Brick patio, outdoor fireplace and fire pit in Madison, WI
Blending a classic brick patio and outdoor fireplace with a Madison, WI, modern property might seem daunting as these two styles can seem opposed at first. Skilled landscapers know how to accentuate the best features of the materials and components already in place—and what will be added during a backyard transformation.
Classic Brick Patio
The warm color of brick can be a wonderful balance to the strict lines of a modern aesthetic. Just because you love the clean, contemporary appearance of your home does not mean that there can’t be other elements that add to that beauty and introduce some contrast.
Shape: One of the ways that a landscaper and landscape architect can balance a modern interpretation of a home is the use of curving lines for a patio space. Curved lines can be an excellent tool for softening the mostly straight lines of pavers and other hardscape elements and the home. Adding a sense of movement in sweeping curves can make the patio feel more organic and connected to nearby nature. This is one option for creating an overall pleasing appearance.
Color: The color of brick can be a perfect foil to the steel, glass, and straight lines of a mostly modern property. Today, the look of classic brick can come in the familiar red but also in gray, tan, yellow, and off-white. With so many choices, creating a unique patio can easily become a reality.
Texture: By its very nature, classic brick is textured. This can be another contrast to the smoothness of the glass and metal that are characteristic materials of many modern homes. Some brick looks old and worn with the small chips and cracks, while other brick can be quite smooth.
Laying patterns: The laying pattern options can be limitless, but your landscapers might suggest incorporating a circular pattern within the patio design to balance the home's geometric lines. Contrasting banding can also be a way to vary the laying pattern with interesting choices.
Classic Brick Outdoor Fireplace
The look of a classic brick fireplace could be your idea of the perfect fire feature. These design ideas can dress it up and keep it in harmony with the surroundings:
Shape: A brick fireplace can be built in a traditional rectangular shape or a curving, arched design. One of the beautiful characteristics of brick is its versatility in the shape it creates.
Mantel: You could incorporate modernity to the look of a classic brick fireplace with the addition of a gorgeous metal mantel or a reclaimed wood beam.
Fireplace surround: An outdoor fireplace surround can be the perfect place to express your personality with custom tile inlays, a surround in black stone, or smooth granite. Not only does this combine fresh, modern material with brick, but it adds interest to the outdoor fireplace.
The ways to interpret classic brick in a modern property can be numerous, but you can rely on your landscapers to have the vision and methods to combine the two styles if that is your preference. From a distinctly curving patio situated right outside of the back door to the dazzling outdoor fireplace that draws guests out and onto the patio, there are clear benefits to using the look of classic brick for your outdoor spaces.
Related: 5 DESIGN IDEAS FOR A LUXURIOUS OUTDOOR FIREPLACE IN MADISON, WI
