Archive for year: 2021

You are here: / / 2021

Top 5 Outdoor Fireplaces of 2021

/in /by

The cold weather is here! What’s the best way to enjoy it with friends and family on those long winter evenings? Why, relaxing by your outdoor fireplace, of course! No matter what style home you have, an outdoor fireplace adds a cozy appeal to your home. So what kind of outdoor setting are you looking for? Let’s take a look at the top five outdoor fireplace Denver has to offer.

The Great Outdoors 

It’s 2021, and with the plethora of outdoor fireplace options, it’s difficult to choose. To make your decision a little easier, we’ve condensed five of the best, but you’ll still need to figure out exactly what purpose this outdoor fireplace is going to serve. Where is it going to sit? Will you be using it often or occasionally? Perhaps you want multifunctional use for cooking and for relaxing. And it’s probably best to get something that is family and pet friendly, too.

Pagoda Chiminea

Whether summer or winter, cooking outdoors is always fun. So if you’re looking to host (or hostess), an outdoor fireplace that is compact but has an optional pull out cooking grid can meet your cooking needs. For example, a compact option would be a wood burning Pagoda chiminea, which gives you 360° access and is housed in a mesh screen. It mimics a pizza oven with its Pagoda shaped stature and gives off just the right amount of heat while you’re cooking and bonding with friends and family.

BioLite Fire Pit

When you think of outdoor fireplaces, you’ve pretty much considered wood and fire being the match made in heaven. And while this is true for the most part, there is a fireplace option which is more on the techy side. The BioLite fire pit uses wood and charcoal for burning, but also uses advanced technology. How does it work? It is fully smokeless, radiating heat outward with fully- visible flames all around. This fireplace allows you to control the size of the flames through a bluetooth app, all  while charging your phone!

Necessories Santa Fe Compact Outdoor Fireplace

For a real brick oven feel, this 6 foot tall, steepled Stone fireplace looks appealing to the eye, while taking up less space in your yard. It’s made of beautiful layered concrete stone and it’s easy to assemble. Other than being quite the talking piece, this outdoor fireplace transforms your backyard into a comfortable, stylish gathering place for friends and family.

Sunjoy Maryland Bel Air fireplace

For a fireplace that blends in with your outdoor furniture, this comfortable and functional fireplace is “the missing link.” Unlike most other outdoor fireplaces Denver offers, this fits right into your home’s aesthetics! It has two end tables on each side, along with a functional chimney and removable grate for easy cleanup. A sturdy mesh screen and two doors provide protection from embers and sparks. In case that’s not enough, underneath this fireplace is a built-in storage unit for storing wood. 

The Hampton Bay Outdoor Chimenea

For an original outdoor fireplace, this one’s it. No fuss, no muss. This solid but not-too-weighty fireplace has steel mesh surrounding the firebox, while a 5-foot pipe keeps the smoke at bay. Now you can enjoy good conversation throughout the cool night while getting equal amounts of warmth all around. 

Denver can offer some excellent choices for fireplaces in your outdoor living space. However, it’s best to get in touch with someone who knows more than just aesthetic appeal. Distinctive mantle design has a brilliant selection of fireplaces, mantles, grills and kitchens, and much more. Contact the savvy team for the best fireplace for your outdoor setting.

What To Know About Cast Stone Fireplaces

/in /by

Incorporating a fireplace into any space in your home is a surefire way to send the warmth and coziness of the space through the roof. If you’ve been considering adding a fireplace and started browsing the options, you already know just how many options there are. Today we’ll cover cast stone fireplaces, and why you should consider it as a front runner in your decision-making process. 

What is a cast stone fireplace?

You might have already come across a cast stone fireplace in your research. It goes by quite a few other names like faux stone, man made stone, or even precast fireplace. It’s made by using an aggregate material like concrete poured into a cast and then allowed to dry. Different aggregate materials are used in the process and can impact the final name of the product. 

What are the advantages of a cast stone fireplace?

A cast stone fireplace offers many advantages compared to other products. It easily passes any fire codes since the cast stone is fire resistant. It’s also a much lighter burden to bear than real stone. It’s very easy to install and comes pre-tinted based on your color choices. You can also choose from a variety of finished textures. 

