Cleaning Your Chimney This Winter?

Everyone should clean their chimney on a regular basis for safety and performance reasons. I don't know about you, but this is an area that I don't know much about. I came across a new site this week that looks like it could be a good resource - chimneysweeps-nearme.com  Check it out and let us know what you think about it in the comments below.

How to Remove Your Fireplace Doors

We have recently come across a great guide to removing your fireplace doors so that you may replace them with new ones. It makes the process painless and easy and gives detailed instructions on the removal process. Fireplace doors are one of the easiest ways to improve your fireplace decorating and create a profound impact on the look of your home! Remove and replace your fireplace doors with ease.

The removal guide is located here


Thinking a few steps ahead, let's go ahead and link you to the installation guide, so that you may have an easy installation process for your new doors after you remove the old ones.

Enjoy!
FDB

Check out more prefab fireplace glass doors here.

Perfect Fit Fireplace Doors and Replacement Parts for Heatilator

Are you looking for new doors to fit your Heatilator fireplace? Or maybe you already have a frame and just need quality replacement doors. Lucky for you there's a new site that makes it easy to find the correct measurements and model number for your fireplace doors.

Heatilatorfireplacedoors.com gives you a complete guide to finding the right door for your home based on model number, price range, and special features. If you are looking for a premium fireplace door, you can choose from many decorative frame color options as well as glass color. If you don't need fancy options and are only looking for a basic fireplace door to decorate your home and maximize heating and energy efficiency, then there are options to fit your budget and needs as well.

Best Value Door: The EZ-Door

Glass Options: The EZ-Door Steel

Frame and glass options: EZ-Door Plus

IMPORTANT: Measure your fireplace before you order! This part is on you. Make sure to properly measure your firebox so that your Heatilator fireplace door fits snugly. More information on this can be found on the Heatilator Installation and Measuring guide.


Installation:

• Put the brackets on the side panels.
• Use the self tapping screws to secure your frame into the firebox opening.
• Make sure your frame is even.
• After you have secured the frame, put the glass into the frame to complete your fireplace door installation.
• Position the frame in the fireplace and center the frame between the left and right side of the fireplace opening.
• It is Important that the frame is installed with the correct side up to insure smooth operation of the doors. The bottom frame rail is marked by a red dot.
• Slide the brackets on the backside of the frame and position them against your fireplace box. Hand tighten the bracket. Mark the fireplace at each hole in the 4 angle brackets.
• Remove the frame, drill the 4 holes your marked with the 5/32 drill bit.
• Re-position the frame back into the fireplace and secure the frame using the sheet metal screws using a #2 Phillips screwdriver for each angle bracket making sure you don’t over tighten! The enclosure may be centered by loosening one side and tightening the other.

Replacement Doors:


Check the inside of your fireplace. Do you see the manufacturer label? This is where the supported model numbers for replacement doors is located. Match that number on this list and order your Heatilator fireplace doors!

Model Numbers for Replacement Heatilator Doors

• Heatilator HB36A
• Heatilator A36RH
• Heatilator ST36D
• Heatilator EC39
• Heatilator HD42B
• Heatilator DX42
• Heatilator TD36B
• Heatilator HB36AI
• Heatilator A42C
• Heatilator ST42A
• Heatilator EC42
• Heatilator HD42BI
• Heatilator 180H
• Heatilator DX42AI
• Heatilator TD42B
• Heatilator HB42A
• Heatilator A42CH
• Heatilator T3600
• Heatilator EL36
• Heatilator HR36
• Heatilator 180CT
• Heatilator HC36BI
• Heatilator E36
• Heatilator HB42AI
• Heatilator A42R
• Heatilator T4200
• Heatilator EL36I
• Heatilator Icon 100
• Heatilator A36C
• Heatilator 160CT
• Heatilator E39
• Heatilator HC36
• Heatilator A42RH
• Heatilator T4800
• Heatilator EL42
• Heatilator Icon I60
• Heatilator A36CH
• Heatilator E42
• Heatilator HD36B
• Heatilator DX36
• Heatilator T588
• Heatilator EL42I
• Heatilator A36R
• Heatilator Icon I80
• Heatilator EC36
• Heatilator HD36BI
• Heatilator DX36AI
• Heatilator T768

