Fireplaces and fireplace mantels are fast becoming a core feature in homes across the world as they add a real feature point to any formal or indeed casual living area.
Strangely enough, fireplaces have had a relatively short history, considering that fire itself has been around for hundreds of thousands of years.
Fireplaces only became common in 1367, when a gentleman while visiting in Rome, was dismayed at the fire pit in his room so he ordered his servants to build a chimney. They did so, adding his coat of arms above the two fireplace mantels. That fireplace is now part of history as ever since it has been the model of almost any room with a fireplace.
Not all fireplaces have mantels, of course. Most do however have either, a single shelf, a marble or tile surround, or a traditional wood carving. Accessories such as mantels, iron tools, guards and screens are an important decorative feature of fireplaces and can often set the tone of a room. Continue reading
With today’s growing costs for fuel, people are looking more and more toward alternative heating methods. People who live in climates where it gets cold have to have a means to heat their homes. Natural gas is used most often today in the United States. This type of energy is found in most homes that have a central heating system. Continue reading
The colder weather is coming upon us as the temperatures drop, which means it’s time to start preparing your home for winter. Even if you live in a location for which there is never a lot of snow, it is still is a good idea to secure your home from the cold weather, rain, and icy conditions that might come your way. Continue reading
