San Francisco - January 31, 2006

Friendly Fire

EcoSmart Cube Fireplace

You were always told: Never play with fire.

And besides a few mishaps (busted lighting up in stall No. 1, losing an eyebrow over the ignition of a sparkler), you did all right following that rule.

But now that you’re older, the rules have changed.

Especially in the case of the EcoSmart Fire Cube. An environmentally friendly, freestanding fireplace, it’s the perfect way to add warmth to your house, apartment, office, bar, or restaurant. The ultramodern design will fit in perfectly with all those mid-century furnishings while providing a safe place to snuggle up and make s’mores.

Crafted from a stainless steel firebox with a cutout to accommodate the burner, it comes in a bevy of colors such as Milton Moon, Mud Puddle, Rust Brown, Soft Steel, and Wayward Gray.

Of course, it’ll cost you upward of $6,600. But with design this appealing, that can only mean one thing.

A surefire investment.

Available at The Magazine, 1823 Eastshore Highway, between Hearst Avenue and Virginia Street, Berkeley (510-549-2282 or themagazine.net).