Thursday, January 27, 2011

My Modern Flame…

The Times just ran an article about the fall from popularity of the traditional fireplace. This would have been the perfect time to talk about a more modern option – the ventless flame burner. Not a word…

They not only look amazing, they’re the perfect Manhattan solution where having a real fireplace is rare and not at all easy to manage – no flue, no small bundles of fake wood and no place to store it.

Growing up my sister and I had the lucky job of hauling in wood – she on one end of the carrier and me on the other. I was not a fan – a pain and a big mess. Going out in the cold wasn’t fun either, and add to that the fear of finding a snake in the wood pile.

No thanks to all of that...

I much prefer skipping the wood all together and streamlining to a simple flame. Gas is always an option, but getting approval for a gas line or moving one stands in the way. Electric is a possibility too, but it doesn’t look as pretty. This one does….

The EcoSmart fireplace is fuelled by a bio ethanol liquid produced from plants which burns clean, and does not produce smoke or harmful emissions. The flame is adjustable too. There’s no shortage of options either - it’s available as the full fire box insert, burners with grates for preexisting fireplaces, burners alone, and freestanding units. They also have outside burners.

To Die For…

Choose the type you want and add your own style – sleek and modern, a traditional mantle, metal, stone, built in, or open on both sides. The sky is the limit. If you want to see one, Desiron in SOHO carries the entire line. They have many other wonderful things there too, so it’s very much worth the trip.

http://www.ecosmartfire.com/en/home

My mantle is already built in so it’s too late to make changes without drama, but this portable one by Ameico could work.

http://www.unicahome.com/catalog/item.asp?id=42498&PartnerID=FR

Either way I WANT one of these...

2 comments:

elizabeth212 said...

Hi Kelly,

Would you consider posting a sneak preview of your renovation?

I recently restored the fireplace in my apartment, and although it was quite expensive, I don't know how I lived without one for so long.

Even my cat adores it; he loves to sit in front of the fire and gaze into it for hours on end. I don't know how he tolerates the heat.

Much to my surprise clean-up is not a big deal and as for hauling wood, a city fireplace is so much easier than one in the country. D'Agostino's delivers, and nearly every Duane Reade sells firewood.

kelly giesen said...

Most NYC dwellers do not have a flue - you're a lucky one...

My apt will likely be on the Junior League House Tour in early May so I will have pictures by then for sure!