An Outdoor Fireplace Idea to turn up the Heat on Even the Coolest of Summer Nights

Outdoor fireplace ideas are the ultimate way to turn your backyard into an entertaining space, using design to help you build the alfresco living space of dreams

Outdoor fireplace ideas can cater for a range of backyards and budgets. So before deciding on a design, it’s worth considering any specific requirements you might have. For example, a semi-enclosed model, such as a chiminea or ceiling-mounted fireplace, might be a good option for exposed yards and blustery coastal spots, while a simple bowl design could be sufficient in a more sheltered outdoor space.

‘Choosing an outdoor fireplace can also be about more than placement and safety,’ says European Home’s founder Holly Markham. ‘Now, you can find designs that really enhance the beauty of your outdoor space, with organic forms and sculptural features that look just as good when not in use.’ For Holly, a fire is a must-have whether indoors or out. ‘Fireplaces provide a gathering place and appeal to people because of their warmth and visual allure. They encourage conversation and relaxation, and there is simply an emotional and universal draw to fire.’

They are a wonderful companion to an outdoor kitchen, or a place to gather in their own right. But do think about what it takes to run them. When it comes to fuel, a wood-burning outdoor fireplace will bring the atmospheric sounds and smells of a real fire, while a gas-powered model is quick to ignite, smokeless and easy to extinguish. For a more eco-friendly option for your backyard, consider a bio-ethanol model, which has similar features to a gas fire but with the added benefit of a renewable energy source. Whatever fuel you choose, there area wealth of different styles to choose from, whether you go for an off-the-shelf fireplace or a bespoke design. We’ve complied a few to ideas to help you get started below. ‘This contemporary courtyard garden is a peaceful retreat from the city, extending the living space beyond the walls of the house and into the landscape,’ says James Lord, founder/partner of a landscape architecture studio.

Here, a concrete hearth creates a hub for gathering outside on the patio, which is composed of stone slabs interspersed with flowering thyme and sedum plantings. ‘The hearth itself is an abstract composition of pristine white concrete backed by the rippling surface of a black basalt fountain wall that slides behind the flame of the firepit,’ continues James.

‘At night, the courtyard is enlivened by a band of recessed lighting highlighting the floating architectural edges and washing the sunken plantings with light.’

The Most In Demand Bathroom Trend Isn’t What You’d Expect

A recent study revealed that fireplaces rank as the most coveted bathroom feature

All too often bathrooms get neglected in homes flaunting vivid kitchens and showplace living rooms, relegated to uninspiring utilitarian status. But, fueled by a pandemic-era desire to reside in true sanctuaries, the bathroom is quickly morphing into a soothing and spa-like retreat. One of the most dramatic ways to ramp up this underutilized space? An imposing yet serene fireplace. Industry specialists Showers To You dug into the top bathroom trends of the moment, and have found that fireplaces are the most popular bathroom accessory on Pinterest, popping up on 992 boards and garnering 191,178 pins.

Summer is an ideal time to embark on revamps that make way for a fireplace, promising that by the time temperatures start to dip, bubble baths will be accompanied by warm crackling flames. A cozy and characterful focal point, the bathroom fireplace has been embraced by the likes of Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady, who sought out a soft white one for the primary bath of their Los Angeles house by Landry Design Group and Joan Behnke & Associates. AD100 designer Elliott Barnes is also a fan, as evidenced by the mirrored fireplace he incorporated into the bathroom of an Alpine ski chalet.

Thomas O’Brien, founder and president of New York’s Aero Studios, also outfitted the primary bathroom of his Long Island abode in Bellport with a fireplace. Bountiful heat source aside, the allure of this bathroom trend, O’Brien tells AD PRO, is that it’s simply “a beautiful, luxurious thing.” Even the smallest of sitting rooms can benefit from a fireplace, he notes, but in the bathroom, it packs a particularly indulgent punch. “Bathrooms are usually organized around a vanity or tub in the center, but when there’s enough space for it to be a fireplace, then that’s even more special,” he says.

Although they can be factored into renovations, fireplaces are easier to accommodate in new-builds because they can be configured into commodious layouts from the get-go. Most important for all wood-burning fireplaces is ensuring the chimney is in tip-top shape or that a flue system has been properly installed. (Given the abundance of water splashing around near a tub, an electric fireplace is a no-no, and gas fireplaces require the extra hurdle of weaving in gas lines.) But once such logistics are in place, a joyful and gracious mood awaits. O’Brien enjoys peering at his fireplace through the open bathroom door. “It’s at the end of a long view, and even puts it in the bedroom. And it’s a wonderful thing to walk into,” he points out.

As for the style of fireplace most appropriate for a bathroom, it should ultimately reflect the overall aesthetic—or it can be an opportunity to intentionally bring a new layer to a design scheme. “A lot of what I do is helping a client find their way through lots of choices, navigating a way to make classic things feel young and fresh,” O’Brien explains. “Or sometimes people want to have a patterned carpet, but they can’t quite do it, or they are modernist and love a certain antique. I help them find a way to make that language work.” A fireplace is no exception. One behind glass, for example, could brighten a rustic ambiance, or a more formal version paired with artwork could add grandeur. A fireplace, O’Brien says, is another way to help “unlock choices.”

5 Ways to Refresh Your Fireplace on Any Budget

A fireplace facelift can take your living space from "whatever" to "wow!" Whether you’re contemplating a full-on renovation or looking for an easy weekend upgrade, get inspired by these 5 ideas that will transform your hearth to the heart of your decor.

Budget-Friendly: Add a Striking Mantel

This fireplace, seen on HGTV's Fixer Upper, has a wooden mantel that brings warm tones into this space and draws attention to the living room's main feature, the fireplace.

Budget-Friendly: Contrasting Colors

Painting the fireplace surround a complementary shade of slate gray makes it a subtle focal point in this cozy family room.

Budget-Friendly: Reclaimed Rustic

This stunning fireplace was constructed from reclaimed wood, adding a big dose of warmth and drama, while staying true to the rustic, shabby chic style of the room.

Mid-Range: Natural Touches

This fireplace's stone surround lends cottage charm to this cozy and inviting living space.

Mid-Range: Statement-Making Tile

This tiny room by Astleford Interiors is big on style, thanks to the fireplace’s tile surround. Note that with a fireplace this fabulous, it’s best to keep the mantel simple and knick-knack free.