Create a Warm Cozy Spot

Who doesn't love a warm spot in front of a crackling fire to unwind after a long day?  This beautiful photo from New England Home shows how a few simple accessories can create an inviting space in front of the fire.  Notice the simple uniform artwork above the mantel.  The black mattes around the pictures complement the black fireplace surround.  A white sofa and classic leather chairs with simple black and white pillows make up a soft, natural color scheme.  Adding just a small pop of color on the coffee table with the orange flowers draws your eye to the center of the room's arrangement as well as the fireplace as the beautiful focal point. Be inspired!  Create your own cozy spot in front of the fireplace.

Rustic Mantel a Perfect Look with Stacked Stone

This fireplace looks like the perfect place to cuddle up and read a book on a chilly fall evening.  The stacked stone and the distressed wood mantel give the room a rustic feel.  Distressed or reclaimed wood makesMantel beautiful furniture, shelves, and handcrafted mantels.  Taken from old barns and buildings, reclaimed antique wood is in high demand but is usually expensive since there's a limited supply.  If you can't find reclaimed wood with a price within your budget, you can find furniture and mantels pieces that have the look of reclaimed wood at a lower price.  Wood can be crafted to look old and rustic even though it's new.  Take a look at this rustic- looking mantel that can add an interesting focal point to your fireplace:  http://www.brick-anew.com/the-ridgewood-fireplace-shelf.html

Add Industrial Style to Your Fireplace

Take a look at these amazing industrial style fireplace doors and accessories!  I love the look of the heavyweight traditional iron door against the rustic brick.  And the accessories compliment the doors perfectly.  These products,  crafted by the Stoll fireplace company, are some of the most high quality fireplace products I've seen.  Check them out at http://www.stollfireplace.com/general/about  

Decorate An Unused Fireplace With Pumpkins

I love this easy, creative idea to decorate an unused fireplace for Halloween.  Purchase enough pumpkins in various sizes to stack inside your firebox.  Be sure to get white as well as orange pumpkins.  Use black and orange paint to decorate some of the pumpkins with polka dots or stripes. With no carving, the pumpkins will last longer and there's no mess.  Add a few candles on the mantel and you have a fun, festive display!

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/halloween-ideas/g1714/no-carve-pumpkin-decorating/?slide=8

Thanksgiving is Just Around the Corner...Is Your Fireplace Ready?

Yes, it's that time of year again.  The leaves are changing colors, the air is chilly, and Thanksgiving will be here before you know it.  As you think about entertaining family and friends in your home, what about your brick fireplace?  Is it outdated and drab?  Does it beckon everyone to gather around, relax, and visit for a while...or is is one big ugly eyesore?

Don't panic, it's not hopeless! First of all...clean out your firebox.  Vacuum all the soot and ashes out of your firebox and use a scrub brush and a bucket of soap and water to clean out any loose dust, dirt or soot.  After the firebox is dry, paint it with a high temperature black paint.  It will look brand new.

Next, order the Brick-Anew do-it-yourself fireplace brick paint kit at www.brick-anew.com.  It comes with all the tools and paint shades you need to do the project.  The end result is a fresh "new brick" look, not a flat, solid painted look.

How does your mantel look?  You might consider painting it with the base coat that comes in the kit if you're not crazy about the way it looks.  Take everything off your mantel and consider how a large mirror would look with a couple of candelabras or vases.  Or how about a simple wreath? Stand back and take a look and see what you think.

Whether you burn real wood, gas logs, or burn candles inside your firebox, the ambiance and beauty of your fireplace will be appreciated by your family and friends.  And I think you'll enjoy it too!

A Stunning Fireplace Design by House of J Interiors

Jennifer Woch with House of J interiors became interested in interior design as a child. Her family traveled to England where historical styles and beauty influenced her as she realized how much you surroundings affect the way you feel.

