W&D Renovates: Surviving (and Thriving) in Sub-Zero Temperatures

Interiors & Decor

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We the North are in our element. You might have an idea of how cold it was this past weekend, if you watched the Vikings/Seahawks game on Sunday. It was cold enough to literally crack a Viking’s horn. Maybe that should be our new standard of cold.

As I write this, it’s a balmy -7. That’s below zero, and without the windchill. Anything below 0 should require the weatherman to say “you know what? Don’t bother going outside.”

I’ve mentioned before, like many northerners, I do thrive in the cold. It forces me to stay inside, to stay focused. After we moved into this house, I became reacquainted with the heating “challenges” an older presented; drafty windows and radiators that didn’t so much “radiate” as “not produce heat”. We began tackling the heating issue during our home renovation that took place this past summer, and now I’m hard pressed to leave our new basement thanks to one little element: a new fireplace.W&D_Citizenry-23

We worked with the team at Heat & Glo last summer to select and install the perfect mix of traditional and modern fireplace (did you expect anything different?) for our basement remodel. We settled on the Heat & Glo Cosmo 42 and I couldn’t be happier with the results.

The fireplace is built into the wall, which means no worries of people tripping (ahem) or a certain dog’s tail getting too close. Also, it’s gas! While I love a traditional wood burning fire, we have one upstairs in the living room, it’s so nice to not have to worry about getting up off the couch to keep the fire going. Just flip the switch and, voilá! Heat! Or having wood lying around for someone to chew on. Did I mention I have a dog?

Based on what I’ve read, this fireplace should help with the heating bill. Thank goodness, because each year winter seems to get longer and longer.W&D_Citizenry-22

Stay tuned on the blog for a more comprehensive basement, and home reveal this coming spring.

Images courtesy of 2nd Truth Photography

Decor Sources: Blu Dot – New Standard Sofa, Blu Dot – Toro Chair, Blu Dot – Strut Coffee Table, People I Loved – Wink Wink Pillows, Ikea – Entertainment Unit, Artwork by Tappan Collective, Candle Holder from Unison (similar)

BY Kate Arends - January 14, 2016

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January 14, 2016 4:04 pm

I’m currently house hunting, and a fireplace is definitely on the must-have list! But just in case we find a perfect-but-fireplaceless house, I am totally bookmarking Heat & Glo, because your new fireplace is gorgeous. I can’t even believe that’s a basement, it’s so bright and airy! Love it!

Jess | FashionByCommittee.com

Amanda
January 15, 2016 8:57 am

I’m currently renovating a 90 year old home over in Wisconsin, so I totally understand untimely heating issues. Everything you’ve done looks so great, can’t wait to see the big reveal!

January 15, 2016 12:38 pm

Good luck with the fireplace. It looks lovely! Glad that you are thriving in those mind-bogglingly cold temperatures! Enjoy your indoor time!

Matt Hansen
January 15, 2016 4:27 pm

This is insanely nice.

January 17, 2016 2:02 pm

Love this! Cheers to thriving in the winter months!

Emma
January 19, 2016 1:33 pm

Hi Kate!

I’m so glad to see more of your home. I follow you on SnapChat and love the little glimpses. I’m the opposite of you… In Charleston, SC where in the summers it is crucial to have and air conditioner working at all times. We just bought a house that was built in 1840 and needless to say the upkeep is constant. Keep up the lovely work!

Emma

Elizabeth
January 20, 2016 2:58 pm

I found the perfect dress on Pinterest from your site. It is white with a black open back, so romantic. Can you please help me find it? I want to wear it for my wedding. Also, going to order the ACV shampoo. Thank you.

January 25, 2016 10:00 am

[…] delicate items without constant supervision” zones. No more trinkets on the coffee tables. Fireplaces, once safe, are now built into the wall. Even blankets aren’t immune to the destruction of […]

[…] house last year in one fell swoop. Domino covered almost all our projects with the exception of our basement, which will be revealing in its entirety in follow up post. Here are the images Wing Ta, of Canary […]

April 13, 2016 7:30 pm

Hey Kate, we’re remodeling our basement, too. Could you share details on the carpet you installed? Thanks!

Albouri
March 2, 2017 9:39 pm

This piece of junk doesn’t work, its either a defect or installed by immature technicians @ new Richmond home in Castle Rock, CO, every time we turn it on, it heats up the entire wall (10’- high) and heat up the mantel above to the point where you smell burning wood. Sure won’t buy this product again.

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