The gold trim on all Country Stoves is non-tarnishing, 24 karat gold plate and is warranted for the life of the stove or fireplace. Gold adds a degree of elegance to the interior of a house and is a traditional companion to black. As with most of the Designer Series fireplaces many color combinations are avaliable (see Bay Face in nickel trim.) The Bay opening provides a three-dimensional effect that brings the fireplace out from the flat surround and into the room a few inches. It also provides a view of the fire from a wider range of angles within the room.