She describes the way she gets inspiration for a project from listening to her client's dreams and desires for a particular space. When dealing with a fireplace, she always treats it as a focal point for the room. Art, mirror, candles, and seasonal decor are all great ways to accessorize a fireplace. Jen starts a fireplace redesign by removing everything from the fireplace and putting items back piece by piece so she can try a few arrangements before deciding on a final look.

The fireplace in the picture here is one that Jen designed to compliment her client's new blinds. He had just purchased them and wanted to keep them in place. She didn't want to match them with the materials for the fireplace but wanted to choose something complimentary. Since her client liked earthy finishes, she decided on stacked slate with deep orange rust and dark grays. Jen decided to cover the entire wall which made a huge statement. The slate looked amazing with his hickory floors, maple cabinets, and quartz counter.

Jen advises homeowners to have a plan before starting a design project. Have all the materials you need on hand. If you decide to hire a designer or decorator, be ready to ask them anything. There are no "silly" questions.

She says to be sure you don't go for a magazine look unless it's truly your style. All spaces should be functional and practical for the way you live no matter what the trends are or what's in style at the moment. A well designed space will stand the test of time.

Check out House of J Interiors at http://www.houseofjinteriors.com

Why Paint a Brick Fireplace?

Since it's fireplace season, getting your fireplace ready for friends and family to enjoy is probably something you have on your mind.  Check out one our most popular posts that gives some food for thought on painting your tired, outdated brick fireplace.

Imagine the ideal living room with the family gathered together around the fireplace. It’s brick, right? Traditional, attractive, natural. So why would someone paint over that brick?

Many people are opposed “on principle” to the idea of painting a brick fireplace. Of course personal preference is a factor in any remodeling decision. However, there are several circumstances where painting a brick fireplace might be your best option.


1. Ugly Bricks.

If all fireplaces were as beautiful as the one you imagined in your ideal living room, there might be no need to paint them. But in reality, many fireplaces look just plain ugly.

Styles change. Even high-quality bricks may look dated and out of style. Painting with the right technique can significantly improve the look of your brick fireplace and your entire living area. The right technique can make the difference between a flat, painted fireplace and “real-looking” brick. Try a pre-assembled fireplace paint kit to get all the tools and paint you need as well as instructions for painting brick with the correct technique.


2. Cover Repaired or Discolored Bricks.Some older fireplaces may have “bad spots” with replaced bricks or patched mortar. Repaired or replaced bricks may not match the look of the original bricks in your fireplace. Even if every effort was made to match the repaired brick with the original, the repair might still be visible and may have aged differently.

Even cleaning fireplace bricks can change how they look. Have you ever tried to remove soot, residue, or even crayon from a brick? It may take strong chemicals, harsh abrasives, or serious scrubbing to get stubborn stains off brick. This can remove the exposed outer layer of the brick, making the cleaned brick stand out from its more “weathered” neighbors.

Painting your fireplace covers over these “surface” differences in brick, giving your fireplace a new, unified appearance. As a bonus, a high-quality base coat of paint will seal the brick and protect it from further damage.


3. Cover or Improve an Existing Paint Job.

Removing paint from a brick fireplace may sound like “the right thing to do,” but once you get down to it the process is messy, expensive, tedious, and potentially dangerous. Solvents and chemicals are often toxic and usually include dangerous acids that can cause severe damage to humans and pets. Sandblasting is generally not recommended for indoor brick and in any case can leave brick damaged or with an “uneven” appearance that you might have to paint over anyway. Obsessively scrubbing bricks and mortar with a wire brush could take weeks or even months. And after all that paint removal work, you might very well find damaged or unsightly brick—the reason it was painted over in the first place.

Other methods of dealing with painted brick have their own drawbacks. Tearing out a brick fireplace to replace it can cost several thousand dollars while leaving you at the mercy of a contractor. And granite or marble can be even more expensive.


What Are Your Options?

Option 1: Painting your fireplace brick with a solid coat of paint.

• Cost: $75 worth of paint and supplies should be enough for two coats of paint.
• Advantages: If you do decide to paint your brick fireplace, you can pick the color to match your décor. This will give your fireplace a clean, uniform appearance in a solid color.
• Drawbacks: Your fireplace will have an unmistakable “painted” look. Very difficult to remove paint from brick.
• Estimated time: 3 to 4 hours

Option 2: Remodel your fireplace brick for a “real brick” look using a do-it-yourself paint kit.

