Today's gas fireplaces are hot with cool designs. Flames that leap from realistic-looking logs, tranquil stones or ceramic glass can warm up any home design.

Last year, nearly 800,000 gas fireplace units were shipped from manufacturers to retailers in the United States and Canada, according to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association (HPBA), based in Arlington, Virginia.

"The gas fireplace has evolved beyond the traditional hearth in the family room," says John Crouch, HPBA spokesman. "You can have the convenience of an instant fire in the fireplace by using a simple remote."

Extinguish any notion that a gas-burning fireplace's options are limited to dismally fake logs placed into an existing masonry firebox. With flames that rival a wood-burning fire, today's contemporary and sleekly designed gas-burning fireplaces can be built directly into a wall.

To achieve the look of cool combustion, many homeowners are turning to a zero-clearance fireplace made of metal with a masonry lining. This fireplace is a self-contained unit that gives homeowners a viable option to add a gas-burning fireplace to their house without a conventional hearth, chimney and flue.

"Many homeowners have zero-clearance model fireplaces installed at eye level in the wall for a modern minimalistic look," Crouch says, "Technology is such that direct-vent fireplaces can actually be part of a wall, acting as a transition from indoors to outdoors, or from one room to another."

Gas direct-vent fireplaces eliminate the need for a chimney and flue and are vented through a horizontal pipe that exits through an outside wall. On front-sealed glass models, all of the air needed for combustion comes from outside the home.

If you find yourself getting fired up for the colder weather, Crouch says today's gas-burning fireplaces can heat up a new or existing home. "A fire in the fireplace just naturally becomes the focal point of a room," he says. "Some gas-burning fireplace units aren't just decorative, they can act as zone heaters."

A sealed-combustion gas-burning fireplace doesn't draw air from a home, and some models can output the heat they generate back into the house. "Not only do you have the beauty of a fire," Crouch says, "but these gas fireplaces have remotes equipped with a timer and thermostat."

Before becoming consumed with an inferno of ideas for fireplace features, Crouch says it's best to involve a professional installer certified by the National Fireplace Institute (NFICertified.org). "You want to consult a local professional to ensure the fireplace feature you want will work in the space," he says. "A certified fireplace professional will make sure it is installed according to the manufacturer's specifications, because you are still dealing with gas and fire."

With enough planning, a fireplace can be located nearly anywhere inside or outside the home. A bedroom's design can be metaphorically set ablaze with a see-through fireplace feature with flames that dance on colored crystals or glass. A see-through fireplace can be floor- or wall-mounted, to serve as a home's hot spot.

Outdoor fire features are a quickly growing segment of fireplace installations, according to Crouch. "Having a fireplace outside is just a natural way to create a warm space for gathering or entertaining," he says. "A fireplace doesn't have to throw heat to be inviting and is always welcoming, no matter the time of year."

Today's gas-burning fireplaces are made to look beautiful with or without the flames dancing, whether they're turned on or off. A dramatic log set arranged in a vertical bonfire fashion serves as a transition to outdoors when placed into a large see-through fireplace wall unit. Nonconventional media used in fireplaces can also have a tranquil effect. Flames emerging from fire-safe rocks or colored crystals/glass -- and not logs -- emulate an Eastern influence.

Still considered the heart of the home, the kitchen can house a hearth when a traditional fireplace can be reimagined into a "fire place." Emulating a kitchen island, a contemporary hearth can be horizontally set onto the floor, which becomes a cool place for families to chill out with flames dancing in a sealed combustion chamber set beneath a countertop.

No matter where a fireplace is located, expect it to bring an elemental experience to your home. "I think being drawn to a fire is in a human's DNA," Crouch says. "Even though the technology and style of fireplaces is changing, a person's reaction to gathering around a fire is still a visceral part of the human experience."

Go With Gas

Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, HPBA.org. Search the STORE LOCATOR under RESOURCES tab for qualified dealers.

Danish "hygge" is huge in American homes embracing a Scandinavian style. The Danish word, pronounced “hoo-gah,” translates to a feeling of coziness, which is evident in Nordic design, says interior designer Bjorn Bjornsson, whose eponymous firm is based in New York City.

"Sunlight and warmth are precious commodities during the winter in Scandinavian countries," says the native Icelandic designer with Danish heritage. "Homes are built to allow in maximum light and accessorized with cozy throws and rugs."

