Luxury Housing Trends & Home Improvement Ideas

Since many fireplaces and fire pits run on gas these days, there’s no need to have logs on the grate. Most of them don’t look all that natural anyway. If you’re interested in giving up the pretense, you could try a fun alternative, such as these glass crystals.

You can buy the crystals in one-pound bags from Fire Pit Glass Crystals. They come in any number of colors as well as interesting blends. With prices starting at $5 a pound, they’re not likely to break the bank either.

In addition to being decorative, the glass crystals retain heat and radiate it to the area around the fire pit, so they can make the air warmer than it would be from gas flames alone.

Check out the company’s FAQ for more information.

If you’re trying to beat the summer heat without spending a fortune on air conditioning for the whole house, consider a room fan.

You might be thinking fans are noisy and annoying (since they send papers flying), but that needn’t be the case any more. There are some cool new offerings out there, such as these table, tower, and pedestal fans from Dyson.

Looking a little like something out of a science-fiction future, these sleek fans don’t use blades to blow air, so there are no hurricanes to sweep all your paperwork off the desk. They’re safe, easy to clean, and won’t collect dust. The high-tech fans even come with a remote control.

They’re available in silver or blue and in several heights, so you can use them on tables or on the floor. Prices start at $300.

via The Wall Street Journal

Looking for a versatile and unique fireplace? Something different from your parents’ fireplace/hearth/chimney deal?

There are lots of cool options out there, such as the Roll Fire from Commoto:

“Fire in the role of its life: fiercely blazing, steady and yet quite free. ROLL FIRE provides warmth wherever it is installed. Anyone who values variety and is looking for all-over warmth will simply love the independent heat it radiates. As it rolls, ROLL FIRE easily balances its stainless steel tank, mounted on its roller bearings. The two glass panes fitted at the sides render it completely transparent. As it is held in place by magnets, when the tank is being filled with bio-ethanol the glass is lifted off in no time at all.”

The eye-catching piece can sit on the floor or be mounted on your wall. It burns liquid fuel in canisters and doesn’t require a vent to the outside.

More at Commoto.

An indoor fireplace can really improve the ambiance. Whether you’re cuddling with your significant other or just watching a movie with a friend, sitting next to a fire can make you feel more relaxed. Plus, it’s can be a stylish way to keep warm!

The Planika Ambience Line Fireplaces feature a glass design and a polished cast aluminum base. Enjoy the dancing flames behind the cylinder glass shield, which are mesmerizing. This fireplace uses eco-friendly fuel, so it doesn’t create smoke, ash or any odors. Place this piece in the middle of a living room, and let it be a functional piece of art.

The fuel only emits water vapor and carbon dioxide, and the tempered glass is highly durable and stylish.

How much money are you paying every month to heat your water? Probably quite a bundle. The more things you can run with solar energy, the more money you will be saving in your pocket. It’s a direct relationship, and you need to figure out how to reap the rewards.

Installing solar panels or anything solar for that matter might seem above your skills, but the Caleffi Solar Water Heating System makes solar energy a more manageable installation. This system is for a one to two person household, and it uses the sun’s energy to heat up water.

The parts in this kit can be installed quickly, because they’re ready to be screwed together. You don’t need to solder them together so you’re fine with the tools you have at home. Before you know it, you can be saving bundles!

If the nights have been a little chilly in your living room, you could warm things up with a fireplace. No chimney? No problem. There are lots of new ventless fireplaces that burn non-toxic, smoke-free gel or bio-ethanol fuel.

For example, this sleek stainless steel wall-mount fireplace from Chelsea burns bio-ethanol fuel and can be hung on your wall as easily as a flat-screen television.

The vent-free fireplace can go in any room, and there’s no need for a gas or electric hookup. The fuel needs to be purchased separately (a six-pack of one-quart bottles is about $45).

$350 at Amazon:

Chelsea Stainless Steel Fireplace

There are so many ways to keep warm through the winter season, but if you’re looking for extra heat that is more portable, you might want to consider an oil-filled radiator.

The DeLonghi Oil-Filled Portable Radiator has an efficient operation and is also economical. This model has a sleek black design, and it can be rolled wherever you need the heat. There are three heat settings and an adjustable thermostat. If you need more warmth, simply adjust the thermal slots.

This radiator measures 13 4/5” x 9” x 25 1/5”. It has a noiseless operation, low surface temperature and smart-snap wheels too. You can save up to 27% on your energy bills by using the comfortemp control. This would be convenient for a cool basement or even in the bedroom to keep you comfortable during the evening.

The first time you turn on your heat for the colder seasons, you realize how dry your house becomes, and as a result, your sinuses and skin may be affected too. Instead of suffering in the dry heat, infuse your environment with some moisture.

The Bionaire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier is a compact and beautiful option for your home, because it doesn’t really look like a humidifier. Many units are bulky, but this one has a sleek appearance as well as antimicrobial protection.

This model can run up to 19 hours for each filling, and it has a filter free operation, which makes it easy to maintain. It’s also quiet and has an auto shut off. The Bionaire is made for smaller rooms up to 500 square feet. If you enjoy the visible mist, you can turn this feature on via the control panel.

Are you constantly trying to get your room to a comfortable temperature? If you’re finding that you need more warmth, you might want to consider a supplemental heat source called radiant heating.

The Empire 10,000 BTU LP Hearthrite Radiant Manual is a vent-free system that has a 99.9% efficiency rating. These types of systems use the air in the room to create a clean burning blue-flame combustion. Since the model is equipped with an Oxygen Depletion Sensor, the device turns off if the room has an unsafe level of oxygen.

This heater can be mounted on the floor or wall, and it doesn’t need electricity. Also, it can be controlled manually or hydraulically. If you need more heat in a certain room, this supplemental heat option might be the right choice.

At some point, it’s natural for the heat to get to you, but if you can get by with just a window air conditioning unit, your energy conservation efforts will be praised. Plus, your wallet will thank you too. A window unit can be put in your bedroom or transferred to another room during the day so you stay cool wherever you’re spending most of your time in the house.

The Friedrich 7900 BTU Window Air Conditioner is a high0end central air conditioning system, and it has a 7-day programmable thermostat. Other features include an intuitive temperature maintenance technology (it’s smart too), a multifunctional LCD display, a slide-out chassis, quiet operation and durable construction.

This device is made for moving in and out of windows, and it also comes with a remote control so you can set the conditioner without even getting up. If you have an elderly family member living with you, this is something to consider to maintain the comfort level when you’re at work.