Fire and Ice
A Cool Accessory Heats up Fireplaces
Friday, December 22, 2006
Glass comes from fire. And now fire comes from glass. The latest in fireplace accessories looks like flames rising out of ice crystals. And it’s not only compelling to see, it’s beautiful, clean, affordable and safe for the environment.
Fire crystals are nuggets of tempered glass used as a replacement for gas logs in natural gas or wood burning fireplaces and fire pits. No soot, smoke or ashes, just brilliant color and gentle warmth.
The 10 available colors include red, sapphire, burgundy, orange, gold, green and white. You can use one color or mix and match. Colors won’t change or degrade.
And while the crystals look cool, the glass itself radiates heat, providing a constant flow of warmth. It is said to produce up to 600% more heat than gas logs and to be more efficient because there is nothing blocking the radiant heat produced by the flame and hot glass.
Cleanup is easy – if dirt builds up, just scoop out the glass and wash it with dish detergent followed by a thorough rinse.
You can find crystals locally at FireCrystals in Paso Robles. Or visit their online store, which has a handy calculator to help you figure out how much you’ll need (their tip: use less expensive glass on the bottom.) Crystals are sold by the pound and there are no minimum orders.
(4) Comments • (1) Trackbacks • Permalink
On a Roll
Hanging With the New Wallpapers
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Every couple of years, you hear the prediction (or is it a threat?): “Wallpaper is coming back.” It hasn’t quite happened yet, but at least one design studio is working to make consumers look twice at wallpaper.
Trove uses photographs to create wallpaper the likes of which you’ve never seen – it looks more like wall painting than paper. Images of flowers, grasses, petals and other themes from nature are repeated in an all-over pattern using color shifts that at times lend an other-worldly quality to the designs. Use them liberally or make a statement with an accent wall.
Trove offers not only custom colors and color matching for their existing range, but will also design a completely custom paper for special projects.
(1) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink
