If you are constantly dreaming about fun times spent outdoors with family and friends, why not get a jump start to the outdoor season by focusing on a new outdoor fireplace? With a few ideas, it could become an amazing place to relax and get some fresh air, even when the air is still frosty. Here’s how to get the most use out of your outdoor fireplace this spring in Old Westbury and Huntington, NY, areas.
Be Sure You Have the Right Amenities
Add a few amenities that can make all the difference in turning the fireplace area into “the” place to relax outdoors in cooler weather. Think about the fun you’ll have gathering around your outdoor fireplace if it includes a wood-fired pizza oven, mini-bar, outdoor speakers, or even a big-screen TV.
A pizza oven and a mini-bar can be attached to the side of the fireplace itself using the same materials, effectively making the fireplace larger and creating more of a living room feel. Balance the look with a pizza oven on one side and a built-in mini-bar on the other, and you’ve got an instant focal point. TVs and outdoor speakers do require some protection from the elements, so it’s likely best added to a fireplace that’s sheltered by a pavilion or porch. This could also be an opportune time to add a few low-voltage light fixtures embedded into the masonry for an elegant look.
Add Accents
A weatherproofed art print and a pair of candles or found objects placed on the mantel will ensure the outdoor fireplace takes center stage. Since many outdoor fireplaces are completely open, adding a decorative grate with a mesh screen will add to the elegance, make the fireplace safer when in use, and impart beauty even when the fireplace isn’t in use.
Add a Stone Wall
A wall that extends out from the outdoor fireplace—whether it’s a consistent height or swooping gracefully down to a functional seat wall—could make the space feel even cozier while adding overflow seating for larger gatherings as well as a spot to place colorful potted plants. It can also block frigid winds. A fireplace that’s built into a slope becomes an ideal candidate for a gorgeous terraced masonry wall, where you can add colorful flowers and greenery.
Add Water
Fire and water may be opposites, but they become a perfect pair when it comes to creating drama. A chic water wall placed to one side of your outdoor fireplace can serve both as a focal point as well as a privacy screen, which adds to the coziness of your fire area. A water fountain or small waterfall is a wonderful way to add moving water that will catch the reflection of dancing flames, for a truly stunning focal point.
Caring for the Outdoor Fireplace
First, a little maintenance will extend your fireside enjoyment. If your outdoor fireplace is wood-burning, the flue needs cleaning at least once a season. A clean flue will ensure a good draft that will keep your fire burning hot and minimize smoke. If your outdoor fireplace is natural gas or propane, make sure the elements are clean and free of any debris that might have blown in over the winter.
Related: HOW AN OUTDOOR FIREPLACE CAN BE INCLUDED IN AN ISLAND-STYLE LANDSCAPE DESIGN IN NORTHPORT, NY
