3 Unexpected Reasons to Have an Outdoor Fireplace
Sure, their enchanting light makes longer evenings magical. But outdoor fireplaces solve 3 design issues as well
Cassy Aoyagi is passionate about California native foliage and sustainably crafting a distinctive California aesthetic. She is president of the Theodore Payne Foundation for Wildflowers and Native Plants and of FormLA Landscaping. Her work has been featured on the Eco Echo Park Home and Garden Tour, at the Pasadena Showcase House of Design, on the Theodore Payne Foundation Native Garden Tour, and a multitude of other Los Angeles garden tours. The Los Angeles Times and InStyle Magazine, among others, have featured gardens designed by Cassy.
Cassy Aoyagi is passionate about California native foliage and sustainably... More »
Having trouble heading back inside as sunny spring days turn cold at sunset? Outdoor fire features are a great way to extend the livability of your outdoor space into the evening. While fire pits and fire as art are all the rage, the traditional fireplace offers so much more than physical warmth. Consider adding a hearth to an outdoor room if you need any of the following.
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| 1. A vertical focal point. The classic chimney elevates the eye. |
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Even contemporary applications of the feature that maintain a consistent width and depth will have this effect.
This strong vertical focal point splits the tall, white wall of the nearby home, critical to making this outdoor living space cozy and comfortable.
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| 2. Structure and definition. The addition of a fireplace can provide structure and definition to an otherwise open pergola. |
The combination of a fireplace and screenlike foliage can create a boundary that defines an outdoor living space.
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| In some circumstances, a stand-alone fireplace is enough to anchor a room. |
| 3. Light and warmth. In addition to physical warmth, fireplaces add a dramatic light and a welcoming invitation to a space. In this garden, the visual warmth of the fireplace is enhanced by applying strategic lighting to the fiery leaves of the trees that flank its chimney. I would happily put on a sweater to enjoy the cozy warmth of this patio. |
Ideabook published on May 8, 2012.
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On camping trips, it was the same way: burning as you faced the fire, but with a cold back. Even then, standing up and trying to warm you back was pointless because the fire only warmed about as far as my knees.
And think of all those houses with inglenooks and high-backed chairs and settees to try to 'lock in' what heat does come from the fire without going up the chimney. But outdoors? Can they possibly heat up the patio area, making it warmer, so people can comfortably stay outside when it gets chilly?
I have doubts... Anyone who has one, does it really manage to keep you warm, somehow?