The average spend is 2,000 to 3,000 but there are plenty of possibilities both below and above that mark, according to Williams. A well-designed fireplace that complements your living space can add to your home's resale value.

The natural look continues to be popular in conventional fireplaces, with stone and marble popular, according to Williams. "A lot of them have chamber openings which are bigger than standard, with freestanding log baskets."

In ultra-modern designs, stainless steel and aluminum are shining while mirror, black gloss, stone and bronze are other modish materials. While contemporary styles can be very pared down, lots of the latest looks are softening up, sporting chic curves.

'Hole in the wall' styles, either gas, electric or solid fuel, have really fired up homeowners' imagination in recent years.

"These give a very sleek, contemporary finish, with glass-fronted models giving up to 80% efficiency, " Williams says.

With energy rating of homes now being phased in as a result of an EU directive, this is a key consideration, she says.

"These models also have the advantage of being space-saving as they haven't got a hearth."

A fairly recent innovation, flueless fires give homeowners more options as they don't require a chimney. A catalytic converter is used instead to remove fumes. An example is the X-Fire flueless gas or electric Acquisitions of London fires which hang on the wall, with special introductory prices at Lamartine, starting from 3095.

Featuring striking surrounds in mirror, limestone or piano black granite, the effect is very sleek. "Once you have the required ventilation in the room in the form of air vents, you can hang the fireplace on the wall like a picture, " says Williams.

Superior Flueless Fires which are sold through selected Tubs & Tiles outlets around the country are designed to hang on the wall in kitchens, dining areas and living rooms. Handcrafted in black glass and aluminum, they are available in five designs. Prices range from 1,279 to 2, 229.

'Radium', features a curved rear frame.

Each finely-brushed piece is rolled by hand to ensure a consistent curvature and then laser cut. Retail price is 2,069.

Ultra slim 'Neon', at 1,909, combines a gloss-black reflective glass and an aluminum effect rear frame to create a dramatic focal point. 'Vertigo', incorporates architectural styling and aluminum detailing. It costs 1,750. 'Athos', with its sophisticated black aluminum frame, sells at 1,279, and suits both traditional and modern interiors.

The Studio Fire range, available at Lamartine in LPG or natural gas open and glass-fronted units, is suitable for use with or without a chimney. Striking a pose with a seamless no-frame design and with a white-pebble fuel bed, it comes with the option of a polished black granite interior lining. The mirror-like qualities of the lining further reflect the continuous motion of the flames.

Homeowners with an open-fronted conventional flue who are not fully mesmerised by that effect can install a flatscreen TV overhead. Operation is by sequential remote control or via electronic touch pad located in the fire's plate.

For those with open plan living/dining areas, the Faber Glance gas fire oozes aesthetic appeal. "You can see right through it and it works where there isn't a chimney. It has a balanced flue which means the flue comes with it when you buy it. It comes either with or without a frame, " says Williams.

While showrooms now boast an array of possibilities, many of those who engage an architect for their new build or extension include fireplace design as part of the brief. "With everything else tailored to their needs, they often want fireplaces that also reflect their requirements, " remarks Will Dimond of Donaghy + Dimond Architects. Concrete, firebrick and slate tend to be the materials of choice for custom designs. Incorporating seating for a convivial and inviting effect is also an option.

USEFUL CONTACTS
>> Donaghy + Dimond Architects, 41 Francis Street, Dublin 8, 01-416 8132.
>> Lamartine Fireplaces, Ballymount Road, Walkinstown, Dublin 12, 01-450 2662; www. lamartine-fireplaces. com
>> Tubs & Tiles outlets: www. tubstiles. ie

CHOOSING A FIREPLACE

>> If your property has a chimney, get it swept and check out its condition before buying.
>> Consider the era, style and decor of your home before making your decision. Ensure that your choice of fireplace is the right scale and proportion for the space. Some showrooms will organise a survey to check on measurements and suitability.
>> Determine the heat output you require and see how different models meet that need.
>> Do your initial research on the web or through looking at brochures and then call to showrooms to check out products. Antique shops and salvage yards can be worth trawling for those in search of something different.
>> With the increased emphasis on energy efficiency, watch out for inefficient fires that look good but have the disadvantage of high running costs.