• Cost: $200 for an all-in-one kit with several colors of paint including a protective base coat/sealer, supplies, and instructions.
• Advantages: Easy and affordable. Try a pre-assembled fireplace paint kit to give your ugly fireplace a rejuvenated “real brick” look.
• Drawbacks: Very difficult to remove paint from brick.
• Estimated time: 5 to 7 hours

Option 3: Tear out and totally remodel your fireplace in brick, stone, granite, or marble.

• Cost: $3,000 to $8,000 to hire a contractor for complete demolition and replacement of the existing fireplace with a brand new one.
• Advantages: You will end up with a brand new fireplace built to your specifications. This may sound like a daunting project, but the results can be spectacular.
• Drawbacks: Expensive, time-consuming, messy, and you have to have a contractor do the heavy demolition and construction work.
• Estimated time: 3 to 5 days

Although a completely new fireplace may be an “ideal” solution to an ugly fireplace, you may find that a newly painted fireplace can be a huge improvement—at a fraction of the cost. Painting a brick fireplace is an inexpensive upgrade that can make a world of difference in how your fireplace looks.

Especially at a time when everyone could use a little extra equity, painting your fireplace adds a great deal of value to your home. Giving your space a more modern look will help attract buyers, just ask many home flippers who have been using this secret themselves. Take a moment to consider all of the fireplace paint products available and decide what works best for your space's decor.


Related Links:

Painting a Brick Fireplace: Against the Rules?
Is painting brick a bad idea? This article lays out the pros and cons.

Can Mr. Fix-It Remodel the Fireplace Himself?
An inexpensive and practical DIY solution for a fireplace that needs remodeling.

5 Things to Consider Before Remodeling Your Fireplace
Practical questions to ask yourself about the remodeling project you are planning.

A French Country Fireplace

This room makes me smile.  The natural light from the windows brightens the entire space and the light colored stone enhances the French country style of the room.  The exposed wood beams on the ceiling draw the eye upward to the high ceiling, as does the simple chandelier.  The double sided-fireplace looks elegant and the curved arch of the firebox mimics the door frame to the left. White furniture gives the room a soft, relaxed feel and ornate accessories on the reclaimed wood mantel add interest.  A vase of colorful flowers and throw pillows were added for a pop of color. I love this style!

photo/ www.bhg.com

Don't Let A Stone Fireplace Weigh Down Your Room

A heavy looking stone fireplace can really weigh down a room...especially if you want a light, airy look.  Adding a white mantel or a light colored rustic mantel to lighten things up.

I love this picture by Better Homes and Gardens.  Notice how the acrylic accent table and the light blue vases give a modern look.  Bring in some nature with a couple of green trees and fresh flowers add a pop of color. Stack some firewood in the firebox to add interest and you've got a rustic fireplace with a modern flair!

What ideas do you have for keeping a room from being weighed down by a heavy looking stone fireplace? Check us this fireplace stone paint kit.

Rustic Mantels Popular For Spring

Rustic Mantels have been gaining more and more popularity lately.  There's even a style I've come across recently called "farmhouse modern" where it's chic to mix elements of modern and rustic decor.  If you're thinking of adding a little rustic to your home, consider a new mantel.

Rustic generally means something that looks old, organic, or unfinished.  Basically it's the opposite of new and sleek.  Sometimes rustic items really are old such as mantels made from reclaimed barn wood.  But mantels can be new and made to look distressed and worn.  Pine and other types of solid wood make good rustic mantels.  Some companies offer a choice of stains and finishes so you can match the mantel to your home.  Be sure to measure your existing mantel, if you have one, so you can determine what size rustic mantel to purchase.  Use painter's tape to mark the space your new mantel will cover.  Plan to leave about a foot between the top of the firebox where you build the fire, and the bottom of the mantel.  A good rule of thumb for figuring out what length the mantel should be, double the firebox width.   Your city might have building codes so it would probably a good idea to check on those before installing your new mantel.

