The LHD50 Limited Swarovski Edition fireplace from Napoleon

When the word “fireplace” is mentioned, most people still think of traditional wood-burning hearths. But with recent technology and increased interest in environmentally-friendly products, manufacturers are now producing more fireplaces that don’t use wood. From decorative fire glass and ceramic-fiber rocks to artificial log inserts, the media available for fireplaces comes in a variety of materials, shapes, and forms. Customers have never had as many choices available for their fireplaces.

The LHD50 Limited Swarovski Edition fireplace from Napoleon comes complete with a bed of authentic precision-cut Swarovski crystals. The light from the perfectly-polished crystals is reflected in every direction through Napoelon’s exclusive CRYSTALITES that light the Swarovski crystals from below. The Swarovski edition is available in a one-sided or two-sided unit, making it perfect for almost any room.

Paramount fireplace burner from American Fireglass

The Paramount fireplace burner from American Fireglass has set the standard for modern and contemporary design. It is now available in 18- and 24- inch wide models. It has multiple finishes and fireglass colors to choose from, so you are sure to find the perfect match for any décor.

Napoleon

American Fireglass

The Twinfire from Wittus

Given the array of hearth products available today, many consumers face the dilemma of deciding between stoves or fireplaces. Both are a great source for heat, come in a variety of sizes, and can go into almost any room of the home.  Fireplaces and stoves have distinct features, so it’s important to talk with customers to find out what they need when it comes to design, ambience, and heating requirements.

For a long time, stoves were utilitarian and were not considered stylish. They provided ample heat, but had a hard time fitting in with home décor. Times have changed for the look of stoves as manufacturers have started to produce stoves that fit into even stylish contemporary homes. Niels Wittus, from Wittus-Fire By Design, agrees that people today want stoves with good design first and heating second. “They buy stoves more for ambience and beauty,” says Wittus.

Wittus-Fire By Design has created innovative stoves that are sleek, modern and fit into any contemporary home. The Twinfire from Wittus is the most efficient wood-burning, natural-convection, natural-draft stove in the world, achieving a 92% efficiency rating, according to the OMNI-Test Laboratories.

Heat & Glo TRUE by Hearth and Home Technologies

Hearth and Home Technologies has also found the right combination for creating stunning fireplaces and stoves that provide powerful heat. Peter Dircks, vice president of product management, says, “Our focus is on both technology and design elements.” According to Dircks, it is important to not only develop beautiful heating products, but also offer cutting-edge designs that appeal to young homeowners.

The Heat & Glo TRUE, by Hearth and Home Technologies, provides an authentic masonry appearance with a safe, convenient direct-vent gas platform, with a clean face and a flush hearth design, the TRUE 50-, 42-, and 36-inch sizes offer the largest viewing area in its class. High-definition logs and LED accent lighting help create bold, robust fires. Seen through reflection-free glass, these fires provide an experience that is as close as it gets to the real thing.

Wittus

Hearth and Home Technologies

Cushioned Dining from Sundance Collection by Pride Family Brands

Now that customers want their backyards to resemble stylish outdoor rooms, the element of design plays a critical role for specialty retailers. Not only do casual furniture retailers need to offer fashion-forward designs that appeal to sophisticated customers, they also need to transform their showrooms into beautiful galleries featuring inspiring vignettes. Pride Family Brands (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) constantly monitors trends in home furnishings as well as additional design resources for inspiration. The company also seeks information and listens to suggestions provided by its retail partners and sales representatives. Consumer input is also considered in the product development process.

Pride works hard to help retailers develop beautiful displays that wow customers. According to Rory Rehmert, VP, Sales and Marketing, when a Pride Family Brands’ product or collection arrives at the retailer, tremendous focus has been placed on each and every detail of the design. A key component of how a collection will perform is how the products are displayed at the retail level. “Our sales team monitors presentation and provides ideas and suggestions,” says Rehmert. He adds that a great new trend in the industry is that “less is more.” This means it is better to show slightly less product, but do it in a way that is more pleasing to the consumer’s eye. “Upper-end consumers like the products to be shown as they will look in their own environments,” he says.

Crescent Deep Seating from Sundance Collection by Pride Family Brands around a Castelle luxury Fire Pit.

Pride recently introduced a powerful computer-based tool for retailers to use in helping customers design their outdoor spaces. “This becomes the final step of the buying process,” says Rehmert. “Our online design software allows the consumer to experiment with fabrics and finishes to design a one-of-a-kind outdoor living area.” A room planning function is also available to view the overall outdoor space design. The tools allow the retailer to offer many of the services of a designer.

Pride’s design-focused services guarantees that consumers will end up with pieces and collections that are compatible with their taste and outdoor space requirements. It’s almost as if the customer had used a professional decorator to assist them with the product selection.

