All this snow and talk of skiing has me wanting to curl up in front of a warm cozy fireplace with a good book. (Hah! As all you parents know, this is more or less a pipe dream.) Even though Eric and I didn't get to lounge on giant wing chairs with hot cocoa by a crackling fire at a ski chalet this trip, we were lucky enough to be able to sneak in one grown-up dinner during our stay. And since I find design everywhere, I was of course enamored with the rustic and cozy Coloradoan decor of the restaurant - especially the simple and rustic fireplace we were seated by. 

I love how they carved out the area next to the hearth for log storage. So organized and compartmentalized yet accessible and visually interesting. To me, one of the best parts about having a true operational fireplace is the use and display of the firewood. But since logs are pretty bulky, they often end up in the way, especially in a small space. 

Speaking of small spaces - being from a city where an apartment with a fireplace (let alone an operational one) is the utmost of gems, it got me thinking. Why can't we tiny space dwellers also reap the benefits of the fireplace ambiance? Whether you are one of the lucky ones who might have a decorative fireplace (sigh!) or a real, actual, operational fireplace (double sigh!), or you just want to mimic the beauty that this element of design, there are lots of ways you can achieve a bon fire in a small space. Below is a roundup of my top ten.   

So, let it burn!

~L.S.

*Reminder*- Always exercise caution when lighting a fire or burning a candle in your home. Safety first! Even before style...

For more inspiration en fuego, visit my Pinterest Board ::Cozy:: here.