by Jemma Pearson MPP takes a look at the latest fireplaces that have got home owners hot under the collar.

Nothing beats the ambience of an open fireplace. You don’t need to stare at the telly or make small talk with a fire around – just sit back, relax and watch the flames. But as gas and electric heaters and reverse-cycle air-conditioning became more affordable and more popular, fireplaces fell out of favour with home builders and interior designers. However, today’s home owners are now demanding fireplaces in their interior design – the aesthetic appeal has been rediscovered. And thankfully, due to a new crop of clever fireplaces, they are safer, more efficient and cheaper to run than wood burners of old. When deciding on the type and placement of the fire, consider whether it will be a room’s main source of heat, whether you want it to heat a particular area or if it’s really just for show. Are you building a new home, renovating or just placing a heating source into an existing abode? You’ll need to have the answers to these questions before heading to the fireplace retailer.

Flame please

A wood-burning open fireplace is still a popular choice, but they aren’t the most efficient generators of heat as much of their warmth disappears up the flue. In fact, inefficient old fireplaces can send about 80 per cent of the heat up the chimney. Slow-combustion wood burners are becoming much more efficient. They offer the look of the old-fashioned open fireplace but are safer and produce better heat from the fuel. The fire box disperses the heat more effectively than an open fireplace. When searching out wood for fuel, use only sustainably harvested timber and avoid treated timbers as these will give off toxins when they are burned. Expect to spend at least $1000 for this type of fireplace.

Replicating the look of wood fireplaces without the hassle, a gas fireplace is easy to operate from a switch or remote control

You’re a gas

Replicating the look of wood fireplaces without the hassle, a gas fireplace is easy to operate from a switch or remote control. Gas fireplaces come in a variety of looks, from replicas of traditional fireplaces to sleek contemporary design. Gas pebbles are a popular choice and look very stylish in contemporary abodes. You can purchase freestanding units or those affixed in walls, with corner fireplaces and two-sided models that heat two rooms at once gaining popularity. When buying gas fireplaces, choose one with a remote control and timer and look out for safety features such as automatic shut-off. Budget for from $3000 to $6000 for a decent energy-efficient gas fireplace.

You can purchase freestanding units or those affixed in walls, with corner fireplaces and two-sided models that heat two rooms at once gaining popularity

Out and proud

The most important consideration when choosing an outdoor fireplace is safety. Where you place it and how the air-flow will affect your family and your neighbours are also important concerns. There are plenty of outdoor heaters and fireplaces on the market, including Mexican-style chimeneas, fire pits and gas heaters. If you’re happy with an electric- or gas-powered heater, think about how to connect it to the power source. But if you want to go all out and you have the space, a traditional-looking fireplace is a great option. The best bet is to look through magazines and catalogues for designs and ideas before heading to a retailer that specialises in outdoor fireplaces.