FEATURE
A warm, welcoming vibe Bring your outdoor spaces to life your way with new-look designer heating and lighting
words carrol baker
HEATING OPTIONS
to provide warm ambient heating. They are very
When choosing an outdoor heat source to
versatile and can be used both indoors and out.
keep you and your guests snug, there are some
These are one of the fastest-growing additions
practical ways to narrow down your selection. The
to many outdoor spaces because of their good
size and shape of the space and how it’s protected
looks and versatility. They are available in an
all factor into your decision. Then there’s the
abundance of shapes and sizes.
fuel source. Gas or electric? Wood, charcoal or bioethanol? Each has different benefi ts. Another
A BESPOKE FIREPLACE
consideration of course is budget — if yours is on
Designer fireplaces are also making their mark.
the generous side, there are virtually unlimited
Add a little flair to your outdoor space with a
options available to you.
custom-built fireplace. The inviting ambience of a fire will have you opting for nights in rather
FIREPITS AND FIRE TABLES
that heading out. A stylish fireplace can take
Outdoor entertaining spaces come in all
an outdoor space to the next level of design,
shapes and sizes. If yours is small, a firepit is a
matching harmoniously with your home’s
great solution. They are relatively new to the
interior as well.
marketplace and are one of the most popular
Modern fireplaces can be constructed with
contemporary heating sources. As an added
myriad materials including brick, concrete, metal
bonus, a firepit is portable — move it around as
or stone and can be fuelled by either gas or wood.
needed. Add cosy seating for a pop-up party feel
Storage areas for timber fuel sources are coming
or to create an intimate space. Firepits are ground
into their own — many stackable options add a
height or table height, so they won’t obscure any
rustic designer look.
garden views. Wood-burning firepits also offer
New-look gas fireplaces can run on natural
another way to cook simple foods with a grill plate
gas or LPG. With simple installation, the modern
on top. Your guests will love it. They are portable
open-fronted fireplace means there’s no need for
so you can also store away in the warmer months
a flue. Stylish and tasteful, bespoke inbuilt outdoor
if you choose, but the ambience of a firepit can be
gas fireplaces are very hot right now.
enjoyed all year round. Bioethanol freestanding fire tables or firepits are environmentally friendly, cost-efficient options
8 2 | B A C K YA R D & O U T D O O R L I V I N G
A suspended fireplace is another beautiful heating source. Timeless and stylish, they add a touch of drama and undeniable aesthetic appeal.
