Now that people are spending even more time at home, why not turn the backyard into a “staycation”-worthy destination? If you’re looking to create a relaxing island theme and you want an outdoor fireplace to be part of the fun, here’s what to consider for your new Northport, NY, landscape design.
Related: ENJOY A SUMMER STAYCATION WITH THE FOLLOWING PATIO DESIGNS IN HUNTINGTON, NY
Bringing an Island Theme to Your Backyard
First, imagine what the perfect island style means to you. Start with the scenery you’d like to re-create. Does island style mean dazzling white sand beaches and turquoise waters on one side and lush, dark-toned greenery on the other? Does it mean rocky cliffs and tan beaches with flowering succulents? Does it involve black and rust-colored lava rock and dark sand beaches?
Once you’ve decided on the main color theme (i.e. bright, mid-tone, or dark) and chosen your dominant colors, the outdoor fireplace design can begin taking shape.
Next, what materials dominate in the island scene you’re envisioning? Does your island have brightly painted stucco houses, or are the houses wood? Are there stone walls? This will guide you toward making the best decision on the face of your fireplace. It’s also a hint at style: modern, relaxed/casual, or rustic.
Choosing the Look of an Outdoor Fireplace
If you love a chic modern style, you could opt for a concrete fireplace. Concrete can be tinted to virtually any color, and while it is generally used to create very basic shapes, you do have lots of freedom with placement of the firebox, mantel (or no mantel), the hearth, and various decorative touches like niches for artwork or lanterns. A bright white concrete fireplace is a bold statement, or you can go more subtle by coloring the fireplace according to the sand from your favorite island, whether it’s a shade of buff, gray, or even black. This style of fireplace can give your island-getaway space a luxury modern resort feel—just add lush plantings, teak furniture, and string lights to complete the look!
If you love the warm, rustic vibe of the Caribbean, you could opt for a stone fireplace in colors that echo the sand you have in your mental image of your perfect island. And if your dream island has cliffs, think about pulling similar colors into your fireplace. A natural stone or manufactured stone veneer lets you design any shape of fireplace and simply clad it to achieve the look you want. Maybe it’s a tumbled stone that gives your fireplace a weathered, “been there forever” look. Maybe it’s a stacked-flagstone look reminiscent of layered sandstone cliffs. Maybe it’s a dark granite face that reminds you of volcanic rock.
Also think about accents. A modern monolithic fireplace will likely not have much in the way of decorations. The beauty is in the simplicity, and the focus is on the materials. It’s easier to add embellishments to a masonry fireplace. Think about any architectural themes you have noticed in the islands you’ve visited—here’s your chance to incorporate them! For example, painted tiles can could serve as gorgeous accents on a tumbled-face fireplace.
Finally, consider having a pergola added over the seating area. The look could be completed with string lights and island decor. You’ll never want to leave!
Related: LANDSCAPE LIGHTING IDEAS THAT ENHANCE AN OUTDOOR FIREPLACE OR FIREPIT ON LONG ISLAND, NY
