Luckily things have changed a lot and there are some incredibly stylish modern, fluless, smokeless fireplaces in contemporary designs that can totally revitalise your home and breath some new life into the winter months. Something that isn't quite so timeless is tying up your boots, grabbing your axe and heading into the forest for firewood. It's sad but it's true, the days are getting shorter and our coats are getting longer as the cold weather draws in, and we're all looking at a sprawling, frosty stretch of winter. First of all, forget daryl and tinder and think bio ethanol fuel, the modern smoke and scent free alternative to timber that means you can have a roaring fire at the flick of a switch. Combine this with breathtaking modern design and you've got the perfect centrepiece for your home. The idea of coming in from the cold to curl up in front of the fire like a house cat is a timeless one. Those blustery journeys home are sure to get trying as the months wear on but it'll make coming home all the more satisfying.

There's a huge range of contemporary pieces on offer from the high end furniture retailers with some fantastic designers putting them together.