How are they made?

Cast stone fireplaces can be made in one solid piece, or in a few pieces that are installed together. The aggregate is tinted to your specification before it’s poured into the cast and texture is added before installation. A knowledgeable fireplace installer can help you to figure out exactly what you need for the planned space and provide sealing after installation 

Choosing a design

Because cast stone fireplaces are often custom made for a space, you’re limited only by your imagination. This product can be as simple or ornate as the room allows for it to be and in practically any color or texture you could want. And whatever decisions you make, it’s sure to keep you and your family cozy and warm for many years to come.

Reasons to Consider a Stellar™ Fireplace

/in , /by

As you prepare for the chilly winter weather to arrive, why not consider installing a new Stellar™ Fireplace Cherry Creek. There are so many advantages to this line of fireplaces, and there is no doubt they’ll keep you warm and cozy for years to come. So, let’s consider exactly what the benefits are to choosing a fireplace from this well-respected manufacturer. 

A Stellar™ fireplace can be custom made for you

One of the biggest draws to the Stellar™ fireplace Cherry Creek line is that they are available custom made to your tastes and needs. The company uses a creative eye to bring innovative concepts to real life. They are flexible in size and whatever options you might want to include in your fireplace feature outside of normal industry specifications. 

Special features specific to the brand

One of the most exciting features that Stellar™ offers with their units is a product called Safe-T-Touch glass. This feature is a cooling system incorporated into the fireplace that draws heat away from glass surfaces and greatly reduces the danger of burns. It keeps the glass from getting any hotter than 120-140 degrees and actually remains cool. In fact, the fireplace doesn’t require any other safety screen because of this special, proprietary cooling system.   

If you’d like to incorporate and open heart

These custom fireplaces can be designed exactly to your design tastes including open-hearth features. This means that no glass will exist to block the view of the fire from the room, and instead, the feel of a traditional fireplace will be yours to enjoy. There are unique ways that an open-hearth fireplace can be designed exactly for your space and it’s smart to talk to a Stellar™ dealer to learn more about the options. 

Check out the Stellar™ fireplace Cherry Creek build your own tool

You can explore all the options available to you on the Stellar™ website. The build your own tool puts the design possibilities right in your lap. Also on the website, learn more about the specifications of the brand’s products. And, when you’re ready to buy, head down to your local fireplace dealer for unmatched personal customer service. 

Trending Fireplace Designs

/in /by

A fireplace redo is a great way to update an important space in your home and increase the wow factor when guests walk in, too. It’s also a relatively simple update that your local fireplace professional can help guide you through. If you’re wondering what your space might look like with an update, consider these trending fireplace designs.
Expand with fireplace designs
Big fireplaces are a trend in interior spaces including the mantle, the fireplace insert, and everything else related to fireplace designs. Homeowners decided they like the look of an inside fireplace and many are choosing to include more of it in their interior design. There are currently two favorite options, linear fireplaces that take up a large horizontal footprint in your wall, or large square fireplaces that command attention in the room.
Fireplace designs to service multiple rooms
Another current trend in fireplace design is to utilize building methods that allow for a fireplace to service multiple rooms at the same time. This could be a two-sided fireplace that opens up to a master bedroom on one side and master bath on the other, or it could mean a multi-sided fireplace situated in the middle of a room with multiple seating areas. If you’re looking for wow factor, this just might be it.
Control the amount of heat in a room
Another trendy feature when it comes to fireplace design is integrated control. This is a far cry from wood burning fireplaces of yore that burned hot no matter what. With modern fireplaces, you can control the amount of heat projected into the room, or kill the heat all together opting for fireplace ambiance only instead. You can also incorporate a thermostat to automate the system once it reaches a comfortable temperature in the room.
Go modern
There’s no doubt about it, current fireplace design is trending modern and you’ll see a lot of this option shopping for your new space. Long, linear fireplaces are all the rage and frameless options are very popular too. While homey brick reigned supreme for fireplace surround for decades, homeowners these days are opting for more interesting textures like natural stone.

