—By Beth Kern
If you crave the warmth and ambiance that a fire provides but your home isn’t already equipped with one, you’ll be happy to hear that freestanding fireplace options are heating up homes all over the Valley!
Installing a freestanding unit will not only make your house warmer, but it can also make it more energy efficient. You’re probably thinking that it’s going to be a lot of work to have one, though. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find out that they require less maintenance than a regular fireplace. So there’s really nothing stopping you from lighting a fire on those cold, windy nights to come.
Your Options
Three formats are available for the freestanding fireplace such as wood, pellet, and gas. All three resources can be less expensive than running a central furnace. Among them, the wood stove or fireplace is considered the most cost-effective, as it does not burn traditional fuel. And if you choose a model that offers a larger firebox you will be able to extend the burn time.
Pellet stoves and pellet fireplaces offer three times more heat than other same-size units, and they require less work than the traditional wood stove or fireplace. This option is also known for its safety and ease of use to run.
If you’d like to go the clean, efficient, and easy route, then the natural gas option may be for you. Gas is still less expensive than running the furnace and requires less effort because most operate with just the push of a button. You can also save money by zoning the heat in the rooms you need instead of wasting heat where you don’t.
As far as style, the freestanding fireplace can look perfect in any décor. Companies offer a wide variety of styles to make every client happy. Todd Ackerman of Wood Heat in Quakertown comments, “Traditional styles are still the most popular. There is growing demand for more contemporary designs.”
You’ll find that the more traditional styles will be available in options like the wood and pellet burning stoves and fireplaces. Gas stoves are beginning to make the transition to more contemporary styles for the modern, young homebuyer.
If you’re in the market for a contemporary look, Ackerman recommends the company Heat & Glo, which has created the modern yet stylish look of Paloma.
With more of a European style and sleek, clean lines this fireplace adds intrigue. Heat & Glo describes this option as, “…perfect for the urban dweller wanting to add the ambiance of fire to a bedroom or more intimate space.”
Playing it Safe
The first thing any homeowner wants to know once intrigued by the thought of adding a freestanding model, is their ratings on safety. Concerns regarding safety hazards in modern models have been addressed and reduced.
Ackerman explains, “Dangers have been eliminated if one follows the guidelines in the owners manual to install.”
While different stoves require different clearances the owner’s manual will always be able to tell you how much room you will need. Usually pellet and gas stoves need less clearance requirements than wood stoves.
“New wood stoves are more efficient and much cleaner burning. This nearly eliminates chimney fires caused by creosote deposits in the chimney. We still recommend checking your chimney every year, but you may not need to clean it as often,” continues Ackerman.
The units are so safe, it is plausible to have one in every room of your house or just get the warmth back into your favorite rooms. “One in every gathering space in the home is ideal; for example, one in the upstairs family room and one in a downstairs recreation room. Bedrooms and master bathroom have also become desired locations,” says Ackerman.
There are other financial benefits to adding a freestanding unit. “The federal government offers a 30% tax credit up to $1,500 on all wood and pellet stoves that exceed the 75% efficiency standard,” Ackerman explains.
If that’s not warming you up to the idea, most local retailers can offer you easy financing options.
Consult with your local retailer to help you choose a model to best suit your budget, safety, and space requirement needs.
Like Finding a Diamond in the Rough, You Never Know What Treasures You’re Going to Discover When You’re Thrift Store Shopping.
The Good-Buy Girls
1752 W. Allen Street, Allentown
610.434.5868
good-buygirls.com
Say good-bye to the days of spending gobs of money on fashions you may only wear once. Instead, visit the Good-Buy Girls to expand your wardrobe and retain your bank account. You’ll find discounted prices and a variety of unique vintage clothing to satisfy your urge to splurge. Or sell some of your unwanted clothes to fill your own pockets for your next shopping trip.
My Sister’s Closet
3400 Bath Pike, Bethlehem
610.866.5715
truthforwomen.org
Stop sneaking around stealing clothing from your sister’s wardrobe. Instead, get your own by going to My Sister’s Closet, a unique boutique that will fill your closet with fashions your sister may want to steal. Peruse racks of clothing that span from the 1920s to fashion’s modern era, or donate your own clothing to help others in need.
Plato’s Closet
1138 Rockland Street, Reading
610.898.0450
platoscloset.com
Plato did more than enrich everyone’s understanding of life; he created a closet of fine fashion, apparently. Brighten up your wardrobe with Plato’s unique style of clothing. Browse around or sell your own clothing and accessories to revamp your style. For an enlightening shopping experience, visit Plato’s Closet and develop your own philosophy of clothing.
Designer Re-Runs
4887 Hamilton Boulevard, Wescosville
610.481.0771
Looking for up-to-date fashion instead of the ‘80s shoulder pads and retro bleached jeans? Visit Designer Re-Runs, a shop that is up to speed when it comes to style and trends. Explore the store and look at the great selection of clothing that this fashionable consignment shop stocks. Bring in your unwanted clothing to give them a second chance. Just make sure that your clothes are cleaned, pressed, and are no more than two years old.
