Are you thinking about upgrading your home outdoors in a stylish and cozy way – but want it to be practical too? Well, we might have the perfect idea for you – an outdoor stone pit or fireplace.
A patio stone fireplace or a pit is amazing for creating wonderful outdoor escapes that are both beautiful and practical. These yard features offer year-round enjoyment, whether you want to emulate that rugged mountain or waterfront setting during summer or enjoy the winter evenings roasting marshmallows with loved ones.
Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits can be designed in a range of styles, from modern to rustic, making them a perfect choice for any homeowner who wants a stylish and classic yard design.
In this article, we share some of the best yard design inspirations donning a stone fireplace as the centerpiece.
Choose an Area that Provides Intimacy and Space
Finding the perfect location and organizing zones within that space is the first and foremost step in creating your outdoor oasis.
You’ll want to locate the fireplace-centered yard area somewhere quiet and private, where you can de-stress and enjoy intimacy without the prying eyes of neighbors or passers-by.
If your yard doesn’t offer much privacy, try to be inventive and leverage landscaping features, such as trees and hedges, to create a hidden outdoor area.
Depending on your fireplace ideas, you can even enclose the space with draperies, outdoor curtains, or a natural curtain of flowers or vines. Covering the deck with a permanent roof is also a great investment for achieving privacy and functionality regardless of the weather.
In terms of organizing the space within the feature, try defining various activity zones within the space before starting any actual work.
Fireplaces and fire pits require empty space for functionality, visual effect, and safety reasons. Plus, you’ll want enough space for lots of cozy furniture to spread out and relax or to invite friends and family over.
Define the Style of Your Fireplace Area
The next step in building your backyard fireplace oasis is finding the design style you want to go with. The area can but doesn’t necessarily need to align with your home or the rest of the yard design-wise. What you should aim for, however, is to create a coherent fire pit area that exudes a certain vibe.
Start with the basics – do you want a traditional, wood-burning outdoor fireplace or a clean and modern vibe with an electric fireplace? Perhaps you’d go for a natural atmosphere, with a stone fire pit surrounded by lush greenery and plant life. Or, you’d maybe want to embellish your fire pit with lava rocks or colored glass for an opulent feel in your yard haven.
As stone fireplaces and fire pits can be built in an array of shapes and sizes – from the common options of circles and rectangles to the intricate designs of firepit walls and built-ins – you should also consider the physical appearance of your area’s centerpiece.
Last but not least – think about all the functionalities you’d want your fireplace patio area to have. For instance, your fire pit feature can be purely decorative, or if you fancy grilling and eating outdoors, you can consider building a full-fledged outdoor kitchen.
Design Your Fireplace Area with the Centerpiece in Mind
Fireplaces and fire pits are natural focal points that help define space. So, once you have determined the design of your stone fireplace, it’s time to move on to styling the remainder of your area.
When buying furniture for your outdoor patio, consider comfort and weather. You’ll want attractive and cozy pieces that will make your time in the yard retreat even more enjoyable – but you should also look out for durable materials that can withstand harsh winters, rainy days, and scorching summer sun.
Opt for comfortable outdoor seating such as a hammock, porch swing, or recliner. If your area is protected from the weather, you can bring some indoor furniture outside and decorate it with pillows, tables, rugs, and chairs. Choose fabrics that dry quickly, are easy to clean, and resist UV rays.
In terms of furniture materials, classic options for outdoor furniture include wrought and cast iron, wrought or cast aluminum, and wood. Moreover, synthetic, weatherproof furniture and fabrics are also good alternatives, especially for areas with milder weather throughout the year.
Finally, decide on your area’s color scheme – or several different schemes based on the season, occasions, or your moods – and decorate with different patterns to add depth and personality to the space.
Add Final Touches to Your Oasis’s Design & Practicality
Once you’ve got your outdoor patio fireplace built and comfy furniture arranged and decorated, it’s time to elevate your haven’s looks with some captivating details and handy items.
For instance, add lighting to create a warm atmosphere and ensure good visibility during evenings spent in your garden retreat. Avoid harsh lights and neon-bright LEDs, and instead go with softer alternatives such as candles, solar landscape lighting, overhead chandeliers, or outdoor paints that emit a glow after being exposed to sunlight.
In addition, you can create a relaxing atmosphere and hide from pesky neighbors by adding music. Whether you opt for an entire outdoor stereo system or a single speaker, the soothing sounds of music will help elevate the relaxing feel of your oasis.
Add lushness and depth to your space with easy-to-grow outdoor plants, or get lost in the soothing sounds of trickling water with a water feature such as a small fountain or a pond. Or, if you’ve envisioned your fireplace-centered patio as a hub for activities and gatherings, install a TV or a cooking station with a fridge and a side burner.
Create shady spots with umbrellas, trees, retractable awnings, or even vine-planted arbors and pergolas. Likewise, consider methods to protect your patio fireplace and furniture from rain and snow, or even ways to enjoy your oasis even in bad weather.
And most important – enjoy the time in your newly created garden oasis with a good book, a fun activity, and great company – and make sure to stay safe when using your stone fireplace or fire pit.