There is something so mesmerizing about fire – watching flames dance around as they curl around the logs, listening to the crackling of the wood … the smoky scent that fills the air, the warmth radiating from the hearth … ahhhhh.

[image via Frau Nocturna]

Modern fireplace design comes with a hefty price tag, but there are some really amazing options to gawk at and dream of maybe one day being able to afford.

Don’t have a fireplace?   Candles just aren’t enough?  Try this tabletop fireplace designed by Carl Mertens.  Two stainless steel “logs” that can bring a warm glow to any room.  Available at Generate Design.

These indoor/outdoor ottoman fires turn your fireplace into a functional piece of furniture when not in use.  From Conmoto.

These little hot pot fires are also from Conmoto and would work great for outdoor entertaining.

And one more from Conmoto – a fireplace you can roll around.  What will they think of next?!

This amazing fireplace design is from Rutz Feuerstellen [Troja]- the door slides open and closed, turning your fireplace into a work of art.

Another “hideable” creation from Rutz Feuerstellen [Amfri]- beautiful!

Timber, leather, glass, and stainless steel sit upon a swivel base … introducinng Zeta, designed by John Dimopoulos and featuring EcoSmart technology.  Ventless, portable, sleek, and definitely on my Covet List.

Tamara Komuniecki, Editor-In-Chief of Long Beach Magazine, recently did a guest blog piece over at decor8 that made me fall in love with Union Eighteen.  Handmade from the manufacturing waste of the carpet industry, these beautiful RAW rugs are one of a kind.

Olio United is a great little shop that partners with “socially responsible designers and artists” like Pigeon Toe Ceramics [Portland artist and graphic designer, Lisa Hough].  I love this Cast Kerr Planter [she also makes a very cute Cast Kerr Votive Lantern worth taking a look at].

I also came across Jill Bliss on Olio United.  She creates pretty fabric and paper goods like this Yerba Mansa Native Herb Poster printed on recycled card stock and made with soy-based inks.  Pop it in a frame and nail it to the wall – would look really great as a series of four or five prints above a sofa or on a dining room wall.

When I saw this Bamboo Screen for sale on the Gaiam site, I immediately wanted a room big enough to put it in.  It is made from pesticide-free bamboo and rolls up when you’re not using it.  Perfect.

That’s all I have time to post today … let me know what you think of my selections!  Lots of great changes coming soon … in my own life and for the blog.  Stay tuned!!!!!!!

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