Design Details for Your Concrete Mantle

/in /by

Move over river rock and barn wood, concrete has arrived on the scene and is ready to take its rightful place surrounding your fireplace. If you’re looking for design inspiration for this particular corner of your home, you really should consider this type of design utilizing this often overlooked building material. Read about just a few reasons that a concrete mantle belongs in your future living space. 

What is a concrete mantle made from?

Concrete is a building material used in the construction of many parts of your home. It’s created by mixing pulverized aggregates like rock and sand, with liquid, to form a paste that binds materials together or that creates a hard surface. You might not have known it could be used to create a concrete mantle, too. But it can.  

Concrete can be used in all parts of your fireplace

Concrete can be used to build the hearth of your fireplace and is a great material for this purpose because it’s resistant to fire. It can also be used to create a sleek surround, and even formed to fashion a mantle that will crown the space. These pieces, for the most part, are cast in place. But the final finished look comes down entirely to your style preferences since the material is so versatile and easy to work with.  

What if you don’t want a gray concrete mantle?

In the event that gray doesn’t necessarily fit in with your design aesthetic, have no fear. Concrete is such a versatile material that you can have almost any color you want. Many designers suggest sticking to Earth tones for the final product, but experienced builders can create as many as 150 different pigments.  

Deciding on the finish

Another choice you’ll have to make is what kind of finish you’ll want on the mantle. The options range from rouch, to polished smooth, or even a design stamped into the surface if you’d rather. An experienced craftsman can explain all the options on finish to you so that you can be sure you’re choosing the perfect one for your space. 

Great Options for Stone Fireplace Mantles

/in /by

Stone makes a statement and lasts a lifetime. It’s also the perfect material to use in countless ways inside your home. If you’re weighing your options for stone fireplace mantles in Littleton, you should definitely consider this material by sheer number of options. Consider just a few that will look great in your space for years to come. 

Granite for stone fireplace mantles

Granite is a natural stone harvested from the Earth and that’s millions of years old. Slabs are polished to a high sheen and sealed to capture the movement and colors of the rock. This type of stone can be used beautifully in your stone fireplace mantles and is resistant to staining by fire like soot and grime commonplace in the area surrounding your fireplace. If you’re looking for a timeless material that will last for as long as you own your home, granite might be the best option for you.   

Consider marble for stone fireplace mantles

Humans have been captivated by using marble as a building material for centuries. In fact, it’s the material most commonly used to construct the world’s most stunning palaces. It’s also a solid option for your fireplace mantle because it’s durable, functional, versatile, and requires almost zero maintenance. No worries on damaging the stone with ambient heat from the fireplace, it’s resistant to intense heat and will look it’s best for practically ever.   

Consider quartz

Quartz is a relatively new product landing on the building material scene within the last few decades. It’s made by combining more than 90 natural stone with resin to form a durable surface that gives the appearance of granite and other popular materials. It’s actually harder than marble and resistant to scratching and cracking making it an almost perfect material for your fireplace design.   

Limestone for living

Limestone is another great option for stone fireplace mantles Littleton. It’s been used for hundreds of years in home construction and interior design. It’s also more budget friendly than many of the other natural stones available. If you’re hoping to make a big impact in the room, consider utilizing natural limestone in your fireplace design. 

Unique Options for Your Mantle Surround

/in /by

The fireplace mantle once had a strictly utilitarian purpose. Back in Medieval times, the mantle actually extended beyond the fireplace and acted as a hood of sorts to draw smoke from the room and up the chimney. Things have changed quite a bit since then, and mantles these days are more about fashion, than function. If you’re considering a new one for your fireplace, you should definitely be looking at these unique options for your mantle surround in Englewood. 

A sleek marble mantle surround

You could opt for a more traditional look, but what fun is that? Go big and dramatic with a full floor to ceiling marble slab to serve as the mantle surround. This treatment is modern and sleek and will prove to be a real show stopper for anyone visiting your home. 

Can’t go wrong with a matte black mantle surround

There’s just something about pairing rustic wood with rich black paint, and it works really well on a fireplace surround. Consider painting just the perimeter of the fireplace, and then cover the wall above with rustic wood slats. You can elect to leave the slats a natural color, or stain them to have whatever kind of finish resonates with you. 