Pictured here is the Ridgewood Rustic Mantel available at www.brick-anew.com.  Check it out and let me know what you think!

Decorate A Mantel For Fall

Fall is finally here!  The air is getting a little chilly here in Atlanta and it's time to start thinking about making a few changes around the house.  Creating a colorful mantel display is a great place to begin! I mixed a few artificial and real pumpkins with some Indian corn and added a leaf garland to line the mantel.  Then I hung a simple grape vine wreath in the center with some burlap.  A pair black lanterns add the perfect touch on each end holding cream colored candles.  The light colored brick painted with Brick-Anew makes a nice neutral background for the colors to pop.  What are your fall mantel decorating ideas?

Check out these beautiful rustic mantels and more picture testimonials for the Brick Anew Paint Kit.

Painting A Mantel Black...And 5 Other Ways To Use This Dramatic Color In Your Home

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Designers love black, whether it’s in clothing or home decor.  This classic color never seems to go out of style and is a staple of any wardrobe.  In home decorating, this bold color can be used in a number of ways to draw attention to details and accessories or add dramatic flair to walls to pieces of furniture.  Here are some ways to use black in your home:

-Paint a wall black and hang brightly colored prints, sculptures, or paintings.  Or paint a wall a light color and hang artwork in black frames for a uniform look.

-Decorate with black wrought iron such as a light fixture, railing for a staircase, or candlestick holders. Black wrought iron furniture looks beautiful on a screened porch or patio and it’s fun to accessorize with bright, cheerful colors.

-Paint your fireplace mantel black.  Whether you have a mantel shelf or a surround, a dramatic look can be created. This looks best if your fireplace is build out of a light colored material like marble or if your brick has been painted a light color.

--Paint end tables or a chair black.  Just a couple of black accents in a room should be enough to make a statement.  Remember, you can paint almost anything from an old brass lamp to a worn looking fireplace screen and get great results.

-Combine black with white for a classic look.  Black, white, and chrome make a timeless combination for a kitchen or bath.  Add a pop of color or just leave it alone.  Either way, it will make a statement.

-Fill a black cabinet with white dishes for a simple, sophisticated display.  

(Photo by Selamat Designs)

A Crisp, Cool Summer Fireplace

Picture From The Pink Pagoda



Fall might be just around the corner but summer’s not over yet!  Ahhhhh, summer...  sunny days and laid back, effortless style.  As we savor the last summer days of the year, take a look at this fireplace from the pool house at Blue Ridge Farm in Albemarle County, Virginia.  (Yes, I said “pool house”!)  The crisp blue and white color palette,  natural fiber rug, and clean white walls all work together to give this room a fresh, natural feel.  When you think of summer style, think rattan, wicker, bamboo, and weathered wood.  These elements can be used throughout the year and even if you don’t have a pool house or live near the beach, you can use these elements to give your home an airy feel.  I like how this fireplace is painted.   Shades of white and cream  give the surround and the mantel a fresh look.  A simple plant in a ceramic pot placed in the firebox with matching urns on either side of the hearth adds to the fireplace’s classic charm.

A Cozy Place To Relax By The Fire

I love this picture from La Dolce Vida.  This fireplace looks amazing with a sleek marble surround and a rustic mantel!  The dark paint color around the fireplace allows the light colored marble to pop and draws the eye to the firebox.  The rustic mantel (perhaps reclaimed wood) adds interest and warmth to the design.  Did you notice the stacked wood in the storage space on the left side of the picture?  The minimal accessories on the mantel and the coffee table add to the room’s simple elegance.  A few soft, plush pillows and a furry throw give the space a cozy feel.  Sleek, plush, and cozy...a great place to relax by the fire!

