Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - Converting a one-side Fireplace into a two-sided Fireplace

I have an old victorian home with a rather small, one-sided living room fireplace. Opposite the fireplace is a brick kitchen wall. I'd like to knock-through the fireplace wall & create a two-sided fireplace that connects the living room & kitchen.

Some questions:

1) How big of a job is this? Besides aesthetic considerations, are their safety/design issues involved with this?

2) Since the living room fireplace is currently "floor-level," is it a bad idea to have a floor-level kitchen fireplace? Most kitchen fireplaces I see these days are mid-way up the wall.

3) Has anyone actually done this or seen it in a house somewhere? Any thoughts/advice?

Thanks,
John

A see thru fireplace requires a special damper, larger flue, and redesigned smoke chamber.

Make sure you have glass doors.

The classic problem wiyh double sidded or corner fireplaces is the blow-through which can cause smoke to come out instead of going up the flue.

It can be triggered by opening a door or having a furnace come on and the return air changes the circulation.

Double sided look beautiful, but be prepared for a few inconveniences.

Dick

Consult with a chimney professional about the feasibility of doing this project.