It seemed like outdoor entertaining was so far off, back when we were all staring out the window in winter hoping for warm weather. And then, suddenly, it’s here! If you’ve been dreaming about a new place to hang out with friends and family and you haven’t quite finalized your design, here are 5 ideas for patio pavers that will make your outdoor fireplace stand out in Buffalo Grove, IL.
What’s beautiful about an outdoor fireplace is that you get to choose whether to integrate it fully into the surroundings with matching materials; create interest by complementing the patio materials; or make a bold statement with contrasting materials. The fireplace is already a prominent presence, but there are things you can do with pavers to make it even more interesting.
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1. Blending In With the Landscape
Many people love the idea of creating an outdoor living space that blends into the landscape. Using colors, textures, and finishes that harmonize with the surroundings, patio pavers could become more of a canvas that allows special features - like a majestic fireplace - to take center stage. Even if the outdoor fireplace itself uses the same or similar materials as the pavers, it will still stand out just by virtue of its massive vertical presence. This is because the paver materials often echo what’s on the ground; and seeing those same materials on a vertical structure, makes it stand out from the background.
2. The Beauty of Contrast
Contrasting materials bring attention to the qualities of each material. In effect, this makes each material that much more interesting. You could have a patio made with bluestone-inspired pavers and using a lighter-colored material such as faux stacked flagstone, the fireplace will become more prominent. The same - yet different - effect could be achieved by using lighter-colored pavers, and darker fireplace materials; in this case, the fireplace would achieve a greater visual heft. Darker colors are visually heavier than light colors; and you can use this for dramatic effect.
3. Mixed Textures
Mixing textures is another way to highlight various materials. Smooth pavers next to a rough-textured fireplace, or flagstone-textured pavers next to a smooth concrete outdoor fireplace, will create an interesting contrast. The key to mixing textures is to be very careful to consider the added effect of mixing colors and finishes (light and dark, matte and glossy) to avoid an overly busy look.
4. Laying Patterns
Laying patterns can also be used to draw the eye toward a fireplace, to enhance its presence. Directional laying patterns such as herringbone or running bond draw the eye toward something. More “random” laying patterns such as ashlar keep the eye engaged in the space instead of moving through it.
5. Don’t Overdo It
It’s best to stick to similar colors and similar finishes when mixing textures. Likewise, if you are mixing colors, stick to similar finishes and textures; or if you’re mixing finishes (matte and glossy) stick to similar colors and textures.
The reason for this is to avoid the space being too busy visually. We tend to get very tired of spaces that have too much going on. Keeping the design simple and sticking to just one or at the most two differences will keep your outdoor living space looking unified and integrated, while giving your outdoor fireplace its own distinctive presence.
It’s often best to work with a landscape designer who can help you visualize the impact of colors, textures, and finishes.
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