Inspired by a Fun Renovation in LA

The Fireplace Before/ After

I was on the treadmill at the YMCA this morning flipping the channels on the TV when I stumbled upon the HGTV episode my Los Angeles friends,  Carmen and Johnny,  filmed on "House Hunters Renovation" several months ago.  The episode is called "A Wrecked Rec Room gets a Hip Makeover".  If you have never seen the show, it follows them as they look at three houses and choose one to buy and renovate.  They end up choosing a 1950's ranch with a detached garage.  The main project involved converting the garage into a rec room.  They added some rustic beams, some bright sky blue paint, and  a pool/ping pong table.  My favorite was the red theater seating and the funky artwork Johnny designed.  I was there at the time helping paint the fireplace and installing a rustic mantel and fireplace glass doors. The dark brick on the fireplace looked so much better after using a brick paint kit to lighten the brick.  The paint changed the brick color to a taupe/tan/cream combination while keeping the real brick look.  The rustic mantel matched the new hardwood floors they had installed and the finishing touch was cabinet style fireplace glass doors with a steel frame in oil-rubbed bronze.  The fireplace went from  tired and outdated to fresh and modern.  It was great to watch the episode and see the fun they're having with their new rec room and enjoyment they're getting from their new house.  That's what it's all about...right?  Making your home a great place to relax, spend time with family, and entertain friends.  After watching the show and  seeing their before/after projects I was inspired to go home and do one myself. Now I'm sitting here thinking hmmmmm... which one do I start??

Carmen and John

UPDATE: New Information for 2019

For all things Heatilator Fireplace Doors

We All Know Donny Osmond Can Sing and Dance...But What He's Doing Now Might Surprise You

Debbie & Donny Osmond

I pulled my car into the parking deck at America's Mart in Atlanta last week to take a look at the new line of home products Donny Osmond and his wife have recently launched called "Donny Osmond Home". A little apprehensive, I squeezed into the crowded elevator and headed to the 14th floor.  Looking around a few seconds, I spotted a sign for a "meet and greet" line where you could have a picture made with the couple so I went to the back of the line and casually chatted with the people standing around me while I waited for my turn.  When I got to the front and caught a glimpse of Donny, my heart did skip a beat... I'm not gonna lie. I thought OMG!! It's Donny Osmond!  Immediately, my mind went back to the early 1970's when I was ten years old living in a tiny ranch house on a suburban neighborhood street filled with kids on bikes, where we spent our summers playing kick ball, splashing around in our above ground pool, or playing pretend (Do kids even do that anymore??). My best friends lived next door and pictures of  The Brady Bunch, The Partridge Family, Bobby Sherman, and of course, Donny Osmond covered our bedroom walls.  When I met Donny, happy memories of my childhood came flooding back as I remembered sitting on my bedroom floor for hours playing with Barbie dolls and listening to my portable record played as Donny crooned "And they called it Puppy Love..."

After I'd had my fun reminiscing and snapped back to reality, I wandered into the showroom, anxious to check out the merchandise.  The space was filled with an eclectic mix of products including furniture, home improvement items and accessories.  I was pleasantly surprised at the quality and modern style of the collection.  "Making Home and Family #1" is their brand message and everything points to creating a warm, homey space for quality family time.  They describe their own home style as " a blend of textured neutrals with color accents depicting a casual and comfortable lifestyle."   From floor and table fans, to bedding, shelves, rugs, lamps, and rustic mantels, the collection is varied , unique, and definitely worth a look.  I especially love the furniture with clean lines and a distressed look and the rustic mantels made from reclaimed wood.  Donny commented in an interview that they are not trying to create their image...it's organic.    Family and home really are the most important things to them.  With five children and five grandchildren, they're the real deal and are super nice people.  I can't help but root for them and wish them success.  This is just the beginning of their new venture and I'm looking forward to seeing how they pull it all together.  (Or maybe that's just the ten year old in me who still has a little crush...Donny's sooooooo cute!!!!!)

Built in Fireplace Seating

Photo by Southern Living

I love this unique  idea!  Built in seating on both sides of the fireplace makes a cozy space

in a den.  Usually it's built in bookshelves we see but extra seating is always a plus.  

These Atlanta homeowners wanted a space for their daughters to hang out.  The

seats are the width of twin beds so it's a great place to read because of all the natural light 

from the windows.  The bright red in the abstract art adds a pop of color.  I like how they put 

a fern in the empty firebox to fill the space.