Extend Your Living Space With an Outdoor Fireplace
Increase square footage and enjoyment of your home with an exterior fireplace for a patio or backyard
Houzz Contributor. Shane Inman is president and senior principal interior designer of The Inman Company. After earning a B.A. in interior design from Michigan State University, he started his career specializing in custom kitchen and bath design. He is a certified interior designer by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ), a certified kitchen designer by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) and also holds the highest-ranking memberships with the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA).
Houzz Contributor. Shane Inman is president and senior principal interior... More »
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From rooftop terraces to backyard sanctuaries, a fireplace can transform an ordinary outdoor space into a true extension of your home. Whether you want to entertain friends or add some mild-weather square footage for the family, the flickering flame of a fireplace can add to your home's value and enhance your ability to enjoy it year-round. These exterior architectural elements can be designed in all shapes, sizes and styles to complement your home perfectly.
Take a trip through these backyards to inspire your own outdoor fireplace design.
Take a trip through these backyards to inspire your own outdoor fireplace design.
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| Significant seating. Ample seating built around the fireplace helps make use of an outdoor space on chilly nights. Tip: Put blankets or bench cushions on your hearth as a layer between bodies and the hard and chilly stone. |
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Double sided. Light and airy, this fireplace has an enlarged opening that makes it seem barely there. This design allows you to enjoy the fire's heat from both sides.
Tip: A large opening and clear views like this mean you can sit by the fire while watching your kids in the pool.
Tip: A large opening and clear views like this mean you can sit by the fire while watching your kids in the pool.
| Tall and stately. The tall exterior chimney of this home includes a quintessential brick and mortar fireplace. The simple style is classic and durable. Tip: If you don't like the rustic or classic look of standard brick, talk with a designer or contractor about possibly painting your brick fireplace. |
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| Architectural element. This home's roof extends into an integrated built-in fireplace that had to have been planned from the blueprint stage. Tip: If you live in a warmer climate, building an outdoor space into your home's design will have potential buyers running for their checkbooks. |
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| Outdoor living room. This outdoor living space feels just like an indoor living room. The fireplace acts as a focal wall but still allows for an open space. Tip: Even with simple architecture, an outdoor fireplace can be customized and accented with the choice of surround and mantel materials. |
by Milieu Design
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Fully integrated. This outdoor fireplace fits seamlessly into the backyard garden with the built-in overhead pergola. The shady addition makes this a great space to spend time in, day or night.
Tip: Plants can help add color to a sparse patio design. If a built-in pergola isn't for you, try integrating pots with colorful flowers.
Tip: Plants can help add color to a sparse patio design. If a built-in pergola isn't for you, try integrating pots with colorful flowers.
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by Tracy Stone AIA
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| Low lying. Forgo the traditional fireplace for a modern in-ground version instead. Tip: Consider your family's needs. Although this fireplace is beautiful, it isn't particularly kid friendly. |
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| Two for one. These homeowners turned their retaining wall into a fireplace. A sunken sitting area and stepping stones transform it into a private sanctuary. Tip: Be open minded when it comes to location. There's no rule that says the fireplace has to be under a patio or on a porch. More: 3 Unexpected Reasons to Have an Outdoor Fireplace |
Ideabook updated on Dec. 19, 2012.
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We are removing a free-standing outdoor fireplace as part of a larger remodel and expansion project next year. It would be nice to see some Houzz articles that address environmental rules and restrictions that are becoming more common.