<h2 style="margin: 10pt 0cm 0pt"><font size="3" color="#990000">How to Create Your Dream Fireplace</font></h2><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt">(ARA) – A fireplace is a focal point in a home. Not only is it a visually appealing central gathering place, but it provides a backdrop for cherished memories. From family portraits to opening presents during the holidays, there is an emotional connection to fireplaces. If you are contemplating adding a fireplace to your home, there’s no need to feel overwhelmed by the process.</span></p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">"Updating or adding a fireplace is a trend that continues to grow," says Trisha Gregory, an executive at Hearth & Home Technologies, a company that specializes in creating customized fireplaces. "Homeowners are looking for a variety of customizable options and are finding many benefits to the addition. Plus, fireplaces have 100 percent return on investment, so you’re also increasing your home’s value."</p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/14a.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/14a.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Looking at the many options available for adding a fireplace can be daunting. But there are great ways to educate yourself about your choices before you even step into a store. No matter what your budget, you can find a fireplace that is right for you and your home.</p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">A convenient place to look for information is to go online. The visual fireplace e-configuration tool called Hearth By Design at www.Fireplaces.com/hbd simplifies the process of customizing your dream fireplace.</p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Consider these options when planning a fireplace installation:</p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Defining your needs is the first option you should consider whether you are remodeling an existing fireplace or designing from scratch. Hearth By Design lets you choose between a fireplace, stove or insert, and gas, wood, pellet and electric fuel types.</p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Gas fireplaces are the most popular because they are very convenient. You simply flip a switch and have a beautiful fire. Wood is a common, renewable fuel for fireplaces and adds a traditional feel to your home’s atmosphere. Pellets are often used in stoves as a convenient choice that doesn’t use fossil fuels. The performance and control of the burn is beautiful. Electric fireplaces are another option that offers a similar look and feel to wood, but only requires an outlet so it can be moved. </p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Once you choose what fuel would be best for your needs, it’s time to customize the look. Fireplaces can add to the d&#233;cor of a room no matter what your tastes. From traditional hearths to modern stoves, a fireplace can add ambiance and fit perfectly with your interior decor.</p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Every fireplace detail can be customizable. Start with looking at the decorative fronts of the doors. Doors come in many designs and also a variety of materials. A bronze metal provides a classic look, while polished steel provides a clean, modern appearance. When online, click through the options to see which you like best.</p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Elements such as the surrounding stone can dramatically change the look of your fireplace as well. Both the style and the color of the stones can be customized. Some homeowners decide to limit the use of stone and others choose to create a fireplace that extends from the floor to the ceiling.</p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Stones come in a variety of shapes and sizes to match the homeowner’s decor for a seamless and dramatic effect. Rounded stones are gaining popularity lately, although brickwork can still be seen in many homes. Neutral-colored stones usually work best because they fit in with a variety of decor and tie in naturally with furniture pieces and other elements of the room. In some cases, even the interior refractory lining can be customized.</p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Shelving is another option you can explore through the Hearth By Design online tool. Mantels are the most popular shelf used with a fireplace and come in a variety of wood and style designs that compliment the d&#233;cor of the home. Rustic designs feature realistic wood logs and other designs feature a spectrum of stain colors and wood cuts.</p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Technical aspects such as venting, blowers, fans, caps, heating controls, and more are all areas that can be changed to fit in your home. When looking at your options online, write down any questions you might have so you are prepared when you visit your local store.</p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/14a.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/14a.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Through Hearth By Design, users can learn about all their fireplace options and even customize the look of the room to match their home. Suggested retail prices are displayed so you can stay within your budget. Print out your ideal fireplace and bring to your local fireplace store to discuss your choices.</p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">For more information visit www.Fireplaces.com.</p>  <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1
pt">Courtesy of ARAcontent</span></p></span>