Warm up to a stone cabin-inspired fireplace

Rather than looking for something different, adopt a style that works really well. Surround the entire opening of your fireplace with stacked stone reminiscent of a cozy stone fireplace situated in the remote countryside. Add a rustic beam mantle and a bit of greenery and you’ll never want to leave the hearth. 

Keep it simple

If you’re not into making a big splash, or have a different focal point planned for the room, consider plaster treatment for your mantle surround. Hand troweled plaster offers a classic appeal and the perfect canvas for any other decor you’d like to add to the space. You can also tint plaster to be any color you’d like meaning it’s a versatile medium that’s easy to make fit right in.

4 Modern Fireplace Mantles to Consider

/in /by

Although a fireplace mantle used to have a utilitarian purpose, it now serves more as a decorative element of a room than anything else. But because the fireplace is probably one of the focal points of the room, it’s important to get the mantle design just right for the space. If you’re contemplating fireplace mantles, here are a few modern designs that you might consider. 

Metal fireplace mantles

Most people don’t think of welded metal when they consider what material they should fashion fireplace mantles from. But they should. Metal can add an eye-catching modern touch that looks both sleek and clean in your space.  

Consider modern craftsman fireplace mantles

Modern craftsman design never goes out of style and if you’re in the market for a new fireplace mantle you should consider this type of mantle. This design aesthetic is marked by heavy use of wood and stone, and materials preserved in their natural state. Think rough-hewn barn wood or a wood slab with a live edge left intact.   

Add a splash of color

Where better than your modern fireplace mantle to make a statement in the room. Consider adding a wood or brick mantle and a splash of color to the material. Think bold and bright, a color or material that draws your eye right to that area of the room. You can also get playful in the space and carry the color in subtle ways throughout like with books, throw pillows, and more. 

Reclaimed can be modern, too

Reclaimed wood accents are still all the rage. The material is eco friendly since you’re helping to breath a second life into it rather than utilizing material that’s brand new. A rustic beam can make a great modern mantle especially if it’s accented by modern decor like metal art or streamlined frames. 

Ideas for Your Outdoor Fireplace

/in /by

Looking for a project this summer? Looking for something that will instantly make your outdoor space warm and cozy and could even be a selling point in the future if  and when you put your house on the market? An outdoor fireplace is a relatively affordable project depending on the materials you use, and could be something your family enjoys year round. If this sounds like something you could get behind, consider these things you should know before the project even gets started. 

Consider safety when designing your outdoor fireplace

One of the most important things to consider for your new outdoor fireplace is safety. When considering the placement of the fireplace, you’ll want to keep it far away from other flammable materials and make sure the fireplace has plenty of area to vent. You might also consider using cleaner burning fuels for the fireplace that could be easier on the environment and your family.  

Consider what kind of outdoor fireplace you want

Do you want a built in fireplace that looks like it could be indoors too? Do you want a fire pit where family and guests could sit around? Would a chiminea work better in your space? All fair questions and good questions for a knowledgeable fireplace dealer in your area. They are the best equipped to show you all the options available and that would fit your budget.  

Prepare for installation

Installing an outdoor fireplace could require the work of a plumber, carpenter, bricklayer, and more depending on the design of it. The fireplace dealer can help put you in touch with these people and could even coordinate the whole job for you. You might need to pull a building permit for the job; something to discuss with the project manager. But other than that, you can sit back and watch the transformation begin.   

Remember your budget

The best way to start a household project is to set a budget. It’s important to stick with your budget for the life of the project. This will dictate what kind of materials you decide to use and how elaborate your final outdoor fireplace will be. But sticking to your budget is something that you’ll appreciate in the long run. 

4 Stylish Options to Consider for Your Stone Mantle

/in /by

Fireplace mantles have evolved and many people might not know the backstory. When they were first introduced in homes during medieval times, the mantles served as a hood or type of redirect for smoke, sending it back into the fireplace and, with any luck, up the chimney. These days, mantles are less about function and more about looks. If you’re mulling over a new mantle, here are four stylish options to consider for your stone mantle. 

