For the last 30 years, I've attended the fireplace industry's annual show.  The location changes every year...this year was Salt Lake City. Here are the things that made the biggest impression on me...

(click on photos for product link)

New Glass Burner System

G21 Glass Burner system by RH Peterson

Glass burners have been around for a while now, but this is one of the coolest ones I've seen yet. The valve is completely hidden by the stainless steel base, and with the optional polished stainless steel 3 panel fireback, the visual treat of fire and glass is amazing.  

New Line of Contemporary Fireplaces

CML-58 Modern Linear Fireplace by Stellar

  Newcomer, Stellar Hearth Products, has created some of the most innovative, out of the box, wild, contemporary gas fireplaces I have ever seen. Shards of jagged glass accented by various colors of LED lighting make these vibrant, high energy fireplaces challenge the imagination. The creative use of angled reflective inner panels make the burners appear to stretch out to infinity...pretty cool stuff.... plus a Vesta Award in their first try!!!!

H4 Contemporary Fireplace by Valor

    The entire line of gas fireplaces and inserts by Valor has been reinvigorated with a collection of fresh, clean lined, contemporary styles. In a few short years, they've morphed from a stodgy old world look into one of the smartest lineups in the industry.  The new linear fireplace shown this year, with its beige ribbed interior and rock and driftwood base is understated and very appealing.

  

click on the image below to view this year's Vesta Award winners