November 21, 2005
A Fireplace in the Coffee Table
What? You've never dreamed of roasting your chestnuts (or marshmellows) over an open... coffee table? Well, the EcoSmart Fire Frost Coffee Table gives you the opportunity you never knew you always wanted. Their fire pit is integrated into a glass table. Since EcoSmart's fireplaces burn denatured alcohol (produced by fermenting things like sugarcane and wheat) instead of wood, gas, coal, or any of the usual culprits, it burns clean and doesn't create soot. There's no need for exterior ventilation (i.e. chimney, flue), so you can use your fireplace coffee table anywhere in the house. (Product not recommended for people who have a habit of propping their legs out on the coffee table when they're watching TV.)
http://www.ecosmartfire.com
October 25, 2005
Three-sided Gas Fireplace
Gas fireplaces are increasing in popularity as more homeowners realize how easy it is to get the warmth and ambiance of a fire without the chores like chopping wood and cleaning ashes out of the fireplace. Luxury models have features like remote controls, temperature monitoring, and timers. High-end fireplace manufacturers are also offering multi-sided fireplaces in their lineup. Examples are the corner gas fireplace we looked at a couple weeks ago and this three-sided fireplace from Regency. Meant to be built into a partial wall or peninsula, the fireplace offers 1,340 square inches of viewing area and puts out 40,000 BTUs of heat. It's available in gold, brass, black, and brushed steel finishes. Prices start at $2,570.
http://www.regency-fire.com
August 02, 2005
Fireplace Andirons with Personality
Technically, andirons are just for keeping the logs from falling out of the fireplace when a fire is burning, but metalsmiths and designers have long been adding style to functionality in order to make andirons that suit the personality of the homeowners. If you're looking for elegant and stately, these cat andirons from ShoppersChoice may not be it, but if having a pair of critters peering out of the fireplace sounds cool, read on. The cat andirons are made from black cast iron and have reflective glass eyes. They are 17 inches tall and weigh just over 18 pounds. They cost about $60 (not including shipping). ShoppersChoice also features andirons shaped like cacti and owls, along with more basic antique and modern styles.
Cast Iron Cat Andirons
February 18, 2005
Contemporary Fireplaces
Everyone loves the warmth and ambiance of a fire now and then, but traditional hearths don't always fit in with a modern look. Sleek, contemporary stoves and fireplaces, first popular in Europe, are making their way to the US. The Rais Pina has a firebox "equipped with the latest non-catalytic burn technology that assures clean, reliable, and responsible burning," and it looks cool, too. The simple but elegant base allows the firebox to be rotated, so you can admire the flames from any part of the room.
Rais Stoves
January 31, 2005
Modern Lamps
If you're looking to update the look in your living areas with some new lighting, Babette Holland Design creates "accessories for the modern lifestyle." The unique bases on their lamps make a statement without hitting you over the head with it. More at Spun Metal Lamps-Babette Holland Design.
January 27, 2005
Fireplace & Waterfall in One?
Fireplaces provide nice ambiance. As do waterfalls. I've never seen them two combined, until now. The
Max Blank Niagara Free Standing Wood Burning Stove with Waterfall has a wood-burning fireplace on the bottom and a waterfall gliding down the stainless steel top. The waterfall can be activated by remote. The sleek looking unit comes with a hefty price tag of $15,000. Time to start scrounging in the couch cushions...
January 11, 2005
Marble Fireplaces
Is your existing fireplace on the ho hum side? Elegant fireplace surrounds can turn a run of the mill fireplace into a handsome and impressive focal point. Elegance in Stone is one of many companies that can help in this area. They offer granite, limestone, and marble surrounds. With a full color/style chart, you can have your fireplace surround made to order.