Winter Warmth in the White House

​On a particularly wet and windy wintry afternoon, it seems fitting to be talking about fireplaces and how they really can add both style and warmth (form and function) to your home. My husband (my resident painter) and I embarked on the journey from talk to walk about 2 years ago, and haven’t looked back. It's easy to take things for granted once we’re used to them, but I was reminded of the cold, dull old days when I came across the “before” photos of our home which we bought as a do-up. This is the slightly glorified real estate photo of the room.

Needless to say, it needed more than a little TLC (in fact the house has been gutted), not just aesthetically, but also with the plumbing, wiring, insulation and heating, let alone council compliance. For those of you who have been through this process, you will know that major renovation is no small feat. It’s incredibly invasive, hugely costly and quite stressful.

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​But as mentioned, on days like today, it’s more than appropriate to stop and remember, followed by thoughts of appreciation for the transformation, and the privilege of living with warmth. This fireplace is gas, and we’re fortunate these days that gas fires can look quite realistic, and that designs are stylish and sleek. Our lounge room is not large, and so we opted for the TV over the fireplace to save space, and took great care in our measurements to ensure that we both complied with regulations and also positioned it well for TV viewing, and also future proofing the cavity size in the knowledge that the TV will need to be replaced one day. So far, so good. (The camera can't seem to pick up the flames from a distance).

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​So, if you’re in the market for home heating, I’d recommend that you take care in the process. Seek out different options and opinions. Get advice from the professionals on what product is right for your situation. It’s too important (and too costly) to mess up.

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