I was seduced into the world of salvage architecturals gently - through discovering the minute details that add such incredible charm to Victorian and Georgian fireplaces.
The first of my fireplace loves was in an enormous front room with a windowed ell.
The fireplace stood opposite the ell, and the wooden surround had been painted a creamy white which complemented it rather nicely - not all changes from the original are evil.
A pair of wooden columns rose nearly to the ceiling on either side, and formed two parts to the wooden frame of a crazed mirror set above the mantelpiece.
The mantelpiece itself was unadorned, but the band beneath it was carved with detailed bas relief renderings of stars and moons set in carefully blocked wooden tiles.
It was lovely - but it was what lay in front of and inside the fireplace that truly won my heart.
The fireplace was lined with a heavy, cast iron insert embossed with fiery suns.
It held the heat when the fire was lit, reflecting it out into the room long after there were only embers left in the iron grate.
The hearth was a clear, deep, rich Mediterranean blue, the incredible royal blue of Venetian ceramic tiles, double-glazed and set in a mosaic with veins of gold.
It exactly matched the color of the living room carpeting - so exactly that it was clear some former tenant or the landlord had matched it deliberately.
The appeal of antique fireplaces stems from more than nostalgia.
They have a solidity and an artistry that is characteristic of the crafter's pride that turns a utilitarian device into a work of art.
These days it is all the rage to hark back to 'original' designs and antique fittings in architectural and interior design, and designers spark their rooms with genuine antiques to add flavor to the minimalist style of the last few decades.
The love of period restoration has led many new homeowners to attempt a recreation of their houses' original period furnishings, and there's a bustling business in trafficking salvaged fireplaces and other fittings to completely restore a redesigned building to its original period design and style.
Some are fanatic about matching period pieces precisely to their home.
Others simply want a piece that suits their own fashion sensibilities.
Either way, installing or restoring a fireplace is an excellent way to bring back the flavor of bygone luxury and attention to detail.
It's possible to find complete period fireplaces at architectural salvage yards, or to pick and choose fireplace inserts, surrounds, mantelpieces and hearths to complement your décor.
In addition, you'll find many masonry firms that are expert at reproduction work who can copy any design antique fireplace and install it in your home.
The fireplace is more than just the hearth - it is truly the heart of your room and your home.
By taking care to choose just the right one for your setting, you can bring back the charm and beauty of yesteryear even in the most modern design.