I mentioned in our living room reveal that a gas fireplace insert was on our long list of projects to be completed in 2015. The before version was a (potentially life threatening) faux log, gas contraption. I will never know what it looked like turned on. I value my eyebrows far too much.

We brought Capital Patio & The Flame Shop in to do the job and they were total pros… crucial when it comes to starting fires inside your house. The owner’s name is Chuck Burns, which I’m convinced is a pseudonym. That’s better than a dentist named Gary Tooth. We got a screaming deal because the fireplace was technically second hand. They had installed it in someone else’s house for a whole 24 hours before the client decided that they were interested in a different model. Fine by moi!

Here are phases 1, 2 and 3 of the makeover. We went with the river rock insert and a brushed stainless steel accent… mostly because that’s what the lady before us liked and we are frugal cheap. Gunnar had some serious doubts about painting the brick black, but between the wood, white, black, and brushed stainless steel, there was just too much going on.

So I painted it when he wasn’t home. Surprise!!!

The Flame Shop finished up the install last week, just in time for that 80 degree weather. We still use it every night and absolutely love it. But not nearly as much as the animals who love it so much I’m afraid they might actually cook themselves alive.