12 Terrific Summer Decks to inspire you this summer!

Living in a northern climate has its challenges doesn't it?
Having Mediterranean blood running through my veins makes it doubly so. 

I adore the summer months when you can smell the flowers, freshly cut grass,barbecues
sizzling and small dinner parties in the backyard! With Canadian winters being long and hard,
 I try to take advantage of the good weather whenever possible. Evenings in the outdoors 
can be even more challenging of course, given that the chilly air sets in as soon as the sun 
starts to set. Today's entry is about how to create these warm

 environments in your own backyard, by giving you some delicious snapshots to give
 you direction and inspiration.  Don't be discouraged, you don't have to spend a bundle to
 create a warm ambiance. Remember you can purchase a fire pit, or build one, or even
 buy a small propane

 gas fire candle as large as a hurricane lamp.

Above, the chartreuse and grey furnishings are cool and soft with pillows in combination of
 smaller prints in coordinating colors. The coffee table does double duty as both table and foot
 rest when the tray is removed. The sleek low gas fireplace runs the length of the terrace. 
Note how the facade of the fireplace is unobtrusive even thought it towers above the
sitting area.

This is a terrific example of how to create intimacy in tight spaces. The sleek furnishings 
on teak flooring on the rooftop are warmed up by the concrete gas fire pit. You can create this
look in an instant! I would love this look for my own urban terrace.

This is a great example of how you can create even more seating than you might ever
 need, by building a ledge seating of concrete. The ledge actually creates the designated 
area of the seating area. In this garden, the shaker style table is low key, the outdoor wicker
 chairs are great for taking a beating in the hot sun, or rainy days. The sleek concrete 
wood burning fireplace is the showstopper.

The scent of wood burning on a chilly night? Nothing beats that!

If more exotic is your fancy, this is a great mix and match setting. The director chairs in
 chocolate brown, wooden recliners, zebra print pillows and rug, along with the middle 
eastern fire pit, create a very tribal look and feel. Here again the fire pit is a wood burning one. 
You CAN have it all on a budget!

A modern concrete facade dwarfs the seating area in this lush backyard. The black and white
furnishings are awarded a pop of color with the garden seats in vibrant citrus colors. The fire
place is also flanked by tall planters that soften the harsh look of the concrete.

Hankering for a more classic look? Nothing beats black wrought iron, a staple for every
 classic garden! This beauty has flowing ferns that flank the fire place.

A similar setting with a twist shown below. Love the pea gravel underfoot.

My favorite one of all here! The huge facade of the fire place looms above, but the fire is low and
 close to guests seating. A Scandinavian style is created with the light-colored wooden chairs. 
The circular metal table breaks with conformity and also allows guests to circulate easily
 around the space.

A slight variation on the setting above, this one is created using a fire place created in the ground.
 The ceramic outdoor tiles are lovingly separated by low shrubbery. Great for intimate chatter late into
 the night.

The minimal feel here is still inviting, despite the stark look.

For those of you who can't do without the soap opera, reality television or CNN,this setting 'rocks'! 
A mix and match setting of different textures in the chairs and sofa is cohesive none the less, 
because the neutral colors pull everything 'together'!

Whether warm and embellished, zen and calm, or modern and minimal, the fireplace
adds the warmth to each of these looks and settings, and the beauty of it is it can be had
 irregardless of your budget.

Enjoy!