Fireplaces: Hot like fyah

I think fireplaces are so glamorous. I can imagine sitting in front of a crackling, wood-burning fireplace with a warm throw and a good book (for the G-rated version), or with a glass of wine and John Krasinski (for the PG-13 version). Sadly, my recent experience with fireplaces has been limited to the Yule log on TV during Christmas. (I was at a New Year's party where we sat and watched it, transfixed, hoping to see where the tape's loop began. No, we weren't "inhaling any smoke," either.)

Still, I know some of you TAA dwellers out there are lucky enough to have fireplaces in your homes. Just because your place is small doesn't mean it can't rock a nice fireplace and mantel! However, not everyone uses their fireplace all the time, and some go completely unused. If you fall into the latter category, consider taking advantage of your little nook, and turn your hearth into something unique and useful.

A kitchen fireplace converted into storage (via Apartment Therapy: Chicago), and a TV pushed back into a fireplace (via Apartment Therapy: NY)...

Books stored in fireplaces -- for aesthetic purposes only. No book burnings, pls. (From CasaSugar and Elements of Style)

You know how much I love desks in closets -- now it's desks in fireplaces! (From Craftzine.)

I also like the idea of putting a wine rack in your fireplace, or creating a shrine to your shoes. You can add storage and decor, all neatly framed under the mantel. For a great gallery on decorating unused fireplaces, check out this article on Apartment Therapy.

And just because it makes me laugh:

Professor Henry Jones: Junior, I have tell you something.
Indiana Jones: Don't get sentimental now Dad, save it until we get out of here.
Professor Henry Jones: The floor's on fire... see... AND the chair.