We are now in the summer season and hopefully spending lots of time outdoors, whether we’re camping, in the garden, or on our patio.

Entertaining outdoors, spending time with family and friends is a favourite summer pastime and it’s nice to stretch out those evenings as long as possible. Outdoor heaters have become a patio staple here on the West Coast, it’s really a necessity, as our evenings cool off fast – especially if you live in Fairfield or James Bay!

There’s been a trend shift to outdoor fireplaces, for those who have the room and budget to build one.

I thought for fun, it would be interesting to do some hunting around and get some insight. What I found out, after talking to a few people who have outdoor fireplaces, is that they use their outdoor patio/deck space as much as they do the living room! Really, one could argue, they are like a family room addition.

I very recently had a special occasion dinner on the outdoor patio at Il Terrazzo on lower Johnson. We sat near one of the many outdoor fireplaces and wow, did it ever add wonderful ambience to our meal. We were warm and toasty on a brisk evening and felt like we could have been away on vacation. That fireplace made a huge impact on the evening.

Four Seasons Heating and Cooling on Veyaness Road in Saanichton carry some great lines of outdoor fireplaces and outdoor heating sources. They even have indoor/outdoor units, so you can have a see through fireplace from both your family/living room and patio. The outdoor fireplaces they carry would become the focal point to any deck or patio, adding not only heat but amazing ambience.

Sheri Peterson has been an interior designer for 22 years in Victoria. She designs for commercial, residential and hospitality clients.