Consider a natural stone mantle

You’ll have many options from which to choose for your stone mantle. Consider a natural stone option made from granite, marble, limestone, or slate. These are all solid options and we’ll go through the benefits of each one below.  

A granite or limestone mantle 

Granite is a great bet for a stone mantle. It’s durable and effortless to maintain. It also looks great and comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Limestone is another good choice and comes in warm colors. This type of stone must be sealed after installation to protect in and ensure that it lasts for many years. 

Consider a travertine or slate stone mantle

Travertine is another great choice if you’re shopping for a stone mantle. It’s a versatile stone that can easily accommodate a wide range of design aesthetics. Slate is the perfect choice if you’re looking to achieve a rustic look in your living space. 

Stone veneer for your stone mantle

If your budget doesn’t allow for one of the options above, you might consider a stone veneer mantle. This material comes in panels and can be easily installed by an experienced do-it-yourselfer. This kind of product comes in a variety of colors and textures meaning you’ll easily find something that will look great in your space. 

Four Show-stopping Elements of Fireplace Designs

/in /by

Fireplaces remain one of the most popular features to add in a home that is both beautiful and functional. They provide warmth on chilly days and ambience any day of the year. If you’re looking to update or add a fireplace to an existing space, or if you’re shopping for the perfect fireplace for a brand new space, consider these four elements for creating show-stopping fireplace designs. 

Make a statement

Many design professionals would agree that a fireplace can and should be the focal point of a room. If you have the option, carry the detail all the way up to the ceiling rather than just stopping at a simple mantle to crown the fireplace. An accent of stone, tile, or cladding will make a big impact and are popular fireplace designs. 

Think outside the box

You can be as creative as you want to when it comes to the mantle atop your fireplace. Think rustic, hand-hewn beams, stainless steel, or even a stone slab. There are so many possibilities that can really deliver wow factor when it comes to the mantle you choose for your space. You can also opt out of the mantle completely and carry the detail up the wall as previously suggested instead.  

Consider the aesthetic of your room

Is your room modern and contemporary, or do you lean more toward the rustic, modern farmhouse look? Knowing the aesthetic of the room will help you pick the best fireplace design for the space. Discuss the options with a knowledgeable retailer and even consider employing the help of an interior designer in your area.   

Fireplace designs extras

Your fireplace design doesn’t have to end with the insert and mantle. You can incorporate a cozy place to sit in the design scheme. You can also incorporate built in like a convenient cubby in which to store firewood, or a nook for fireplace tools. The sky’s the limit when it comes to fireplace design and it’s an opportunity to do something really special in your living space. 

Choosing Between Fireplace Inserts

/in , /by

Controlling fire changed everything for the human race. Once they could harness warmth and cook their food, life improved significantly. Humans are still interested in harnessing fire, albeit in their living rooms, bedrooms, and outdoor living spaces rather than caves, these days. And if you’re looking to add a cozy space to your home, you should know a thing or two about fireplace inserts before you start shopping. 

Fuel source of fireplace inserts

Both indoor and outdoor fireplaces can be fueled by a number of sources and choosing which one you like best is one of the first decisions you’ll need to make when shopping for fireplace inserts Denver. Common fuel sources include wood, propane and other natural gases, electricity, pellets, gel, and even still coal. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages and your decision should be based on preference and your space.  

Size of fireplace inserts

When you start shopping for fireplace inserts, it’s important to know the size of the insert that you need. You can measure the space yourself, being sure to measure the height and width, as well as the depth of the space where the insert will fit. If you don’t feel comfortable taking measurements, many quality fireplace dealers would be happy to do it for you.   

Aesthetic of the room

When shopping for a fireplace insert, you want to be sure your final choice matches the existing aesthetic of the room. Don’t go modern if your living room has a traditional feel. Don’t go rustic if your outdoor living space features stoic Greek columns. It’s important for the space to feel seamless and comfortable, and definitely not disjointed.  

Goal for addition 

When shopping for fireplace inserts it’s also important to consider how you’ll use it. Do you plan to have large groups gather around your new outdoor insert to make s’mores on a cool fall evening? Do you want to maximize the warmth it produces in a space? Is the addition really about completing the look of a room? These questions and many others are important in guiding your ultimate choice in fireplace insert.