With their name originating from the Finnish word for fire, "palo," Brampton, Ontario-based Paloform makes gas fireplaces from high performance concrete. Though not custom, all items are made to order and manufactured locally. Comprised of a rock-filled clay pot that disguises a burner underneath, its flames just seem to mysteriously emanate from the rocks themselves. Available for around $3,000, this fireplace can be installed in most outdoor spaces. Paloform is reportedly working on a kit that will allow those without a gas pipeline into their backyard—and let's be honest, that's most of us—to operate the fireplace from a remotely located and disguised portable propane tank like those commonly used for barbeques. Photo 17 of 20 in IDS Toronto 2011 by Alexis Leino

IDS Toronto 2011

17 of 20

With their name originating from the Finnish word for fire, "palo," Brampton, Ontario-based Paloform makes gas fireplaces from high performance concrete. Though not custom, all items are made to order and manufactured locally. Comprised of a rock-filled clay pot that disguises a burner underneath, its flames just seem to mysteriously emanate from the rocks themselves. Available for around $3,000, this fireplace can be installed in most outdoor spaces. Paloform is reportedly working on a kit that will allow those without a gas pipeline into their backyard—and let's be honest, that's most of us—to operate the fireplace from a remotely located and disguised portable propane tank like those commonly used for barbeques.