An outdoor fireplace is an exciting addition to your patio because it makes that space a lot more inviting. Having a source of warmth means you can spend more on your patio, and the fireplace will naturally become a point of focus, and guests will want to gather around it.
Here are some fireplace landscape design ideas to consider if you want to upgrade your patio.
Stones and Rocks
Stones are a popular material for built-in fireplaces and freestanding designs. Beige or gray stones help create a rustic look and require little maintenance.
If you want to have a stone fireplace installed, you can design your patio and garden around that material. Stones and rocks can become recurring motifs in your landscape design.
Look for stones and rocks that are similar to the ones used for your fireplace. Working with similar colors will help establish a motif, and you can add some diversity by playing with different shapes and sizes.
That approach will help your fireplace blend in with the rest of your outdoor space. If you want your fireplace to become a statement piece, limit your use of rocks and stones to a few accents and prioritize using wood to create a more noticeable contrast with the fireplace.
Here are different ways of using stones and rocks to create a pattern in your landscape design:
- You can use stones for your patio floor.
- You can carve a sitting nook out of stone.
- You can incorporate stones into your patio with a limestone countertop, or choose a dining table with a stone surface.
- Stone paths are a subtle way of adding stones throughout your landscape. You can create a natural connection between the fireplace or patio and the rest of your garden by using a stone path or some stone stairs.
- Replace mulch with small stones if you have any flower beds near the fireplace.
- You can create a container garden with some rocks. It’s something you can build near the fireplace.
- If you want an original landscape, think about creating a rock garden.
- If you have a large garden, you can add a boulder as a focal point.
- You can use rocks to create a pond border if there is water in your landscape.
Using stone and rocks for your outdoor fireplace landscape design will instantly create a natural look. You can complete that look with wood furniture, and emphasize the natural aspect of your design by incorporating plants into the space that surrounds your fireplace.
Designing with Bricks
Bricks are another popular for outdoor fireplaces. They create a rustic feel, and the rich color of that material creates an interesting contrast with the green of the vegetation.
If you want an outdoor fireplace with brick, there are different ways of incorporating that material in your patio and garden to create a landscape that feels consistent.
You can also pair bricks with tiles that have a similar color or use wood furniture and accents with a rich brown color that will complement the red color of the bricks.
Look for lighter accent pieces that will complement the bricks. You can add furniture and décor items with a cream color for a soft touch, or opt for colors like yellow or light green for a modern result. Colors like brown and gray will bring out the earthy tones of the bricks but could darken your patio if you overuse them.
Keep these colors in mind when designing your garden. Think about planting yellow flowers near your brick fireplace, and don’t hesitate to use soil or mulch as a design element that will match the color of the bricks.
Here are some ideas for designing with bricks:
- You can create an original transition between your home and patio, or between your patio and garden with some brick steps.
- You can use bricks or tiles with a similar color for your patio floor.
- Make the fireplace the focal point of an outdoor kitchen built with bricks.
- Build a low wall with bricks to create a separation between your patio and garden.
- You can build a bench with some bricks, and upgrade it with some comfortable cushions.
Freestanding Fireplaces
A freestanding fireplace is a convenient option if you have a small patio. It’s a versatile design choice since you can pick the location of your fireplace and design a space around it.
You can choose to have the fireplace built away from your home to create a secluded patio. That design choice gives you the possibility of creating a patio with a clear separation from the inside of your home, which means you can design it without taking the décor and theme of your home into consideration.
You can pick a spot that is further into your garden and choose to incorporate natural elements into your patio area. Garden fireplace ideas include clearing a space in the middle of your garden and connecting it to other areas with stone paths or blending your patio with your garden by adding some planters around your fireplace.
You can emphasize the natural feel of your outdoor space by adding some flower beds around your fireplace. Planters with shrubs and small trees are another option to explore, but keep in mind that plants should be a few feet away from the fireplace for safety reasons.
You can place some comfortable chairs around your freestanding fireplace to create a place you can use for entertaining guests or opt for a bench or couch to create a space that feels more romantic.
Designing a Rustic Outdoor Living Space with a Fireplace
Choosing a rustic theme for your fireplace landscape design is an excellent option because a stone or brick fireplace will instantly help create the rustic feel you are looking for. It’s a style that will help you create a cozy and inviting outdoor space.
You can use wood, stone, or tiles for your patio floor. We recommend using wood furniture because it’s versatile and durable. You can incorporate additional wood accents in your designs, like wood railings, or a pergola supported by wood columns if you want something more original.
Choose wood that looks natural. Look for furniture with a rough finish and with the natural color of the wood still visible. Polished or varnished wood will take away from the rustic feel.
You should make nature an important part of your design. You can add some planters to your patio, choose some décor items with a nature theme, or look for green décor items.
Remember that rustic design is about comfort. Prioritize making your patio into a space where you will enjoy relaxing and socializing. Think about items that will make that space feel cozy and complement the warmth from your fireplace, such as lights and cushions.
Create a Modern Outdoor Space
The right fireplace can add a touch of modernity and style to your outdoor space. A modern outdoor fireplace can mix traditional materials like stones and bricks with an original shape. You can, for instance, find horizontal fireplaces that emphasize geometrical shapes.
You can also find original materials like polished stones and reflective surfaces. A darker material is a great option if you want a fireplace that will create a modern look for your patio.
There are different options to explore if you want a modern fireplace. You can opt for a built-in fireplace with an unusual shape and build a cozy nook around it with minimalist furniture.
One of the best outdoor fireplace ideas on a budget is to build a small freestanding fireplace and add some minimalist furniture around it.
You should also consider a fire-table. A fire table is an original accent piece that will instantly create a modern look for your outdoor space. You can use it as a central element to design a modern outdoor dining area.
You can design around your modern fireplace by playing with empty spaces, lines, and geometrical shapes. We recommend adopting a minimalist approach if you want an outdoor space that feels modern.
Here are some fireplace landscape design ideas to explore if you want a modern result:
- Opt for furniture with darker colors and simple lines.
- You can add a few colorful pieces of furniture as accent pieces.
- Look for décor elements like wall art, lamps, sculptures, or planters with an abstract theme.
- Look for an original way of incorporating nature into your outdoor space, for instance, with hanging planters or some flower beds that run through your patio.
- Exotic plants are an original way of sprucing up your modern patio.
- Building your patio around a bar with a reflective countertop can feel very modern and original.
- A multi-level patio can have a modern feel if you emphasize geometric lines and empty space.
Even though modern design uses minimalist lines and geometric shapes, keep in mind that comfort is important for your outdoor space. Your fireplace will provide you with light and warmth, but don’t hesitate to add elements like colorful cushions to make that space feel more comfortable.