Speaking of fire, how about an outdoor fireplace.

How can we build a home, in the country, surrounded by beauty without trying to take advantage of it!?!? One requirement is the outdoor room with a beautiful fireplace. Yes, I am aware that we live in a cold climate, that is why the fireplace is so essential in the design.  Anything that will help us extend the nights while seated outside will be done, after all, we do spend our fair share of time cooped up inside wondering when all of the snow will melt.

These images are great examples of how a deck or patio can still be a beautiful extension of your home. Please note how happy the people are in the second image, it is obviously due to the beautiful fireplace.

Image via Southern Living

Image via Southern Living

 

Image via Sunset

Image viz Houzz

And one thing that must not be forgotten is the furniture for the space. Let me introduce you to a few friends that I have come to adore from Restoration Hardware...

Image via Restoration Hardware

Image via Restoration Hardware

Image via Restoration Hardware

On that relaxing note I am ready for the evening to come so I can sit out on out deck with a nice bottle of red, some great music playing, and pretending to be warmed up by the virtual fireplace that I already have designed in my head. It has to start somewhere!
Hope your Thursday is a good one! Mel xoxo