Pride Family Brands

Infratech Comfort Heaters

Just because there’s a nip in the air doesn’t mean people can’t enjoy their patios and decks. Companies such as Infratech and Infrared Dynamics are in the business of keeping homeowners (as well as restaurant and hotel guests) toasty and cozy during cooler weather. Both of these companies specialize in manufacturing outdoor patio heaters and their products have become hot items for consumers.

Whether for work or recreation, Infratech comfort heaters turn cold indoor and outdoor areas into comfortable, inviting spaces. The W-series heater incorporates a specially designed electric quartz-heating element that produces safe infrared radiant energy. Radiant energy is only absorbed by solid objects and is not wasted heating the air. These heaters are suitable for ceiling, wall, or flush-mount installations, with minimal clearance required. Solid-state and analog controls are also available for intensity adjustment.

The Sunglo model A242 from Infrared Dynamics

The Sunglo model A242 freestanding patio heater by Infrared Dynamics has a very slim profile on the homeowner’s patio. The A242 Sunglo radiant heater offers the flexibility needed to move the heater on decks or patios piped for natural gas or under-deck propane. No electrical power is needed. The A242 heats an average 12-foot area with sunshine-like heat.

While many think patio heaters are exclusively for restaurants or hotels, they have become increasingly popular among homeowners who want to extend their patio season. What has helped increase the popularity of patio heaters is the variety that manufacturers now offer; from freestanding heaters to smaller table-top units that can put out up to 10,000 BTU’s of heat.

Infratech

Infrared Dynamics

Illuma Log Set by Duraflame

Customers who wish to live a greener life by using eco-friendly products can now pick from a wide variety of merchandise. Whether it’s a fireplace or firepit, the latest product offerings from many manufacturers incorporate features that create less waste. Duraflame, a leader in the fire log business, recently introduced their bio-ethanol fireplace technology, illuma™ and the response from consumers and retailers about these products has been very positive.

Bio-ethanol is made from fermented agricultural biomass, such as corn, grain, sugar cane, or other by-products, into alcohol. The fuel has minimal emissions of carbon dioxide and produces almost no particulate emissions. The bio-ethanol fuel for the illuma fire log set is stored in a canister that can be easily removed and replaced.

Illuma Firepit by Duraflame

The indoor fire log set features a realistic oak log stack that can fit into any open-hearth fireplace. The size and burn of the fire can be controlled and can be lit with a one-touch electronic igniter. The outdoor firepit version has the oak log stack and features a multicolored slate tile top accented with brushed copper trim.

Duraflame

The Tribute Series from Vermont Castings

Homeowners don’t need large backyards or patios to purchase high-quality grills. Since many people live in condos or homes with small decks or limited backyard space, it makes sense to offer compact grills and grilling accessory items to this market niche. Here are two high quality products that will fit nicely into tight outdoor spaces. One is an actual grill and the other is a unique accessory item.

Vermont Castings now offers a smaller, more compact grill. The sleek Tribute Series adds a new 39,000 BTU model to its current three-burner lineup plus introduces a brand new two-burner, 26,000 BTU model. Both grills feature North American stainless steel burners and exterior, an EasyFlame Ignition System, and exclusive cast iron end caps and grates.

The Roost from Select Outdoor Kitchens

The Roost from Select Outdoor Kitchens is small, mobile, and convenient—and an easy, attractive way to add counter space, drink holders, accessory hooks, dry storage, and built-in cutting boards to your ceramic cooker. The Roost is highly weatherproof and is perfectly safe positioned in direct sun, rain, or snow. The Roost affixes to the popular Nest, which houses any size ceramic cooker. Feedback from clients led the company to develop this novel product for outdoor kitchens.

Vermont Castings

Select Outdoor Kitchens

Firepit from Patio Renaissance

The temperature this past week hit 70 degrees in Chicago! Chicago isn’t the only city with a December warm spell. Many parts of the country have been experiencing unseasonable weather during the past few weeks. Customers should take full advantage of this mild weather by enjoying their patios or outdoor spaces. Firepits are perfect for family gatherings or early holiday parties during these warm spells. And don’t forget to promote firepits as holiday gifts. Whether wood-burning or gas powered, firepits make perfect gifts for people of all ages.

Patio Renaissance offers consumers a wide range of firepit choices. Models are available in three sizes: 48-inch round, 54-inch square, and 36×58-inch rectangular. Tops are available in solid marble, artistic stonework, aluminum faux stone, and a cast version. With stainless-steel burners and air mixers, these models are safer because they produce less carbon monoxide. A sliding tank drawer is included for easy access. Each comes with a standard gas key for extra safety.

Winston’s Firepit

For wood-burning fans, Winston’s wood-burning firepit is extremely versatile. The copper painted bowl rests in the middle of a solid cast-aluminum top. When the unit is used as a firepit, the cast fire-bowl cover rests conveniently underneath, atop the legs’ inner ring. When the cast firepit cover is placed over the bowl, it converts the unit into a chat/cocktail table-two products in one. Available in all Winston finishes, the firepit includes the bowl, a wood grate, a firescreen, and a poker/firescreen wand.

Patio Renaissance

Winston