DESIGN YOUR PATIO TO ENJOY A FIREPLACE

Fire pits are common installations for patios — you can even use portable fire pits that you can stash away when they’re no longer needed. Fireplaces represent more of a commitment. With the right design, a fireplace can become the focal point of your outdoor lifestyle in a similar manner to indoor fireplaces. Below are some principles for designing your patio to take advantage of a fireplace.

DECIDE ON A FIREPLACE LOCATION

If you choose a wood-burning fireplace, your location is a little limited because you need chimney ventilation. With a gas or electric fireplace, you can locate the fireplace almost anywhere. One of the most important considerations for location is available space. You need a minimum of 12 feet by 12 feet for a small fireplace and 18 feet by 18 feet for a large fireplace. From there, you want your location to be a spot you'll enjoy using your fireplace. You'll probably use the fireplace as the anchor of an outdoor lounge or kitchen, so look for an area of the patio or yard that can accommodate an outdoor room. Look for an area that will feel cozy.

CHOOSE MATERIALS AND COLORS

Design principles are a little less formal when it comes to outdoor spaces. However, you still want your new fireplace to be cohesive with the rest of the patio. To that end, choose materials that complement the patio. For instance, if your patio carries a homey appeal, consider traditional fireplace materials such as stone and wood. To that end, you want the color scheme of your patio to be cohesive. So if you're choosing stones, make sure they're in colors that match or complement other colors in the patio. For example, echo the cool gray of flagstone pavers with similar-hued stone or even stained concrete for your fireplace surround.

EXTEND THE HEARTH

As noted above, fireplaces are the anchors for cozy spaces. You and your guests will want to gather around the fire for warmth and light. To achieve this mood, consider extending the hearth of the fireplace to make seating. An extended hearth also gives you more décor options. You can flank the firebox with candles for even more cozy appeal or use the space to display sophisticated art. This extended space helps keep your fireplace as a design focal point.

CHOOSE THE SEATING

One of the important considerations for how cozy your outdoor room will be is the furniture you choose for around your fireplace. Naturally, it should be comfortable. Likewise, you want it to fit in with the rest of your décor. Before choosing the seating, you need to decide what the main activities for around the fireplace are. If you're planning on lounging, look for seating that offers reclining options, such as sofas. If you want to entertain, incorporate some smaller seating, as well. You also need tables for setting drinks or even dining — a wide coffee table works well for casual dining around the fireplace.

SECURE YOUR PRIVACY

One of the best ways to ensure you'll enjoy lounging or dining around your fireplace is by making the space private. Of course, you don't want to enclose the outdoor room, thus making it an indoor room. Rather, you want a shield from neighboring or passing eyes. One way to achieve privacy and even a little shade is with a pergola. You can have the contractors build a pergola over your outdoor room and then hang removable screens or other weatherproof fabric for privacy. If you want a structure that's sturdier, consider having contractors build a gazebo around your outdoor room. In that case, try to locate the fireplace so that its back is to the main area of traffic for natural privacy. You'll want the rest of the gazebo to remain as open as possible. Make the most out of your patio by including a fireplace and designing your space around it. Let us at Superior Outdoor Designs help you design your fireplace and its environs.