But to focus solely on the light, bright and white elements in a Scandinavian-style home is to miss the essence of a Nordic nest. While this iteration of a minimalistic design has wide appeal, Bjornsson says to capture the Scandinavian spirit, one must go beyond natural wood accents, leggy furnishings and a pared-down color palette.

"Americans are desiring a Scandinavian-style design aesthetic in their homes, but often what they're missing is the functionalism component," Bjornsson says. "Nordic homes are generally small, but every bit of space is put to use, with furnishings that serve many purposes."

To truly nestle into a Scandinavian-style home, one must first clear away the clutter, Bjornsson says. "If you can, walk through your home without any furnishings in it and observe the light. Let the house talk to you, with an eye to bring the outdoors inside," he says. "Resist the temptation to fill up the home with stuff. A true Scandinavian home is filled with people, not possessions."

The overall Scandinavian style can be viewed as both uncluttered and contemporary. There are common elements throughout a Scandinavian-designed home that use simplicity and functionality, complemented with a light color palette, blonde woods, organic patterns and natural fibers, says Abbey Stark, senior interior design leader at IKEA-US.

Swedish-founded IKEA designs and sells ready-to-assemble furniture and home accessories while being one of the most accessible contemporary home-goods retailers in the world. "Scandinavian design is an innovative approach to honest and timeless design," Stark says. "Our Swedish roots influence everything we do through product development ... design is about simplicity and not being overly complicated."

In true Scandinavian style, form follows function. Stark says spaces are planned with function as the foundation of every design, so everything in the home should have a purpose.

Living Light

Keeping it light is a way of life in a Nordic home. Not only are walls painted white, but also, uncluttered areas keep spaces light and airy.

All shades of neutrals are welcome, Bjornsson says, to reflect the waning light during the deepest snows in winter, and also to celebrate the sunlight of summertime.

"Window coverings are either nonexistent or very simple, as you don't want outdoor views to be obstructed," he says. "Tending to indoor plants and having a roaring fire in the winter further enliven a home."

The Kitchen

A Scandinavian-style kitchen is about having beauty on the outside and organization on the inside. Cooking should be fun by having everything exactly where you need it, Stark says.

"The kitchen is the heart of the home, and we are always looking to create the perfect setting for a Fika with family and friends," she says. "Fika. It's a little Swedish word that packs a lot of meaning. On the surface, it refers to taking a break with a cup of coffee and a biscuit or treat. But the tradition of Fika spans countless generations, and in that time it has come to embody fundamental values like togetherness, equality and simplicity."

The cabinetry in a Scandinavian-style kitchen is both accessible and functional, with simple panels that can be covered with chalkboard paint for little artists. Potted herbs give life to the kitchen window and also can be used by the cook when preparing meals.

The Bedroom

The bedroom is meant to be a retreat and place to get a good night's sleep, Stark says. Traditional Nordic bedrooms tend to be smaller than their American counterparts, and are made for rest and recharging.

"The idea is to create a space to relax with cozy bedding, window treatments for light control and task lighting centered above the bed to nestle in with your favorite book," she says.

Common Living Areas

The living room is designed to create a playful, multifunctional space for the family to gather for movies and games. Creating a neutral color palette with furniture allows textiles and rugs to add personality to the space.

The dining table isn't sequestered into its own room that is used only during fancy dinner parties, Bjornsson says. It is set for mealtimes, a communal place for homework, craft projects and friendly card games. "The dining table is the perfect example of a singular piece of furniture having many functions," he says. "In a Scandinavian home, there's always a place at the table, no matter what's going on."

Child's Play

In Scandinavian design, children are integrated into every part of the home, Stark says. "The design should be approachable for children to play and explore by building forts out of blankets and throw pillows," she says, "and being a part of baking cookies in the kitchen."

The foundation for Scandinavian form is comfort, Bjornsson says. "There is a deliberateness in design, because of its simplicity," he says. "A Scandinavian style can be achieved if you're willing to live simply -- with nature and with one another."

A Nordic Nod

-- BjornBjornsson.com

-- Request an IKEA digital catalog at IKEA.com.

"Settling down for a long winter's nap" takes on new meaning with a houseful of guests sleeping over this holiday season. But there are strategies that put to bed any angst one may have surrounding the stay of houseguests, says Heather Turner, based in Enfield, Conn., and spokesperson for the Professional Association of Innkeepers International.

