Outdoor fireplace designs can range from cozy and relaxing to crisp and luxurious. No matter your taste, one thing is for sure: an outdoor fireplace instantly elevates your home value and functionality by expanding your living space.
Photo: Pinterest
With Fall weather rolling in, it’s nearly time to chop the firewood, grab a chunky blanket, and light up the fireplace. If you are searching for the best designs, search no more! Keep reading for our favorite outdoor fireplace design ideas, tips for making the most of your space, and decor inspiration. It’s time to create a fireplace setting you love.
Outdoor Fireplace Designs: Rustic Fireplaces
Here is an example of a fireplace design that is classified as rustic, but still feels polished and inviting thanks to the decor placed around it.
Photo: Kathy Kuo Home
We all know kicking off colder temperatures with a fire is a must-do in the Lowcountry, and our most common design themes lean towards the rustic style.
You can take your fireside experience to the next level by introducing rustic features and dressing it up or down with the seating and decor you choose. Many new builds in the Lowcountry now include outdoor fireplace designs that incorporate brick or stone.
A popular trend in stone fireplaces (both interior and exterior), and exterior home design is over-grouted stone. Consider your design taste and the material you like the best.
Photo: ChrisLovesJulia.com
If you want to use paint in your design, note that:
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A modern rustic fireplace should have an opaque paint finish, letting the texture be the star.
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A classic rustic fireplace has more of a transparent whitewash finish, emphasizing the paint color with the color of the brick.
For the finishing touch on a classic rustic fireplace, add a wood mantle to your design, or keep it modern without a mantle.
Outdoor Fireplace Designs: Keep it Cozy
Perhaps what we love most about a fire is the warm and cozy feeling they provide. When the temperatures truly dip, bundling up near the fire is a must! Create additional sources for warmth and make your outdoor fireplace as inviting as an interior fireplace by adding comfortable outdoor sofas and loungers, pillows, and poufs to make it feel like a living room.
Add blankets to the seating area and keep natural elements like extra firewood and kindling nearby. You can even add candles for ambiance. Add essential fire tools including a shovel, brush, tongs, and a poker so you are set up for success!
Photo: Skonahem.com
Fireside Musts: Beverages and Accessories
No matter your drink of choice, it’s a well-known fact that fireside sitting must include a beverage! Some staples are, of course, hot chocolate and mini marshmallows, a smooth red wine or apple cider infused with your favorite bourbon. Warm beverages tend to take the spotlight as the weather gets colder, but before things are too chilly, a glass of crisp white wine or ice-cold beer is always welcome too. Depending on the temperature, your fireside snacks will vary. Cool evenings call for charcuterie boards and fresh fruit. Cold nights are made for hot dishes like this buffalo chicken dip recipe we love, or the old classic, s’mores!
Photo: Pinterest
Soften the hard architectural elements of a fireplace with warm lighting from candles, lanterns, blankets, and the beverage of your choosing. For an outdoor fireplace, you might add string lights near the seating area. Floor pillows, ottomans, and poufs and are great extra seating and are easy to move close to the fire to roast giant marshmallows. Remember to add an outdoor rug to tie the whole space together.
Conclusion
An outdoor fireplace design should inspire you to spend more time around the fire. Whether you’re designing something with lots of future hosting in mind, or plan to use it more for your personal escape, make sure you create a sanctuary you love!
Remember, an outdoor fireplace is often the centerpiece of your exterior living room. Be sure to:
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Bring the indoors outside with a stunning rustic outdoor fireplace.
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Comfortable seating is key to your outdoor fireplace setting.
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Add candles, lanterns, and beverages and snacks for the finishing touch on a perfect fireplace experience.
What outdoor fireplace designs and decor do you love the most? Did we miss any must-haves?
Share with us in the comments below!
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