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