"Having family or friends stay with you for a prolonged period of time can be stressful, no matter who they are or how much you care for them," Turner says. "The holidays can bring up all kinds of emotions, so it's good to share a list of 'House Rules' to manage expectations and help keep peace."

A list of "House Rules" isn't meant to be punitive, but to remind guests to be kind, not argue and agree to be nice. If some guests imbibe too much, a teetotaling time might be the antidote to antisocial behaviors. "When we have guests that come and stay with us, I always have their favorite foods and snacks on hand for a special personal touch," Turner says. "I also make sure to have a basket of amenities in the bathroom, so guests feel at home, even if they forgot a toothbrush or shampoo."

One of the best ways to achieve room-without-board bliss for houseguests is to keep your home organized throughout the year, says Katy Milton, a design consultant with California Closets in San Francisco. "Some people really feel the stress -- especially during the holidays -- if they have to get their house guest-ready," she says. "The key is to keep your house clutter-free and not let the place where guests stay serve as a catch-all room that needs to be cleared out before company arrives."

If the place in which guests sleep is a multipurpose room -- such as a home office -- organize the space like a hotel suite with television, storage and desk. Milton designed a home office space that features a fold-down bed, which is hinged at one end to store vertically against the wall inside framed cabinetry.

"When guests come to stay, you have to also respect their privacy," Turner says. "Clear off the home office desk in the room they're staying in, empty out prescriptions from the guest bathroom's medicine cabinet and be aware of any food or pet allergies."

To set up a successful strategy for visitors, it's more manageable to organize your home room by room.

The Guest Bedroom/Bathroom

Homeowners can have a suite setup for the guest bedroom -- regardless of its size -- by focusing first on the bed.

Clean guest towels and sheets are essential, even if the bed is a pullout sofa. Turner also goes the extra mile with a noise machine and aromatherapy in her designated guest room. "The closet is stocked with extra pillows and blankets, so guests can be comfortable in bed," she says. "There's also a dresser and hangers for guests to place clothing and their belongings during their stay."

Other items to consider when outfitting the guest bedroom/bathroom include:

-- A reading light with optional books/magazines.

-- An alarm clock.

-- Robes and slipper socks that guests can take home with them.

-- A cellphone charging station, or easy access to electrical outlets.

-- In addition to an amenities basket filled with toiletries in the bathroom, also have a first-aid kit available.

-- For families with children, a small toy box and extra baby wipes make for good, clean fun.

The Laundry Room

A household can run without a wrinkle if the laundry room is organized when guests extend their stay. Give guests the option to do their laundry, should they need clean clothes.

When cleaning up after houseguests, Milton says it's important to organize the guest room sheets and towels. "After washing guest linens, fold and store them together, separately from the rest of the household's laundry," she says. "That way, if guests happen to drop in, there's no guessing about what linens are needed for the guest room."

The Kitchen

The kitchen's larder is living large when it comes to a hospitable stay for guests. Knowing dietary restrictions or preferences makes it easier to feed guests, or allows guests to help themselves. Guests can grab between-meal snacks and breakfast items on their own.

When it comes to drinks, set up a coffee bar and have favorite nonalcoholic drinks stored in a minifridge. In an effort to promote more schmoozing and less boozing, have a preferred wine or beer on hand, but don't overload the liquor cabinet, Turner says.

The Living Room/Computer Station

Gatherings with family and friends can be hardwired for fun, especially when watching the big game or a movie together. To help guests plug in, be sure to:

-- Share your home's Wi-Fi password.

-- Show guests how to operate "smart" televisions, providing passwords for streaming services.

-- Allow access to your home printer so guests can print out documents or tickets as needed.

Entire House

Whole-house accommodations for guests can include a thorough baby-proofing by covering outlets and providing gates near stairs. It can also mean restricting areas pets may go in the house if guests are allergic or uneasy around animals.

Turner says the secret to a successful stay is to be a good guest as well, and to offer to help the host with household tasks.

"As a host, you plan what you can, but go with the flow when it comes to having guests," she says. "Above all, try to keep a sense of humor and really enjoy the people who are visiting you, because when you're relaxed, guests feel like they can relax, too."

The Guest Go-To

-- Go to CaliforniaClosets.com or call 888-336-9707, and request a free closet consultation.

-- Professional Association of Innkeepers International, www.PAII.com