What does "code" require? Did your plumber make recommendations?

Why would the code or plumber care whether the decorative part is logs, balls, or glass?

http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/irc/2012/icod_irc_2012_24_sec030.htm

Isn't a chimney a vent?

Here is what the question is about.

As for Fred's comment on why I asked about code and your plumber's input, I would never presume to know your specific municipal codes. You want to make sure that you are not going to be in violation, whether you are installing a new fireplace or replacing one.

And a chimney is not a vent it is a flue.

So, back to your dilemma, With no glass doors reflecting, I think you could do the glass rocks. Actually, I think it would be quite nice. You already have lots of stone/brick. I was just at a beautiful resort in VT with the glass rocks in the fireplace. Lovely.

I see the light ;)
"With no glass doors reflecting, I think you could do the glass"

The glass pebbles/rocks are lovely. Those fire balls look like the cannonball pyramids you sometimes see at national monuments.

I would do logs, but I'm a traditionalist. The glass does look pretty. The balls.....no.

Yeah I'm a traditionalist too, and this is a pretty traditional looking fireplace (vs modern or contemporary). I vote for logs.

My design suggestion is to go with logs. While I enjoy adding a touch of the unexpected into my projects, this is not where I'd do it.

hi--what did you end up doing with this? I'm finding myself in a similar bind!!!