This post is in partnership with Napoleon Fireplaces
What could be cozier or more romantic than a fireplace? Few things compare to the comfort of a warm hearth and the calming glow of dancing flames.
After installing a new gas insert in our living room fireplace, the space feels impossibly cozy. I’m more excited for colder months than I ever expected.
I’ll share the full reveal soon and include lots of photos. Thank you for sharing our excitement for this project. If you missed my earlier post about our plans and living room mood board, you can catch up on the original post.
Many of you have asked about inserts and why we chose the specific model we did. Today I’ll outline the process, the options we considered, and details about the model we selected.
When we first explored adding an insert to our existing fireplace, we started by browsing Napoleon Fireplace’s website to learn about styles, sizes, and features. Their catalog includes many appealing options, which can feel overwhelming at first when you’re new to this kind of project.
That’s why I recommend beginning with a reputable brand site or visiting local showrooms. Consulting with professionals helps you understand compatibility, safety, and the best choices for your home.
Napoleon works with dealers nationwide and internationally, so help is available no matter where you live. I had never purchased an insert before, so Napoleon’s guidance and the expertise of local dealers were invaluable. I wanted a reliable, high-quality model that would be safe and suitable for our existing chimney and opening.
They also offer a Fireplace Design Studio online tool that lets you explore customization options and visualize how an insert will look in your space. The variety inspired other ideas too—like the possibility of an outdoor fireplace for a patio or yard.
Once my questions about models, features, and installation were answered, I was confident we’d found the right insert for our home.
The first step was scheduling an on-site visit from our installer so they could assess the fireplace and take measurements. If you’re in the Seattle area, we used and recommend Sutter Home and Hearth—their team was professional and helpful.
Our installer sent a detailed follow-up outlining the installation process, timeline, and how they would prepare the space to meet our design expectations. We signed the contract, submitted a deposit, and arranged a chimney cleaning with a local sweep. We also had an electrical outlet moved inside the fireplace to make room for the new insert and then awaited the installation date.
Here are the specifics on the model we chose:
Napoleon Oakville series insert
Model: GDIX4 — we selected the larger premium model for its size and performance.
Interior panel: Westminster Brick DBPIX4WS for added architectural character.
Backerplate: LBK3B3047 (Large 3-sided backerplate 30” x 47”) in black finish — our installer modified this slightly for a custom fit.
The insert includes several convenient features that made it a great choice for us.
I particularly love that it comes with a remote and connects via Bluetooth eFIRE, allowing control from a phone app. It’s simple to turn on and off, adjust flame height, and control temperature. The timer setting to automatically turn the unit off at a set time is especially handy.
Fireplaces and inserts can transform any space—indoors or outdoors—and add instant warmth and character to a room.
Below are images that provided inspiration while we planned our project:
As I write this, I’m sitting beside our finished fireplace with the new insert—it’s exactly what we hoped for: beautiful, efficient, and incredibly cozy.
Thank you for sharing in our excitement about this update to the living room.
I can’t wait to show you the full reveal—stay tuned!
*UPDATE* The fireplace reveal is now live and we love how the project turned out.