Few things are cozier than the warm glowing embers of a crackling fireplace. Whether you want to install a new gas fireplace or to replace your traditional woodburning firepit with a contemporary linear fireplace, this is a big decision. Installation of a gas fireplace will require careful consideration of ventilation requirements, operational efficiency, and aesthetics.

If you are in the market for a gas fireplace, here is what you need to know before installing one.

1. Location

Consider where you will install the fireplace, as this will determine the most suitable style for your home. If you have an existing masonry fireplace, look at insert fireplaces, as these allow you to simply fit the new fireplace into the existing space.

A fireplace in the bedroom hearkens back to the times when that was homeowners’ main source of heat. Though most bedrooms feature more modern technology, a fireplace still creates a cozy atmosphere no matter the room’s overall style. If you’re considering a remodel or new build that includes a bedroom fireplace, below are ideas for matching it to your room’s style.

Contemporary Style

Contemporary style is one of the most popular — it essentially encompasses most design trends happening now. With contemporary style, though, you often get a sense of playing with geometry and a leaning toward minimalism. A linear fireplace is ideal for this style of bedroom.

When you host your own sparkling Independence Day gathering for loved ones and neighbors, you use and enjoy your new outdoor kitchen and fire pit the way you’ve always dreamed of doing. But as you plan the menu and decorations for your Fourth of July celebration, keep the safety of your guests in mind too. The following tips will help you plan for a safe and fun holiday.

The patio is the heart of your outdoor living. A common feature of the patio is a fire pit. When designing a patio, you usually want to adhere to a specific design style to create an overall cohesive effect. These principles should also apply to the fire pit and its surroundings. Below are some ideas of how to design a contemporary fire pit area for your patio.

Contemporary Design Basics

Contemporary design by nature is eclectic, encompassing the changing trends of what’s being created in the moment. That said, contemporary design does feature certain principles that make the style identifiable.

Whether you actively use your fireplace during the colder seasons or you simply keep the appliance because you enjoy its aesthetics in your home, you may be ready to upgrade this important home feature. Here are ways you can upgrade your fireplace so the unit is both functional and attractive.

Remove Soot Stains

Soot stains build up around and behind your fireplace and chimney over time, giving your heating unit a dated, neglected appearance. Hire a chimney specialist to remove the soot stains from on and around your fireplace mantel and chimney to give your wood burner a beautiful — yet easy — upgrade.

When you host your own sparkling Independence Day gathering for loved ones and neighbors, you use and enjoy your new outdoor kitchen and fire pit the way you’ve always dreamed of doing. But as you plan the menu and decorations for your Fourth of July celebration, keep the safety of your guests in mind too. The following tips will help you plan for a safe and fun holiday.

You have an outdoor fireplace to enjoy when the weather is cool or you want to cook outside. You love your classic wood burner, but you wonder if a gas fireplace replacement is best for your outdoor entertainment needs.

For starters, wood burners give off an excessive amount of heat (depending on the type and quality of wood you burn), which makes it hard to control temperatures when a fire is lit. Secondly, wood burners leave a lot of soot and ash behind, which can make sitting around an outdoor fire undesirable.

The following are five reasons to consider upgrading your classic wood burner to a gas fireplace.

An outdoor built-in gas grill is a great addition to any residence. In the right location, it can be an entertainment center for family, friends, and guests.

An outdoor gas grill has many advantages for homeowners. It is easy to use and maintain, burns clean, and does not require an additional fuel source such as wood or charcoal.

To complete your built-in gas grill, you can get a grill with other components such as two countertops, a warming oven, auxiliary lighting, a rotisserie, and even a smoker. Here are the procedures to maintain a built-in outdoor gas grill.

Maintenance tasks and needed updates make owning a home seem difficult at times. From mowing the lawn and washing windows to repairing a leaky faucet, you can see how so many homeowners become overwhelmed.

Fortunately, certain updates can be physically, emotionally, and financially rewarding. The addition of an outdoor fireplace is one of these updates that homeowners should consider for their home, family, and finances.

Of course, everybody knows a fireplace will provide you with warmth on cool days or evenings, but there are other benefits to having one outdoors. With this guide and a professional’s help, you will understand a few real benefits of having an outdoor fireplace.

When you think of outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, you may think of the traditional style — heavy on stone and using wood for fuel. While those are certainly options for your outdoor entertainment area, new technology in fire features has allowed for a host of design possibilities. Below are different fireplace and fire pit designs that you can incorporate, depending on the style of your home.

1. Fireplace Wall

Also called a fire hearth, a fireplace wall is a useful structure. Designers incorporate seating into the design of the wall, usually on either side of the fire feature. You can even utilize a retaining wall to create a fire hearth. The wall could also curve around to provide more seating.

The style of your fireplace wall depends on your house. For a modern style, you could opt for basic concrete. However, by using veneers, you can cover the concrete with natural stone or brick. Coloration and accent details will help drive the style of your fire hearth.