When you’re setting the stage for the ultimate soirée, the details you choose as a host will set the tone for the event. With last week’s Designer Files, we chatted about the importance of a stellar tabletop for fresh entertaining, but lighting is equally important in creating the ambiance of your event. While I love discussing traditional interior light sources (admittedly, I’m a total sucker for a statement lamp), one of the hottest ways to introduce light to your night this year is the fireplace.
Design superstar Amanda Forrest hit Vancouver last week to host an event in collaboration with electric heating leaders Dimplex to showcase some of the freshest designs the line has to offer. Held at Main Street’s Fireplaces Unlimited, Amanda unveiled this year’s most innovative designs and discussed how she loves to work them into any space. While fireplaces may seem out-of-bounds for those of us in condos or rentals, the event shed light on a number of options that are easy to install and are electric (read: permit-/strata-/landlord-approval-free). For this week’s Five Finds, I’m sharing my picks from the event, both for indoor and outdoor entertaining.
1. The Dimplex Opti-Myst
One of the showstoppers from the preview event was the Opti-Myst. At first glance, it appears to look like a natural, smouldering flame, but this electric piece surprises as it is actually a water-based flame. The unit uses water to illuminate, and as the mist rises through the bed, light reflects against the water molecules to give the illusion of fire and smoke. A few drops of essential oils into the refillable water basin, and you’ve got yourself the chicest diffuser on the market.
2. The Dekko Fire Bowl
When it comes to outdoor entertaining, fire bowls are the ultimate essential. Available in a variety of sizes, concrete finishes and palettes, these lightweight, portable pieces create both ambiance and warmth. Whether for a patio party or a backyard bash, the fire bowl is the spot where friends love to gather.
3. The Dimplex Charlotte Media Console
As a designer, I have to admit this one was my fave. The Charlotte offers everything I love in a furnishing piece: portability, flexibility and storage all wrapped up in a chic, high-gloss white design. Another electric option from Dimplex, the Charlotte console comes fully assembled, and not only offers the beauty of the fireplace (which can heat up to 1000 sq. ft. with its Multi-fire XD flame) but also open storage to display your décor vignettes. It couldn’t be simpler to make a statement with the Charlotte; it’s as easy as unpack, place and plug in.
4. The Montigo PL42 One
New to the market, this built-in outdoor fireplace is unique as it doesn’t require venting, giving it a much more streamlined presence. The design also allows non-combustible materials to be built right to the fireplace front, rather than traditional pieces that require a larger metal trim for fire safety. Even wood panelling can be used as the finishing surround, which has been a major design trend for fireplaces this year.
5. The Dimplex IgniteXL
Lastly, the IgniteXL is the premium piece from the electric collection, boasting the greatest flexibility in its design. Available in a variety of lengths up to 100 inches, this sleek linear fireplace is an easy alternative to the built-in gas fireplace, yet offers the same wow-factor appeal. This piece boasts panoramic fire that can be adjusted for less or more flame, has multiple stone or driftwood styling options, and offers LED lighting with multiple colours, giving you complete control of the mood it sets.
