Hello! 
I've just purchased my first home, which has been incredibly exciting and also ridiculously frightening - namely because there is a LOT of work that needs to be done, and I don't know how to do any of it.
Fortunately, I've got a builder in to do the big jobs, but I'm really eager to learn how to do a bit of DIY myself. Most things I've been able to learn off of Youtube videos, but the one thing I'm really struggling with is the fireplace. When I bought the house, I could see that there was once a fireplace that was since blocked up. Of course I smashed it open. I was left alone in a house with a hammer, it was impossible to resist! The opening had been covered up with cheap plaster, so it was fairly easy to remove - although now I'm left with a fairly narrow opening. Is that normal? I'm hoping to install a victorian style fireplace (purely decorative) but Im not sure if my opening is correct, as it seems much smaller than it should be.
Has anyone had any experience with something similar? Would love to hear your advice! 