Now, having a design business and having incorporated many fireplaces into my clients’ homes, they don’t have quite the same place in my heart. With the added costs and headaches that come with incorporating a fireplace into a home, it sometimes can be more of a stress than a happy warm feeling.

Having said this, I recently came across a new product out on the market called The Bioflame. This product was just introduced in Calgary a few months ago and is making a huge splash in the interior design world and I thought it was time to introduce it to you. More of a fire ‘feature’ than a fire ‘place’ they make a huge impact in any space and provide a gorgeous focal point. It is form and function at its best — one of the main design rules to live by.

The eco-friendly aspect of these fire features is what immediately caught my attention. Because they burn ethanol, and not gas, they have no by-product and no smell. Ethanol is a clean-burning, high octane, renewable fuel additive made from grain or other biomass sources. It has recently been highlighted in the green community as a great renewable fuel and is being used quite frequently. I love the idea of using this fuel as a source of heat, warmth and beauty.

We all know time is money in design, so it’s an added bonus that installation of these units is a snap. Taking only a few screws to install, they are really hassle-free. They require no venting and cut large-scale renovation costs down significantly. In fact, you could even install one yourself if you’re the DIY type — adding up to a great cost savings to those wanting a space with a fire feature.  

For those that live in small spaces, or that rent, this is great because you can literally take it with you when you move. All it takes is a few simple repairs of the holes that you made with the screws to make the wall look like there was nothing on it. It really can’t get much simpler than that! When comparing the cost of getting a fireplace installed to that of getting The Bioflame, there really is no comparison.

The clean and modern esthetic of these fireplaces also lends them to any kind of décor. There are currently 12 models available with many more designs to come. There are also models that are appropriate for outdoor use, as they are made with powder-coated steel bases and frames. With the recent focus being on outdoor spaces and how to bring your indoors out, this is the perfect solution to add some warmth to your outside space.

There are always new and innovative products coming out as far as design is concerned, but this one is definitely one of my personal favourites. In fact, I’d even go so far as to say I feel that one should be in every home because of the unbeatable combination of its clean and modern look, eco friendliness, and ease of installation. It would add much needed warmth and character to any space.
Happy Decorating!   NL

Editor’s note:
You can check out The Bioflame for yourself at the Premiere Interiors showroom at 7144 Fisher Steet S.E.


Alykhan Velji
Having a successful design career for the last five years, Alykhan Velji has definitely made a name for himself on the Alberta design scene. Coming in as one of the top three finalists for HGTV’s Designer Superstar Challenge in 2006 and then landing a role as a Stylist/Design Assistant on The Style Dept. also was a great boost to his career.

As well as having his own design business, Alykhan Velji Design, Alykhan has been featured in many local and national publications, offering his expertise on design and trends. Finding inspiration in his travels and keeping abreast with the design industry’s new and innovative trends ensures his design esthetic is always fresh, all the while remaining original and timeless. In its fourth year as a design firm, Alykhan Velji Design specializes in both residential and commercial projects.

www.alyveljidesigns.com