Regency HZ54 Large Gas Fireplace

I was just talking about the contemporary options for replacing gas logs, but there are other options available for the person in new construction or a remodel situation.  The fireplaces I am talking about are Direct Vent Gas Fireplaces designed with a contemporary flare.  These fireplaces offer higher efficiencies while still venting the unit to the outside.  All direct vent fireplaces do have sealed glass on the front of the unit, as this is part of what allows the unit to be vented and still efficient (stated in very general terms). 

Town & Country Wide Screen 54

Many fireplace manufacturers have started to make fireplaces with a more contemporary feel.  We have found two manufacturers that we are very pleased with.  If you are looking to achieve a contemporary feel with your fireplace then I recommend checking out the Regency Contemporary Line of products or the Town & Country Line of products.  Both of these options offer great quality products by people who have been in the business of making fireplaces for decades.  The other nice thing about these fireplaces is that you can customize the fireplace, by choosing trim color, interior panel color, burner style etc…  (This can be great when you know what you want, and it can be overwhelming when you don’t know what you want, but either way it is great to look at all the options).  Both of the manufacturers I mention do offer some kind of “Design a Fireplace” option on their websites so you can look at your choices on line in a very user friendly way.

The Direct Vent Gas Fireplaces are a more expensive option than the gas log replacements I mentioned in an earlier post, but if you don’t have a fireplace then this is the way to go for looks and efficient gas heat (Natural gas or Propane). 

As a side note, if you want an ethanol burning fireplace then you should look at the Ecosmart Fires.  They are very cool and easy to adapt to just about any setting.  They are on the cutting edge! While their products tend to be pricey they are the only gas product that does qualify for the 30% (up to $1500) Tax Credit and this helps offset their cost tremendously.  The picture I have chosen for the Ecosmart fire is one of their outdoor products.  They have many, many indoor options; but I really like the tower and wanted to show it.

Ecosmart Tower - Outdoor Ethanol Collection

I was just out on the Ecosmart website (www.ecosmartfire.com), I hadn’t been out there for about a month.  In that time they have updated their picture gallery and WOW!  The pictures of projects that have incorporated the ecosmart fires are absolutely incredible.  This company is doing a great job of getting their name out there and they have a great website that provides frequent updates.  I continue to be impressed by this company and their product.  I can’t wait for this product to catch on here in the Middle TN area.  I know there have to be designers out there that would appreciate the look, form and function this product offers as much as I do.  I am so crazy about the look of the Ecosmarts, but we’ve had such a small response to it here that I am starting wonder if I am crazy!

Ecosmart Firebox 900SS Fireplace

There is a real change in the hearth industry to include contemporary design options.   The picture at the bottom is one of the most recent contemporary designs completed by Pardo Hearth Designs.  Our customer chose the Regency HZ54 Direct Vent Gas Fireplace Unit as the focal point.  You can see the Regency contemporary options at this link: http://www.regency-fire.com/Gas/Contemporary/.  There are contemporary options available in wood, direct vent gas, gas logs, and one of the most contemporary lines available burn Ethanol.  If you are in the market for a contemporary fireplace or stove option, there are products to fit your specific need.  Check out the links below.

For contemporary wood burning options I would recommend looking at the RAIS and Max Blank web sites: www.rais.com or www.maxblank.com

For contemporary alternatives to gas logs I would recommend looking at the www.rasmussen.biz web site.  Rasmussen is offering some nice alternatives to the traditional gas log options.  Options range from colored pebbles to geometric shapes; from river rock to colored glass.

For cotemporary Direct Vent Gas Fireplaces I would recommend looking at the Regency and the Town & Country Web sites.  Both offer a great sleek look with a multitude of options.  Both offer a great quality products that are efficient.  http://www.regency-fire.com/Gas/Contemporary/ or http://www.townandcountryfireplaces.net/

My last contemporary recommendation is Ecosmart Fires.  These units are quite incredible.  In fact, they are the only ventless (no flue needed) fireplace option that we would recommend.  The Ecosmart fires burn Ethanol which burn more cleanly than the traditional natural gas or propane ventless fireplace options.  In addition to having a “GREEN” focus, the Ecosmart Fires are great looking!  Check out Ecosmart Fires at www.ecosmartfire.com

Newest Contemporary Design by Pardo Hearth Designs