As we head into what promises to be a particularly icy winter, many look forward to unpacking their winter warmers. It won’t be long before we find ourselves staying home on the weekends, preferring to spend our time curled up in a thick blanket on a couch or in bed with a steaming hot beverage. And those of us who do decide to brave the cold and venture out will no doubt be piling on the layers of warm clothing.

This is the time of year for big coats and bonfires, extra blankets, hot chocolate and heaters. And speaking of heaters, what better way to beat the winter blues than by basking in the ambient glow of a fire? There are few comforts as indulgent as curling up in front of a fireplace on a cold winter’s night.

One might argue that few homes today are built with fireplaces as a standard fitting and one would be correct in making such an assertion. However, the growing demand for electricity in South Africa has driven up electricity prices and resulted in a massive scale return to gas as an alternative source of heat for the cold months and there are few solutions as effective or cost efficient as a gas fireplace.

Gas fireplaces today also come with the added benefit of being chimney free, meaning that there is no need to worry about building costs or making structural changes in ones home in order to enjoy the warmth and elegance of a fireplace in one’s home. Vent free gas fireplaces can be designed to specification and installed within a single day. And with a gas fireplace installed, there is also no need for big, bulky, unsightly heaters that take up space, waste electricity and need to be packed up and stored again when winter is over.

Not only does a gas fireplace provide warmth and atmosphere, but it can also be a decorative focal point for any room. A mantelpiece may be the ideal display point for cherished artworks – or could even be a work of art in itself. Vent free gas fireplaces are clean-burning and can be set in beautifully designed frames of high quality imitation rock, stone, timber and other natural materials, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the room.

For any South Africans reading this and who are interested in investing in a gas fireplace, Paga Designs specialises in the design and manufacture of exquisite rock and wood replica items, including fireplaces and mantelpieces, providing clients with custom works of functional art for their homes and offices. Their gas fireplaces are specifically designed and manufactured to fit SYAM gas fireplace units.