Ellington

Hearth and home have paired in the human mind for thousands of years. Fireplaces unite family and friends, link the indoors to nature, and provide a measure of energy independence.

Each fall, many a homeowner’s fancy turns to winter warmth. Perhaps because of rising fuel prices and the need to become more energy efficient — no one knows for certain — the desire for fire in Chattanooga begins to peak in late September and October. “We’re going gangbusters,” says Kathy Walters, office manager for Therm-Con, LLC in Brainerd.

If your home doesn’t have a fireplace, you may not know what you’re missing. Here are five aesthetic reasons to get you fired up this autumn:

1 Experience Tranquility

Flickering amber flames comfort and soothe, adding a magical touch to your special moments. A warm glow can create the perfect mood for romantic evenings, reminding couples of their love, memories and future together.

2 Expand Your Color Palette

Glowing in vivid red, orange, yellow and blistering blue, a fire — like a miniature sunset—will splash rich, warm tones around a room.

3 Pull the Room Together

Fire exerts an ancient, primitive pull. A fireplace —from mantel to hearth—will draw attention as well as the approval of your guests. The inevitable aesthetic conflict between television and fireplace can be easily resolved by stacking a flat screen on the mantel. “You don’t want to have two competing centerpieces,” notes Walker. “One wall should be the focal point for the whole room.”

4 Create a work of art

Even when not in use, a fireplace can be a masterpiece when designed by talented artists or sculptors. A variety of materials and a stunning array of design choices exist in today’s fireplace market — ranging from oak panels of Colonial Williamsburg to country brick and rustic flagstone. They include upside-down lollipop shapes suggestive of a late-60s Scandinavian ski lodge.

5 Spice up your living space

Dancing, shimmering flames create an organic, flowing feel in a room. A fire’s primeval motion casts out light in all directions to add a pleasing, subtle energy to your decor.