This post is in partnership with Napoleon Fireplaces
What could be cozier or more romantic than a fireplace? The warmth, the gentle glow of the flames and the calm they bring make a fireplace one of the most inviting features in any room.
We recently installed a new gas insert in our living room fireplace, and it has made the space feel so much more welcoming. I’m already looking forward to chilly evenings and quiet winter nights more than I expected.
I’ll be sharing full photos and a complete reveal soon — thank you for sharing our excitement about this update. If you missed my earlier post with the plans and living room mood board, you can catch up on that before the full reveal.
You’ve asked for details about the insert we chose and why, so today I’m sharing the process we followed and the specific model we selected.
We began by exploring Napoleon Fireplace’s website to learn about the types of inserts and styles available. Their selection is extensive, and it can feel overwhelming at first when you’re starting a project you haven’t done before.
That’s why I recommend starting with a reputable brand’s site or visiting a local showroom. Consulting trusted professionals helps you navigate options, clarify safety and compatibility, and understand the installation process from start to finish.
Napoleon works with dealers across the country and internationally, so expert help is usually nearby. I had never purchased a fireplace insert before, so Napoleon’s guidance gave me confidence that we were choosing a safe, high-quality product that would work with our existing fireplace.
Their Fireplace Design Studio online is especially useful for visualizing customization options and how an insert will look in your space. They offer many styles, including outdoor fireplaces, which can spark ideas for other areas of the home.
After getting answers to my questions about models, features, and installation, I felt confident we had picked the right insert for our home.
The first step was scheduling an in-home visit with our installer so they could inspect the fireplace. If you’re in the Seattle area, we used and recommend Sutter Home and Hearth — they were professional and helpful throughout the process.
Our installer sent a clear, detailed email outlining the timeline, the installation steps, and how they would prepare the space to meet our design expectations. Once we signed the contract and paid the deposit, we scheduled cleaning with a local chimney sweep, had an electrical outlet moved inside the fireplace to accommodate the insert, and waited with anticipation for the installation date.
Here are the specifics on the model we chose:
Napoleon Oakville series insert
Model: GDIX4 — we chose this larger premium option for its size and performance.
Interior: Westminster Brick DBPIX4WS brick panel, selected to add subtle architectural character.
Backerplate: LBK3B3047 large 3-sided backerplate (30” x 47”) in black. Our installer modified this slightly to create a custom fit.
Below is a video demonstrating some of the insert’s features.
One feature I love is the remote control. The insert connects via Bluetooth eFIRE and can be operated using a phone app. It’s simple to turn on and off, adjust flame height, and control temperature. You can even schedule it to turn off at a specific time, which is convenient for evening routines.
Fireplaces and inserts can be adapted to many spaces — indoor or outdoor — and they always add warmth and charm to a room.
To inspire ideas, we looked through Napoleon’s gallery for examples of different styles and room uses.
As I write this, I’m sitting beside our newly finished fireplace with the insert in place. It looks beautiful and feels incredibly cozy — exactly what we hoped for.
Thank you for following along and sharing our excitement about this living room update.
I can’t wait to show you the full reveal — stay tuned!
*UPDATE* Ready to see the fireplace REVEAL? We love how this project turned out! Click to see the after.