Introduction
After renovating the kitchen in the sixth article of this series, it was time to tackle the complete living room renovation. This major step in the renovation project involved a total transformation of the space: complete demolition, replacement of glass doors, fireplace work, electrical and plumbing network installation, wall preparation and painting, floor preparation, flooring installation, wood-burning stove installation with chimney, and finally TV and soundbar installation.
This living room renovation was essential to create a comfortable, modern, and aesthetic living space that would become the heart of the house. The project required many technical steps and meticulous planning for each element, from demolition to final finishes.
Initial State / Demolition
The living room still retained its original 1970s finishes. The walls were covered with wallpaper. The floor was covered with white carpet that had aged and no longer met our expectations. The old fireplace needed a complete renovation, and the original glass doors were obsolete and poorly insulated. The entire space needed a complete renovation.
The first step was to demolish the existing elements: removal of wallpaper from the walls, removal of the white carpet to expose the concrete floor, complete demolition of the fireplace, and preparation of the space for all upcoming work.
Glass Door Replacement
The old glass doors, dating from the 1970s, were not to our taste and no longer met our expectations in terms of thermal and acoustic insulation, nor aesthetics. I therefore decided to replace them with new modern, insulated sliding doors.
The new doors bring a lot of natural light into the living room and offer a clear view of the garden. The replacement significantly improved the room's insulation and overall aesthetics.
Fireplace Work
The old fireplace needed a complete renovation. It was an open hearth that no longer met current safety standards and took up a lot of space in the living room. I started by completely demolishing the existing structure to prepare for the installation of a new modern wood-burning stove, more efficient and compliant with current standards. This demolition freed up space and prepared the area for future installation work.
The fireplace work required removing old materials, preparing the opening for the new stove, and preparing the passage for the new chimney to the roof.
Electrical and Plumbing Installation
The electrical installation was planned precisely for each piece of equipment. I installed electrical conduits in the walls, with junction boxes at the planned locations for the TV, soundbar, power outlets, and lighting.
Plumbing was also prepared for future needs, with networks installed in the walls to facilitate any future installations.
Wall Preparation
The existing walls were prepared for painting. After removing the wallpaper, I sanded the walls to eliminate glue residue and obtain a smooth surface. The walls were then carefully cleaned to remove any traces of dust and dirt. Once the preparation was complete, the walls were ready to be painted directly.
Wall Painting
The walls were painted white to create a bright and modern space. This step required several coats of paint to achieve a uniform and quality finish. Teamwork allowed us to speed up the process and achieve a professional result.
TV and Soundbar Installation
The installation of the TV and soundbar required precise planning. I first marked the locations on the wall, taking into account optimal heights for visual comfort and aesthetic alignment.
Floor Preparation
The floor needed significant preparation before installing the new covering. I started by installing a green insulating underlayment to improve thermal and acoustic insulation.
Flooring Installation
For the floor, I chose a light wood-look laminate that adds a modern and warm touch to the living room.
Wood-Burning Stove Installation
The installation of the wood-burning stove was an important step in this renovation. I chose a modern and efficient stove that brings both heat and aesthetics to the living room. The stove was positioned in the prepared location, with a protective plate on the floor to protect the flooring.
The installation required connecting the stove to the chimney and ensuring that all safety standards were met.
Chimney Work
The chimney work required roof intervention to install the flexible chimney flue. I installed a flexible metal flue that adapts to the constraints of the existing installation. Sheet metal work was done to ensure waterproofing around the chimney on the roof.
Chimney Enclosure Construction
To aesthetically integrate the chimney flue into the room, I built a drywall enclosure around the flue. This structure was made with a metal framework, then covered with fire-resistant drywall panels to meet safety standards.
Final Result
The complete living room renovation is now finished. The result is a functional, modern, and aesthetic space that combines elegance and practicality. The wood-burning stove provides a pleasant heat source and creates a warm atmosphere, while the large glass doors offer a magnificent view of the garden and bring abundant natural light.
The TV and soundbar installation allows for a modern relaxation space, and the light flooring adds a warm touch to the whole. All networks are properly installed, and the space is ready for daily use.
Conclusion
The complete living room renovation is now finished. This major step in the project required many technical skills and meticulous planning, from the initial demolition to the final finishes. The result is a modern, functional, and aesthetic space that perfectly meets our needs.
This project allowed me to learn a great deal about complete living room renovation, from network management to wood-burning stove and chimney installation, through flooring installation and multimedia equipment. The living room is now a pleasant and comfortable living space, perfect for relaxing and entertaining.