Choosing & Decorating a Fireplace for Your Log Home

Here are some things to think about when you're making these decisions:

• If you have a great view, the windows should take precedence over the fireplace, because the value is in the view.
• There's no rule that says a fireplace has to be in a great room (especially if you've got a "great" view out the windows). These days, fireplaces are cropping up in many more intimate areas of the house, such as bedrooms, dens, kitchens, and even master bathrooms.
• Chimneys and fireplace surrounds can be built in a variety of materials, and you'll want something that matches your log home's walls, but you don't necessarily have to stick with the traditional river rock or stone look. Shop around and see what's right for the style you want.
• You can two for the price of one (well, not quite but you can save money) by installing a stacked fireplace that gives you a hearth on two different levels of the house from the same chimney.
• When it comes to decorating or accessorizing your fireplace, think of getting functional pieces (tools, andirons, fireplace doors, etc.) with decorative touches. Your hearth products can be rustic or modern, and they too should match your log home or cabin.
• If you like the beauty and warmth of flames but are less crazy about cleaning out ashes and chopping wood, you may want to consider a gas unit. Since you can get gas units that vent directly to the outside, you don't need to spend a ton on a massive chimney (and can spend that building money on other luxuries).
• If gas isn't an option, or you're off the grid, a pellet stove is an economical way to heat your log home, and they too can be vented out the side of the house instead of up an expensive chimney.