Fireplaces now a Lifestyle Statement from Agnews.

Lifestyle Trends
"Over the last few years we have seen the development not only of lifestyle magazines and television shows," says Nicholas Agnew, Managing Director of AGNEWS FIREPLACES, "but also a well defined in trend in people's choices of fire places as a lifestyle statement."

The dominance of recreating and restoring Victorian and Ferderation homes has given was to the more simple styling of Art Deco and Californian Bungalows plus a big demand for the contemporary minimalist look.

A younger generation has now moved into the suburban homes of the 50's and 60's and are replacing the old gas space heaters with fan-forced gas fireplaces.

In period homes the fireplaces in sitting and dining rooms - and some bedrooms - are being updated to include the ambience and appeal of a traditional open gas fire. Whereas for larger family living areas towards the back of the house glass-fronted, fan-forced fireplaces are the main choice to suit contemporary or minimalist interior design.
These units are also chosen for their ability to heat larger areas and their cost-efficiency.

Fireplaces a Focal Point
The fireplace is an all-important focal point once again in many homes whether as the main heating source in family living areas or simplay as a warm, decorative welcome in more formal rooms.

Simple painted timbers mouldings, stainless steel surrounds and marble margins are now joining the ever-popular carved timber mantlepieces as the finishing touch to today's lifestyle fireplaces.

"We find our customers are more conscious of heating effeciences" Nicholas continued, "and although most homes have some form of ducted or space heating throughout, people are opting to close off some areas where need be and just heat one main living space. Remote controls with glass-fronted fireplaces add to the ease of use."

Advances in Technology
Extensive advances in today's building systems and fireplace technology are making the installation of fireplaces possible in both new and existing homes without the need for a fully-bricked fireplace or chimney.

AGNEWS carry a range of glass-fronted fireplaces with flues that vent from the back of the unit straight through an outside wall or vertically to above the roof line, overcoming many contrstruction problems.

Metallic Shine
The development of AGNEWS' exclusive Duracote^TM process has created a high-lustre, polished metallic finish to all cast iron products - a finish much sought-after bt today's interior designers. Not only does it provide a superior finish but it also suppresses tarnishing and corrosion.

Working Displays
AGNEWS impressive showrom at 376 Swan Stree, Richmond displays over 80 fireplace settings, many with fully-working gas coal, gas log and electric fires.

Timber, marble and stone mantelpieces are beautifully styled in spacious surrounding along with cast iron inserts, fascias, basket grates and an extensive range of fire screens, fire tools, and quality ceramic hearth tiles.

Lighting Range
A brilliant display of quality light fittings, for which AGNEWS are well known, now spreads across the showroom ceiling and alcoves. There's also a range of floor and table lamps, mounting boards and switches.

Nicholas concluded in saying that customers are invited to bring their building plans into the showroom where AGNEWS' experienced sales consultants will guide them in the right choice of fireplaces to compliment their lifestyle, architecture and interior designs.