Brief: A desire for a cosy, characterful centrepiece to snuggle in front of

Built in the late 1980s, this home had never had a fire.  My client dreamt of having an open fire, but didn’t know how to create character without it feeling pastiche.  The room was was also open to the kitchen.  Initially, the chimney was tested for draw & lined to bring it up to latest building regulations.  Using a contemporary fire insert & surrounding it with the clean lines of white marble & panelling immediately gave it a timeless feel. This was counterbalanced with a reclaimed beam from Eastwood lock; perhaps the very spot DH Lawrence penned his prose?  A shoji screen, who’s design mirrors the panelling, screens off the kitchen when cosiness is required.