A fireplace is a beautiful addition to just about any home, but unfortunately they tend to be messy—from back draft to noxious smoke-filled rooms, from messy ash to burning handles. Luckily there are some amazing alternatives. I love the EcoSmart fireplace. It doesn’t have a flue and doesn’t require any installation or utility connection for fuel supply, which makes it ideal for any home (even modern New York City apartments!). Plus it’s fuelled by renewable energy allowing the fire to burn clean and virtually maintenance free. Though its $5,000 price tag definitely makes it an investment piece. I also love the vent-free, log-free Fire Ribbon fireplace that comes in a 6-foot long model….so cool!

However, there are ways to have a mess-free fireplace in your home without spending thousands of dollars. Pre-fabricated fireboxes are a wonderful option—especially the gas ones because you can turn them on and off with the touch of a button. This allows for instant heat. I have wood burning pre-fabricated one in my house upstate and I was inspired to do something a little more decorative and contemporary by French designer Paul Dupré-Lafon (1900-1971). Instead of having a traditional mantle, I used a pine one and stained it a dark brown. Then, I placed these two little plinths to the left and right of the fireplace opening, allowing me to sit closer to the fire.

Here are some great vent-free fireplaces and fireboxes available on eBay!


Gas Fireplace


Gas Fireplace


Gas Fireplace

I’ve been seeing a lot of rich jewel tones lately, so I definitely predict this will be a growing trend as summer approaches. I particularly love emerald green, plum and aubergine, especially mixed with taupe grey or a nice, bright white. It’s so easy to achieve a really great dramatic look by painting your walls in one of these rich tones and then off-setting it with some crisp white sheets. You could also paint your ceiling in a deep wash and then keep your walls a light, warm color to help tone it down and create a cozy feel.

There are so many paint color variations available on eBay. Here are some color swatches to help guide you when you’re picking out colors!

 
Aubergine


Emerald Green


Taupe


Plum

There is still snow on the ground, but before too long spring will be here, so this is the perfect time to start thinking about your outdoor furniture!

When I go to Paris I love relaxing on the chairs in the Tuileries, around the fountain…so comfortable! They have these dark green metal chairs scattered around and when you sit in one you can lean back so you’re relaxing in a reclining position…I’m sure you can imagine how hard it is to nab one of them on a beautiful spring day!

I actually was able to locate the vendor who makes them (Fermob), and they come in a rainbow of colors. I’m a fan of dark green and black, but these chairs would look great in any color and the best part is that you can use them as single, stand alone pieces or in little groupings.

Check out this chair I found on eBay --


Fermob Chair

Besides metal, I love teak outdoor furniture because it’s durable and when left untreated, turns to a beautiful silvery-gray.

Check out these chaises --


Teak Chaise

However, if there is one trend to note with outdoor furniture, it has to be the amount of color and fun, bright patterns in everything from cushions to umbrellas.

Here are some nice eBay finds:

Outdoor Chaise Cushion

Patio Umbrella

Maybe it’s because I grew up close to New England, but I’ve always had a thing for braided rugs, especially the classic oval wool ones with which we’re all familiar. I actually just got a beautiful one with a monochromatic weave that I’m using for a project in Connecticut. I think they’re wonderful because not only do they come in all sorts of cool color and shape variations, they’re totally durable and often times they’re reversible. You can use them anywhere in your home and there are even some made from polypropylene that you can use in an outdoor space.

Here are just a few great examples of braided rugs I’ve seen on eBay.


Hand Braided Jute Area Rug


Braided Rug Spring Meadow


Cotton Braided Rug Seascape