Outdoor Fireplace Ideas for A Hygge Lifestyle

By Toll Brothers 3 minute read

Last updated on October 17th, 2023

The Danish know cozy. They have their own term, hygge (pronounced “HoOO-guh”), a style that has crossed the ocean and been adopted by those looking to add a cozy, contented atmosphere to their own home. This concept is best described as a quintessential experience of sitting beside a roaring fire, curled under a warm blanket with a hot drink and a favorite book in hand. It is a general sense of well-being that stems from a quality lifestyle and appreciative perspective. Here are a few ways to stylize your indoor-to-outdoor living spaces by using your fireplace as the centerpiece to amplify your hygge experience.  

1. Select and Position Your Fireplace

Choosing the location and style of your fireplace is the first step to transforming your indoor-outdoor space into a relaxed hygge environment. Discover three different ways to incorporate fireplace settings into your indoor-outdoor areas.

Create a Focal Point With a Modern Fireplace Design

Create a focal point with the fireplace in a transitionally styled space, perhaps right off the kitchen, patio, or deck, connecting the adjoining rooms and spreading warmth throughout your luxury home.

Ranch Gate Estates by Toll Brothers, Scottsdale, Arizona

Experience an Outdoor Covered Patio With a Fireplace

Designate an area just for the fireplace. Include sophisticated elements or accented pieces, such as a pergola, as a backdrop to your outdoor retreat. In a stand-alone space, expansive outdoor fireplaces can create a focal point around which to build your outdoor living room.

Bella Vista at Porter Ranch by Toll Brothers, Porter Ranch, California

Blend Fire and Water With an Outdoor Firepit Table

Enhance the zen-like mood of your favorite poolside spot with modern linear shapes. Blend fire and water to create an atmosphere of escape and tranquility.

Reserve at Black Mountain by Toll Brothers, Scottsdale, Arizona

2. Build From the Ground Up

Grounding your space is essential. Anchoring your design and complementing your fireplace with a rug or textured accent is an excellent second step to crafting the ultimate indoor-outdoor atmosphere for your hygge lifestyle. In an entertainment space, consider embracing tile, which creates the same grounding effect as a rug and adds warmth with beautiful patterning.

Regency at Waterside by Toll Brothers, Ambler, Pennsylvania

3. Mix-And-Match Furniture

Hygge enthusiasts might opt for custom-styled mixed-and-matched sets featuring waterproof fabrics and neutral hues or textures. Select simple pieces that can easily be moved around to facilitate conversation and connection—an essential element when creating a “hygge” space. Learn more about designing a relaxing backyard with elegant furniture pieces in our article on Restoration Hardware’s luxury outdoor decor.

Holly Farm by Toll Brothers, Woodstock, Georgia

4. Layer in Lighting Elements

Outdoor lighting, such as strung lights, Edison–style bulbs, LED rope lights, chandeliers, and more, can create an intimate, relaxed atmosphere, especially in harmony with a fire. Read more about how to set the scene for outdoor entertaining in your backyard.

Diamond Canyon by Toll Brothers, Pleasanton, California

5. Layer With Accessories

Blankets, floor cushions, and throw pillows make for easy seating options and create a nesting atmosphere, especially in front of the fire. Luxury fire elements, whether indoors or outdoors, coupled with cozy accessories, allow family members and guests to enjoy quality time in a beautiful indoor-to-outdoor setting. 

Toll Brothers at Hosford Farms, Portland, Oregon

6. Bring Indoor Elements to an Outdoor Space

Add indoor elements to the outdoor space, such as art pieces or pottery around the fireplace. When you share a meal with friends and family, surrounded by comfortable furnishings, you create a unique, fashionable hideaway perfect for shared memories.

Sterling Grove by Toll Brothers, Surprise, Arizona

7. Add Greenery

Remember that even when you’re outside, adding a touch of greenery can breathe life and re-energize any space. Use plants to foster a connection to the environment and brighten the area. Most importantly, enjoy the relaxing outdoor retreat that you have created. Visit Toll Landscape to learn more about how our award-winning team can help you design your backyard retreat to match your luxury Toll Brothers home.

Toll Brothers at Sienna – Executive Collection, Missouri City, Texas

Explore our Outdoor Living Pinterest board for more information on creating or enhancing your outdoor living area.

Toll Brothers design options vary by market, community, and home design across the country. For more information regarding fireplace options offered in a specific Toll Brothers community or home, please visit our website or reach out to one of our Online Sales Consultants.

written by

Embracing an unwavering commitment to quality and customer service, Toll Brothers currently builds in over 60 markets in 24 states nationwide, and is a publicly owned company with its common stock listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: TOL). In 2024, Toll Brothers marked 10 years in a row being named to the Fortune World's Most Admired Companies™ list.* Toll Brothers has also been named Builder of the Year by Builder magazine and is the first two-time recipient of Builder of the Year from Professional Builder magazine. For more information, visit TollBrothers.com. From Fortune, ©2024 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.

  • 2 Comments

    1. Rose Restivo says:

      Hello Content Team,
      I have a Toll homeowner here in California that is designing his backyard right now and he came across this page “November 14, 2017 Outdoor Living
      Patio Ideas: Outdoor Fireplaces Meet Hygge Home Decor”
      By Toll Brothers Content Team
      and he would like to know where is the location of the home that appears as the lead/top photo. All other photos below it mention the community that the home came from, except the top/header photo.
      Can you assist? Please let me know where this home is located and what community?
      Thank You,
      Sales Consultant
      Palisades at Westcliffe in Porter Ranch
      rrestivo@tollbrothers.com

      • Andrew Espinoza says:

        Hi Rose, the header photo is the Topaz model from Granite Heights in Las Vegas, NV. We hope this helps!

    Leave a Comment

    The information you provide will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy