Paula

You don't need an architect for this, a QS you will need though if you want to remove the fireplace, if you are in a flat it may not be possible. An interior designer can help also with materials finishes styles etc. We are very close to you, drop us a like if you would like to talk it through.

Hi, as a guess the previous owner probably weighed up the merits of taking out the fireplace and decided against it. It holds up the chimney stack that goes the whole way up the building and at a guess would take a decent amount of structural work to remove. You may get better value for money from exploring other potential alterations. You could push the wall back that has the TV against it, making the hall smaller and the kitchen diner larger. In fact you could consider moving the entrance door to where the tv currently sits. The corner where the door currently sits would then become more useable and would make the space feel bigger. Exploring the cellar may also be worthwhile. best of luck Ed

Hi Paula Souza,

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Hello, It's good to ask an architect if the fireplace can be removed. Is it a house or a flat? I agree with Kitchenpod, you could also consider moving the entrance door where the tv is at the moment and pushing the wall back. This would give you more possibilities to use the space in the corner. Right now the sofa is right between entrance door and exit to the garden and this is not recommendable from feng shui perspective. In case the fire place has to stay I would suggest to remove the upper wall (see the picture) which is on both sides of the fireplace or at least the one on the left. This would let more light into your living room and make space feel bigger. It would be good to visualise all the possibilities and changes using 3D software. On the other hand I like the fireplace where it is but definitely something has to be changed around it.

Hi,

As the others have mentioned you could get the advice needed from a good Kitchen designer and providing you chose the right one they will help you design the complete area using design software and with no charge. If you do want to have a quality Architect or project manager then we have worked with Model Projects in SW London on a number of occasions and they come highly recommended. I have included their Houzz link.

I am sure that if you have a quality builder he will know fully what can be structurally achieved and will bring in Quality Surveyors etc if needed.

http://www.houzz.co.uk/projects/users/modelprojects

If you want our help please feel free to contact us.

Paul and Alicia

http://www.houzz.co.uk/pro/info90199/woods-of-london-ltd

We have recently worked on a similar project in SW11 just off lavender hill near the police station. We are able to manager all aspects of work from the architectural side to assisting in execution of construction works on site. I would be happy to visit the property and discuss your proposal on site to be able to better advise on the planning, building regulations and structural implications of the changes that will need to be considered.

Paula, It may be the cost of removal (which was probably regarded as not viable when the side return was put in) is too great in relation to the rest of your budget. Our view would be to leave it and focus on getting the best level of finish for both the kitchen and living area. It may be you should actually increase the width of the breast to create more wall space, fitted shelves TV etc. Maybe use one flooring throughout, and use furniture that lets you do exactly what you need and fits in terms of scale and style. This is where an interior designer can help in a more rounded way. Given the supporting walls in the kitchen, it looks like bespoke would be your best bet. If its a one-bed flat, use size appropriate storage & appliances. The hall and walk in will be important to you for storage I expect. Looks like you have good access to outside space, so maybe think about how this is working too.

Hello Paula,

A designer can give you an entire look at what you want to achieve and work with your builder to achieve the look you're after. Someone who can specify and procure items and give you a scheme for the entire room. For me I find the really important aspect of design is actually what you're choosing to give you something that works for you and how you use the space plus something that looks fantastic and unique.

It's a very nice space and I like the fireplace there as it gives a fabulous focus to the living room.. I think you can achieve a seamless and sleek kitchen by looking cleverly at the layout and curating a space that looks like it belongs to the living room. By that I mean less obviously kitchen and something entirely beyond the Betty Crocker moments a kitchen usually provides.. In my eyes.. Beautiful fitting and sleek fixtures, colours and styles would really bring this space to the pinnacle of it's potential to join it's other half, the living room... I can see it looking really stylish.. :))

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