Once Is Not Enuff
358 Main Street, Emmaus
610.967.4383
The oldest consignment shop in the Lehigh Valley will fill your wardrobe with fashionable finds from designers like Liz Claiborne, Ralph Lauren, Escada, and more. This treasure trove of clothing, accessories, handbags, and shoes offers great styles for 30% to 80% off retail prices. Certainly, Once Is Not Enuff when you shop this addicting consignment store.
Jen’s Odds N Ends
204 E. Main Street, Pen Argyl
610.881.0100
Check out this treasure chest of trinkets, clothing, accessories, and other knickknacks at Jen’s Odds N Ends. Explore her store of new and used clothing items for men, women, and children, and a selection of creative craft items. Jen’s also offers you up to 40% of whatever items you bring in to sell.
Chef Shawn with wife Dorothy
Panned Maine lobster tail & sea scallops, chanterelles, asparagus, corn relish, tahini vinaigrette
Serves: 4 people
4 each 4 to 5 ounce Maine lobster tail (shell removed, split & de-veined)
8 each Large sea scallops (mussel tab removed)
12 each Chanterelle mushrooms
12 spears Large asparagus (blanched & cut ½ inch bias)
To taste Salt & pepper
2 tablespoons Sesame oil
1 cup Corn relish
½ cup Tahini vinaigrette
Corn relish
2 ears Fresh corn (shucked, silt removed and char grilled)
2 tablespoons Small diced red sweet pepper
2 tablespoons Small dice Green pepper
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
1 each Lime (juiced)
1 tablespoon Olive oil
To taste Salt & pepper
Tahini vinaigrette
3 tablespoons Tahini
1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
4 tablespoons Rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Olive oil
To taste Salt
Panned Maine Lobster and sea scallops: Lightly salt and pepper the shellfish. In a hot sauté pan place the sesame oil and add the lobster and sea scallops, cook until golden brown and turn. Add the mushrooms and cook for an additional two minutes, then add the asparagus and toss until warm. Place the corn relish in the center of a plate, and then arrange the ingredients in the pan around the relish. Nap the tahini vinaigrette around the dish.
Corn relish: Cut the grilled corn off of the cob. Combine all the remaining ingredients. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste.
Tahini vinaigrette: Place all the ingredients in a blender ad mix on low speed until incorporated.
Whether you’re flipping a whole house or just a room you need to be up on what’s trendy, especially if you are trying to sell your house after the process. “Each new trend will help turn a room into a well-designed, classic space,” said Suzie Williford, president, National Kitchen and Bath Association.
When remodeling look to these Top 10 Kitchen and Bath Trends:
1. Out with the granite countertops and in with the stainless steel. These new countertops will tie together your other stainless steel appliances. Worried that your kitchen will look cold? Just keep the warmth with dark wood cabinets and natural stone flooring.
2. For a more modern look in your kitchen think black and white. Have fun with this trend by mixing and matching the colors. For example have white walls, black cabinets, black countertops, and white floors, you really can’t go wrong with any combination. It’s a very classic look that will look great on any size kitchen.
3. Mirrors are back and ready to make a statement all on their own in the bathroom. Try making a his and her space in the bathroom with separate sinks and counter space. Then, place two flush-mounted mirrors over the two sinks instead of sharing just one. (Please find the photos under Lehigh Valley Style, March 2009, Home Appliance Seura TV Mirror)
4. Even resin panels are getting a face-lift. Instead of stone and tile backsplashes the new elements being used are fabric, mesh and bamboo encased in a plastic panel. This new style is very stylish and is easy to fit into the décor that you have going on in your kitchen or bathroom.
5. Hardly anyone pays attention to your ceilings. Once you install tin panels it’s sure to be the focal point of the room. The vintage appeal will add elegance to the room while also matching your appliances if you choose to go with silver. For an even sleeker appeal find a tin panel that also has a pattern on it. There are many styles of tin panels available so don’t worry about getting the same as the neighbor.
6. Ever stub your toe on bathroom furniture in the morning? If you install floating cabinets you’ll never have to worry about that problem again. These cabinets will give the illusion of the room having more space and you’ll have a convenient place to store extra towels and other toiletries when guests come over. The look is very sleek and yet still durable as if it had the support from legs.
7. If you’re lucky enough to have the room for a fireplace in your kitchen consider switching from bricks to a stone hearth. Natural stone has a very stunning appeal and will be sure to brighten up the kitchen. If you don’t have room consider making room because this is a growing trend.
8. If you have an open kitchen consider using an Asian inspired shoji screen. These screens allow light to still pass through but also add some privacy between rooms without going through the trouble of constructing a new wall. The screens come in all sizes, colored woods, and even designs printed on the screens so that you can find one that will best suit your needs.
9. When it comes to those finishing touches in the bathroom like fixtures go to chrome instead of fancier metals like nickel and bronze. When picking a metal for your last minute fixtures make sure you do the same metal for all of the sink, shower, and cabinetry fixtures.
10. Glass elements are making their way back into the kitchen. Try using glass in your backsplash instead of plastic panels or even on your countertops. When using this trend think non-traditional. If you can keep things neat in your cabinets you might even want to have glass doors instead of opaque.
