MY VIRTUAL FIREPLACE

Many know that my house came with a fireplace in the patio area, not in the house.  Kinda weird, as it gets pretty cold here and an interior fireplace is definitely called for.  I set out to remedy this by exploring electric , heat-producing fireplaces that would fit in the entertainment center niche in my living room.  I found a beautiful one, very contemporary and clean lined, albeit too expensive.  I shopped around online and got the best price I could (still too expensive).  Only after it arrived and was fully inspected by my brother Mike and brother-in-law Nick did it become apparent that it could not be inset but had to project out some six inches from a wall for the heat to safely disperse.

The plan was for California Closets to build a custom entertainment center that included the fireplace, along with installing a built-in tiny office in my smallest extra bedroom.   After fooling around with the plans for weeks, CC said they wouldn't do it because of the safety factor.  Mike and Nick put their heads together and designed something that accommodated the fireplace and the TV and was fully functional and safe.

I call it my fire "experience" because it is strangely virtual but very attractive and warm.    I am told the magic consists of orange light bulbs, river rocks, some fans and some strips of fabric.  Put some beautiful glass and brushed nickel in front, add a heater with thermostat, click the remote -  et voila, a fire experience!  Here it is.  Many thanks to Mike and Nick!