|  Nothing
was more important to a colonial American home than the structure
and location of its fireplace. In fact the architecture of our early
homes largely derives from this center of home life. Around a fireplace,
whether it was used for cooking or for warmth, every family’s
social life revolved. Two and a half centuries later much has changed
in regard to fireplaces. We rarely use them any more for cooking,
and heat is usually provided for by furnaces or heat pumps. But
throughout the country the social nature of fireplaces remains with
us. Cookouts, which we all love, aren’t only about the taste
of grilled hamburger or steak. They are a social gathering--around
a fire. A quiet romantic evening still is one where you can see
the flickers of the flame and the glowing of embers and hear the
cracking of the wood. Fireplaces today are very different from those
colonial ancestors used and can be found anywhere: at the poolside,
in the owners’ suite, in the family room, etc. Today’s
fireplaces are now generally much smaller. We no longer need storage
and baking areas around the fire, and increased concern for efficiency
has led to a smaller firebox where the fire’s energy is better
concentrated. As a result, fireplaces now average around 4 feet
wide.
The styles of colonial homes were strongly influenced by the need
to accommodate the chimney. Today, the structure of a house has
little to do with the placement of a fireplace and its chimney.
The most extreme examples are gas log fireplaces. They can be "vent
free," requiring no chimney at all; "direct vent,"
venting directly out through a side wall; or "natural vent,"
routing the exhaust up through the roof. And for those who still
want wood burning in their fireplaces, the flues and chimneys nowadays
are small and safe. Other bells and whistles also make fireplaces
beautiful and convenient. Mantels of almost any style and material
are available for traditional as well as contemporary decor. Firebox
design, circulating fans and glass doors control energy movement.
Some gas fireplaces can even be operated by remote control, making
life almost too easy! Fireplaces remain an important part of our
homes. Their ambiance glows as we gather around them with family
and friends.
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