Playing with fire
By JUDY STARK
Published February 4, 2005
We've moved beyond using fire only as a source of light and warmth. Now the challenge is to use it as a design element, inside and out. Here are some new products that manufacturers hope will light your fire.
The Cyclone from Heat & Glo was the runaway must-see item at the International Builders Show this month in Orlando. A whirling gas flame is contained in a cylinder of glass 41 to 50 inches high. Mount it on a wall with a mirrorlike metal back that reflects the flames. Or stand a couple of pillars of flame at either end of a bar, at the foot of a staircase, at an entry. It casts about half the heat of a fireplace, is direct-vented and can use natural gas or propane. The stand-alone costs $3,499, the wall mount, $7,999. Information: www.heatnglo.com toll-free 1-888-427-3973.
The Ring of Fire combines the primal elements fire and water. Three tiers of water cascade onto the flames and fall onto a bed of glass stones. It can be installed in a pedestal or flush with the ground. It's $3,500 from Travis Industries. Information: www.ringoffirebytravis.com toll-free 1-800-654-1177.
The boutique-size "Looking Glass" fireplace from Lopi, 22 by 36 inches, fits into small spaces: bathrooms, entries, kitchens. Options include one-way mirrors so the fireplace is a mirror when the flames aren't dancing, and an aromatherapy tray to heat scented oils that perfume the room. Price: $1,600 to $2,400. Another style, from the "Sweet Dreams" collection, looks like a free-standing miniature armoire with glass front 161/2 inches by 21 inches. These start at $1,845. Information and dealer locater: www.lopistoves.com
How real is this? The Reflections Electric Fireplace from Lennox uses a hidden DVD player and TV projector to display a video image of a fire on a set of logs. A digital soundtrack snaps, crackles and pops, and a 1,500-watt heater-blower warms the room. All you need is a nearby 110-volt electrical outlet. Use the remote to turn on flames or embers and to turn the sound on or off. No wood, no ashes, no gas, no kidding. It's $2,199. Information: www.lennoxhearthproducts.com. toll-free 1-800-953-6669.
- Judy Stark stark@tampabay.com