Latest Posts

Check Out These Holiday Mantel Decoration Ideas!

December 16, 2020 6:53 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

You’ve probably already got your Seattle, WA home all decked out for the holidays, but it’s not too late to put a few extra ideas into action! If you have a fireplace, you can turn your mantel into the centerpiece of your room and use it to spread some extra holiday cheer. Here’s a quick overview of some decorating trends that are great to implement with your mantel. Add some texture Whether stone or wood, your mantel is likely smooth and simple. You can add in a few textures during the holiday season to warm it up and make for a cozier appearance. You might consider some natural greenery, bundles of wood, pillows, burlap or other items and textures on the mantel and around the fireplace. All of this will help you create more visual weight in the space, a concept that refers to the ability of contrasting textures or colors to draw your eye to a specific location. Rough textures are generally considered to have more visual weight, meaning they’ll be more likely to draw the eye, so use roughly textured items strategically as a means of adding extra visual interest. Consider your color schemes We’ve seen much more... View Article

Six Fireplace Safety Tips

November 30, 2020 11:36 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Having a fireplace in the home can be a wonderful element. It creates an instant gathering place for friends and family, and helps you feel connected to thousands of years of humanity. We have always been drawn to the warmth and captivating sights of a fire, but we also need to understand how to respect its power. Fireplace safety in Seattle, WA is something that should be taken seriously. At Custom Fire Art, we want our customers and their families to stay safe when they’re gathered around the hearth, and we’ve assembled some basic tips below to help you create a safe and fun environment: Use quality wood: The wood you burn in your fireplace is going to have a big impact on how safe the fire is. Pine and other woods that give off sap should be avoided at all costs—the sap will gunk up the chimney and increase the likelihood of dangerous chimney fires. Dried wood burns better, which makes the fire easier to control and reduces the likelihood of sparks from spattering wood. Keep the fireplace clean: Allowing ash and embers to accumulate from one fire to the next is a common fireplace hazard in Seattle, WA.... View Article

What Is Open Hearth Cooking?

November 16, 2020 11:36 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

The events of the past year or so have caused a lot of us to rethink entire aspects of our home lives. We’ve spent more time indoors and with our families than we probably ever thought possible, which has prompted a lot of introspection. Our life in the kitchen is a big part of this—for example, everyone has heard about someone else’s “sourdough starter” by now, for example. One technique that’s also gaining popularity is open hearth cooking in Seattle, WA. Traditionally associated with barbecues in our modern society, cooking over an open flame produces juicy flavors unlike anything you’ve ever had before. The fire Open hearth cooking in Seattle, WA is the act of roasting meat (anything from beef to pork to poultry) near an open flame. It’s the oldest cooking technique known to humans, and the product can be a variety of flavors you’ll never want to go back from. These “roasts” used to be known as baked meats, but the idea is the same. The fire needs to be carefully managed—hardwoods like ash, oak, hickory or dogwood are the best ones to use. These will generate an even heat that ensures you can gauge the temperature and... View Article

Catalytic vs. Non-Catalytic Wood Stoves

October 29, 2020 10:57 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Choosing the right kind of wood burning stove for your home depends on what you hope to get out of the investment. When you purchase a stove, one of the first questions you’ll have to answer is whether you want a catalytic vs. a non-catalytic wood stove in Seattle, WA. Neither is inherently superior to the other—they both provide heat, beauty and enjoyment. Wondering what the difference is and why you should care? The main difference is in how each type of stove burns fuel, which has a direct impact on how much heat it produces. That’s why it’s important to think about what you want from your stove before you choose a type—the best kind for you will depend on whether you’re using it as a main heat source or as an occasional one. Read on for an overview of how each type works and how to choose the right model for your home. What is a catalytic stove? A catalytic stove employs a catalytic combustor. As wood burns, it releases gases and particulates. In a catalytic stove, the catalytic combustor will re-burn those gases and particulate matter. The gases and particulate pass through the combustor and—as the name... View Article

The Cost of Operating a Gas Fire Pit

October 15, 2020 10:57 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

A gas fire pit is a beautiful, fun backyard feature that makes it possible to enjoy your outdoor space all year round. Naturally, most customers want to know how much it costs to operate a gas fire pit in Seattle, WA before they take the plunge. There’s no universal answer for how much your gas fireplace will cost you to operate, since it varies with size, usage level and your utility costs. However, the good news is that gas fire pits tend to be relatively inexpensive, even if you use them pretty frequently. Read on to see what factors into your operation costs: Size of the fire pit: The more gas your fire pit uses, the more it will cost to operate—although it may be a fairly negligible amount. When you’re shopping for a gas fire pit, consider how you plan to use it. Will you be hosting large parties for your home or business, or do you want a small residential fire pit so the kids can roast marshmallows on occasion? Choose a size that makes sense for your needs, keeping in mind that as your family or business grows, you might wish you had sprung for a bigger... View Article