
In some homes (um, including my own), the fireplace mantel, which is often the main focal point in the living room, is piled with photos, candles, coasters — you name it. While it's a logical place to display knickknacks and mementos, often this excess can look cluttered. On the other hand, a spare mantel often looks naked.

You can't have an
endless Summer if your house looks like it's ready for a blizzard; you and your home should live and breathe the warm season until the leaves turn. So, if you've got a fireplace in your home, get to work and clean it! Store your fireplace tools and logs out of sight until next season.

Baby, it's cold outside. And it's cold inside, too. If you have a fireplace in your house, it's most likely going to be seeing a lot of action pretty soon.