It's winter in Chicago and it is cold. You awaken to the bracing sounds of a neighbor scraping ice from his windshield, your breath is visible in little arctic puffs and the sidewalks are salt-slushy (if not a bed of solid ice). So, this is the perfect time to talk fireplaces!

The most obvious reason to add a fireplace to a room is to enjoy the warmth that it provides. Aside from basking in the radiant heat, it also adds a lovely ambiance and dancing light that makes a room feel cozy and hospitable.

The first thing to consider is what kind of fireplace is appropriate for your home. The three most common fireplace types are wood burning, electric and gas. Each have their pros and cons regarding cost, efficiency and use. It is important to talk to your contractor and designer about the options that fit your budget and lifestyle. Gas fireplaces seem to be the popular kind of fireplaces being installed in Chicago because of their ease of use. Even though it is more high maintenance, nothing is more romantic than cuddling up with a loved one by the glowing warmth and hearing the soothing crackling of a wood burning fireplace.

The other consideration is how to integrate the fireplace into the design of your space. The wonderful thing about fireplaces these days is that the sky is the limit. You can go modern and sleek or rustic and charming. It can be the focal point on its own, or integrated with built-in bookcases.