(ARA) - Realtors know that fireplaces are one of the most popular amenities buyers look for in a home, whether that fireplace is wood-burning or gas powered. They add a homey touch and are a perfect place to display family photos and holiday decorations. But adding a fireplace can be expensive. And if you rent, chances are your landlord wouldn't be too excited about you doing major construction.

Luckily, there is a simple and relatively inexpensive way to add the charm and architectural interest of a fireplace to your home. Milestone Architectural Ornamentation www.milestoneltd.com specializes in custom cast limestone fireplace surrounds. While these surrounds are intended to enhance the look of existing fireplaces, they work equally as well to create the illusion of a fireplace where none exists.

"Many of our smaller fireplaces would fit perfectly into an apartment," says company CEO Melody Brenna. "Simply attach the fireplace to the wall, add some decorative accents and you have a new focal point for your room for around $500."

Here are some suggestions to help you get the most mileage out of your faux fireplace.

1. "Make sure the fireplace is in scale with the room," advises Brenna. She recommends her company's Seattle, Capri and Boston models for smaller spaces.

2. The fireplace style should complement the architectural style of the building or room it is in. For example, the neoclassic elements of the Boston make it a good fit for traditional homes, while the clean lines of the Seattle model adapt to many different styles.

3. Enhance the effect of your fireplace by adding a candelabra where the logs would go in a real fireplace. Adding a decorative fire screen takes the illusion a step further. Or, find an artistic friend to paint the illusion of firebrick and stacked wood in the opening.

4. Accessorize your fireplace - hang a piece of art or a mirror over the fireplace, create a tableaux of photos or display your collection of blown glass on the mantel.

5. For the holidays, drape greenery across the mantel and hang sparkling ornaments from it for a festive effect. You can also use the mantel or the floor in front of the fireplace to set up a snow village. And of course, where else would you hang your stockings?

"Thanks to our patented lightweight masonry, these fireplaces are easy to install. Our ornamental stone rivals the beauty of natural stone in texture and touch, without the weight" says Brenna. Milestone's natural veining is simple to glaze, creating an antique patina that will enhance any décor.

For more ideas on how a fireplace can enhance your home, visit www.milestoneltd.com.

Copyright © 2005, ARA Content

Sponsored content provided by ARALifestyle. Copyright ARAnet, Inc.