Thanks Christopher_H - i just posted on home decorating forum.

Check out Dimplex.com, they have many electric fireplace units as well as many fireboxes to choose from and mount on the wall. You can most likely find a local dealer to see in person. We recently had a custom light natural maple credenza made from an Amish company and had a Dimplex firebox installed in it. It needs no special venting because the hot air blows out the front into the room but it does require a separate line due to the heat fan (if you don't use the heat fan, then maybe you won't need the separate line). We have clear glass beads on the bottom of the firebox and it is essentially an LED light show! We actually have a wall mount firebox installed in a piece of furniture. http://dimplex.com/en/fireplaces/wallmounts We never thought we'd use the heat element, but we have used it once or twice and it works great. Honestly, we are so happy with our finished product, decorating our FL condo is still a work in progress, but here is what we have so far. I know its not really what you're looking for, but just an FYI. I wish the pic would show off the flame/lights as they really look, we think they're beautiful.

The Wedgwood vase is very pretty - it reminds me of the startup silhouette on the Kindle app. But the Beagles Biscuit tin is perfect! Raboo - my Lab chooses to spend part of her day and every night in her crate. And we haven't closed the gate in over 4 years. It's right in the kitchen where she feels like she's in the center of all the activity. She loves it, it's her den and her favorite snoozing place. We have dog beds in the study and family room too - but she still prefers her crate.

This really calls for some time on Craigslist to see what type of stuff you have locally--you may be able to save a lovely piece from being painted aqua. Even if you have to poke holes in the back for ventilation and cords. A lot of older buffets/sideboards (1940sish) have that simple Duncan Phyfe style that blends in with traditional settings and no legs. I don't suppose you can fit an art deco popup bar into your decor can you?