Don’t you just love the feel of a glowing fire as flames lick the air and project that special glow on everything around? Isn’t even better when that fire is outside, warming an inspiring outdoor living space and taming the winter chill in the air?
Here are a few beautiful outdoor living spaces that use fire as a centerpiece of the design. Maybe you’ll find an idea that’s perfect for your next remodeling project!
1.
photography by DAVID TSAY – Domino.com
This beautiful outdoor space has more than just fire going for it! I love the use of a natural stone retaining wall behind the weatherproof sofa. The copper tiki torches also provide an easy touch of light and warmth.
As for the fire itself, I’m thinking that we’re looking at a custom gas fire in a custom cast concrete vessel filled with lava rock… cool!
2.
Conrad Romano Architects — Houzz.com
If I were fortunate enough to find myself kicking back in this inviting Washington home, I’d have a hard time deciding what to keep my eyes on, the beautiful fire, the open Sound beyond, or the craftsmanship of the design and building work. One unique feature you might have missed is how the firebox is significantly taller than it is wide, an unusual shape that fits well with the vertical lines of the columns.
3.
Stregis Deer Valley — Gallery
Get out! This is so beautiful I think I’m going to have to go see it in person next month when I’ll be in Utah for a conference. This is a perfect example of the creativity you can employ when using a gas fueled outdoor fire. The only limit is your imagination, your budget, and ease with which heavy equipment can access your back-yard… I’m thinking boulders like that big one require a crane. Just close your eyes while they lift it over the house.
4.
Outdoor living doesn’t have to be ornate to be comfortable. It also doesn’t always require a contractor and a convoy of excavation equipment. Fire pits like this one can be found ready-to-go… just set it in place and hook up a gas line.
5.
Little details make so much difference. You might have to twist your brick mason’s arm a little to get him to run the firebrick in a herringbone pattern like this one. Maybe you can make life easier by finding a pre-fab unit that comes with this design already done! In any case I love the use of lanterns close on either side of the fireplace and the subtle theme consistent between the circular brick paver pattern in the floor along with the arch top (and beautiful Keystone) of the fireplace.
6.
This is the backyard at my Sedona house… the one on the golf course… oh wait, that was a dream I had last night. That wasn’t real. But this beautiful fire ring is real and the concentric circular stone wall/bench is a perfect way to make use of deck space that wouldn’t be wide enough for furniture.
7.
A similar circular bench built into a retaining wall… but it seems a tiny bit too narrow to me. Maybe that means I should hit the gym a little more?
8.
Natural stone is one of those materials that seems like it’s just 100% foolproof. Use it anywhere and it always looks good. In this natural hillside setting, you can’t go wrong!
9.
Adjacent landscaping can utterly transform an outdoor living space. This area has fire, water, and secret garden paths… it’s like a fairy tale!
10.
Suburban DC Residence — Houzz.com
Integrating the fireplace directly in with the stepped retaining walls creates a real work of masonry art while also carving out what must be a dramatic and comfortable place to enjoy an outdoor evening.
11.
The recent addition of a day dock at the end of our street has the boat dwellers parking nearby. I told Kim I thought it was kind of cool, sort of like living at a marina… but not as cool as this! Boats, fire, and smooth polished stone. What more could a guy want?
12.
Another example of the circular bench/wall. The benefit of this type of design is it reduces the need for outdoor furniture which usually doesn’t stay looking beautiful forever.
13.
Take note of the roof in the background. While some of the properties featured in this list are obviously amazing in-and-of themselves, you don’t need a million dollar lot to have beautiful outdoor spaces. This space could as easily be in the corner of a five acre lot as the entirety of a garden courtyard of a home with little to no outdoor space. It’s a great looking design for sure.
14.
Every now and then I have to cry Photoshop! Is this real? If it is, I certainly wouldn’t be able to let my blind dog loose in this backyard. Why not raise it up?
15.
16.
A chunky fireplace like this one can provide more than fire. Placed strategically it creates a visual barrier between the seating area and the adjacent backyard neighbors.
17.
This is up my ally. I like, no.. LOVE, cozy spaces like this that are tucked into a small bit of space the less visionary person might consider unusable. Besides… I’m a sucker for tiki-torches on bamboo poles.
18.
This picture is clearly squeezed a bit… but I wanted to point out the awesomeness… take note of the State Park style fire grill grate! Oh yeah!
19.
I know we’re talking about fireplaces and this one is really nice… but check out that floor! Some of those slate tiles must be at least 36″ long and don’t miss the cool juxtaposition of materials in the use of a brick border for the slate floor.
20.
This picture reminded me that, if you make it wide enough, the edge of your fire feature can be useful. Plates, drinks, and feet can all prop nicely upon the edge of this one.
21.
blog.diynetwork.com on Pinterest
If you have the space for it, consider moving your fire feature a good distance from the house. While it may seem like an extra walk, there is something special about looking back upon your house in the evening with the lights on inside. It gives you an appreciation for the home. You also gain an entire extra room by creating a space removed like this.
22.
Once again I digress from the real point, which is the fire feature. Take note of the corrugated plastic above the trellis-like roof framing. It creates an outdoor area that is filled with light and feels open, but is still protected from rain or snow.
23.
Give me a break.
24.
So here’s what I’m wondering… does this awesome metal cauldron of a firepit have some words cut into the lip? How cool is that! And don’t miss the foot-rest ring built right in. Custom all the way. Love.
————–
There you have it… two dozen beautiful outdoor fire centered living spaces. I’m thinking I might have to put a fire in mine tonight!
You might also enjoy these posts here on RemodelingGuy.net:
Outdoor Living: Fireplaces, Showers, and More!