeks and the job is finished. A cosy living area with new windows, wallpaper, wall lights, carpet (needed after removing the hearth) and cushions. The fire flickers, emphasising the warm glow we feel.