expose or cover-up

[teta]

I have started stripping the kitchen fireplace.Its very large and is i think the original one built to house a range.Its been painted with a wood effect which is truly horrible but is a real work of art [in edwardian times].Underneath the wood effect is a black paint which makes it look like slate - but its been painted on [or maybe a sealant made out of pitch].I think builder can strip or sand back to greyish-brown stone.Is it worth exposing the whole fireplace ie. just fitting range inside and not having any adjacent cupboards?.Or do i go with my original plan and have cupboards fitted and cover up the legs of this fireplace.I have done several searches and i think kitchen fireplaces are relatively rare so it might be worth making it into a real feature but i will be sacrificing storage.

I would go for the fireplace and not the storage.

I think it is more effective to put a range in it. I can't visualise cupboards working that well.

Lala, i was originally going to fit cupboards on either side of the range covering the legs of the fireplace.I think this gives a neater more integrated look but will spoil the effect of a real surround .Most modern 'traditional country' kitchens have a mock fire surround and fitted cupboards.I am also worried that food will drop down the sides of the cooker as well, as i am a complete slattern.Secondly i had planned the kitchen with no wall cupboards and lots of deep drawers. But there is very little cupboard space for sauces,oils etc. in the vicinity of the cooker.Hence i will have to put a wall-mounted cupboard above the area containing food preparation sink which for some reason doesn't seem right.

You must do what you think works best. I must be thinking of some other arrangement.