This minimalist fireplace is built in across one corner of our living room.
The framing is less than one inch deep so there is no temptation to fill the top edge with nick nacks.
In keeping with the minimalist idea that you should decorate only with things that have meaning for you, the photos above the fireplace are part of Dave’s college photography class final. He took many black and white photos, developed them (in the only bathroom we had at that time), chose the ten best, and mounted them. He, of course, got an A on his final.
These three are of railroad tracks. If you know Dave at all you know trains have been an interest of his ever since he was old enough to ride his bike down to the nearby tracks.
Part of that interest, for several years, included participating in model railroad conventions. The middle picture above, the abandoned track by the old Burma Shave building, was submitted to a photo contest at a Thousand Lakes Region of the National Model Railroad Association convention. It took first place. (We won’t mention that this was the only black & white photo submitted that year.) As the winner, with the advantage of being a vertical format picture, it was reprinted on the cover of the region’s next quarterly magazine.
The other minimalist thing about this fireplace is its operation. It is a gas fireplace with an electric ignition. So, instead of acquiring and storing wood, using tender and wood to build a fire, remembering to open the damper, and seeing how many matches it takes to light it; we flip a switch on the wall and the fire lights. Can’t get much more minimal than that.
TTYL,
Linda
Love those photos. I can see why they won. And that’s my use a of a fireplace – no fuss no mess.
I love it. Was the fireplace always there? How did the apt let you build it? Love Apt living. Our garbage disposal was leaking and one phone call and we had a new one. LOL Ed didn’t have to crawl under the sink at all!!!!
Love the things that have meaning. Most of what we have at the “cabin” are either of family activities or from Terry’s parent’s antique collection. Great photos from Dave too.
Growing up we always had a wood fireplace and then we always had others until we retired. We loved the heat and relaxation feeling the warmth and watching it. However, we still didn’t get rid of the fireplace. It was either a blue flame or a Mr. Heater. They are only pulled out when we need it though and you know how that goes …… we also have an outside one made of concrete blocks ….
Your fireplace is beautiful. The photos are the perfect balance. Awesome job.