There's nothing like the crackle, warmth and glow from a real wood-burning fireplace. But for apartment dwellers without an existing fireplace, alternatives to the traditional chimney and flue are necessary. Ventless designs powered by eco-friendly biofuel are now available in modern materials and as ceiling-mount, wall-mount and floor standing units. Here are a few sleek designs that won't leave you feeling left out in the cold.

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It's not exactly news that keeping stacks of firewood inside your home is something of a trend these days. But is it a do or a don't? More

I have done major work in my house over the past two years (floors, windows, electrical) and am now re-tracing my steps and focusing on smaller projects that have a big visual impact, like transforming this small fireplace nook. More

The idea that Santa Claus comes down the chimney to deliver gifts is a relatively recent tradition — its spread is mostly associated with Clement Clark Moore's 1823 poem, "A Visit From Saint Nicholas" ("'Twas the night before Christmas...") And, though fire has been the heart of the home for thousands of years, chimneys are only a few hundred years old, themselves. Let's look at the evolution of the chimney. More

Here on the East Coast, we had a beautiful and mild Thanksgiving. But now, the weather has begun to cool and Jack Frost is at least thinking about nipping at our noses. And for me, there's nothing like a chill in the air to put me in the holiday spirit... More

Even though the hearth had been filled in, an original marble mantel is what helped seal the deal for me when I was house-hunting this summer. Now that it's cool outside, I've imagined how nice it would be have a functional fireplace. More

The season is here for cozying up to crackling fires. For those of you who are burning wood, check out these useful tips on how to get a clean and efficient burn from your firewood. As a wise innkeeper in rural Pennsylvania once said to me, while stoking a fire like she was mad at it, "Romances should smolder - firewood should burn." Word. More

It's that time of year where one of the few everyday comforts is sitting by a warm, roaring fireplace. While fireplaces were originally incorporated into homes as a primary source of heat, in recent years they've gotten a bad reputation for being heat suckers and only good for decoration. There are actually a few great types of fireplaces that can be used, for anyone from apartment dwellers to home owners, that are sure to keep you cozy and warm, and maybe even reduce your heating bill. More

To my mind, fall is the perfect time of year to hang out in the garden. A few weekends ago I hosted a kids camping party in the backyard to celebrate a birthday. We pitched tents, strung lights, and rigged up a quick outdoor theater with a laptop, netflix, a digital projector, a sheet and a laundry line -- but the most important part, in the crisp cool air, was the fire pit. More

The rain has begun, the air smells like falling leaves, I'm craving cider (the grown-up variety), and I wish I could step into the quaint and cozy world of Toast UK... More