Mantels Direct is pleased to now offer Buschbeck outdoor fireplaces. These provide a year round all-in-one  solution in addition to being a beautiful focal point in an outdoor room. It’s the versatility which makes the Buschbeck a good value, says Rick Morse, CEO of Mantels Direct. “I am excited to feature new and different styles within our outdoor patio fireplaces this season”. The double walled construction of the fireplace allows you to choose either charcoal or wood as your fuel, so you not only have a barbecue to cook on but also a patio heater to stay warm.

In addition to providing a cooking and heating solution, by incorporating metals into the design, a Buschbeck outdoor wood fireplace coordinates into the most luxurious outdoor rooms. The stunning white quartz surface is complimented by real copper or stainless steel inserts set within the mantle piece.

For cooking, the Buschbeck has three adjustable cooking heights and comes with a heavy duty chrome grill with a spaciously proportioned combustion chamber that allows easy access when loading more fuel or turning over food when grilling. Barbecue purists believe nothing tastes the same as preparing barbecue over a wood fired grill.

Widely distributed in Europe, these masonry barbecue fireplaces are the only European manufacturer to have been awarded the stringent TUV/GS German product safety standard certification. The steel reinforced concrete & quartz construction of the fireplace ensures a high level of safety as air is constantly circulating between the outer surface and the furnace area.

These outdoor fireplace kits are very easy for two people to assemble and there is little or nothing to do, as far as maintenance goes. An outdoor wood burning fireplace is maintenance free, but if needed you may lightly pressure wash or hose down at the end of the season. The Buschbeck outdoor patio fireplaces are in stock and available for delivery in time for Fourth of July celebrations!

For many, the ideal modern decor includes a bank of windows with  a stunning view. What lies beyond the clean lines of your modern interior design needs to seamlessly flow into the outdoor space. Outdoor furnishings have gone way beyond grandmother’s glider. However, whether your design is contemporary or traditional, bringing in modern touches will give an outdoor space a fresh look.

Pared-down modern style that looks sophisticated but not skimpy, is achieved through a few rich color accents and intriguing focal points. Furnishing  a rooftop patio with unusual treatments in weather safe metals and fabrics allow for expression of personal style. Conversation areas on roof top patios can be centered around outdoor patio fireplaces.  Backyard dining areas benefit from both the modern lines and functionality of an outdoor wood fireplace.

Creating an upscale outdoor space with alot of amenities does not have to be expensive. The ultimate centerpiece for an outdoor room, a wood burning outdoor fireplace, follows modern design by combining form and functionality. It serves as much more than a focal point for those who want to grill over an open fire. With a Buschbeck outdoor fireplace kit being a do-it-yourself aspect of the design plan, more money may be budgeted towards additional furnishings. Not only are these outdoor fireplaces highly functional but the German design adds modern mojo to create a beautiful outdoor space.

If you have a traditional house, introducing contemporary pieces will give an eclectic mix. The selection of  contemporary touches transform a space, an outdoor space in particular, into a chic modern backyard.

You’ve been ready for summer since January, but what about your home interior? Put those rotting fire logs outside and get creative with your dormant fireplace. Freshen up your fireplace mantel during the warm months. Here a few fresh ideas for a beautiful display in your fireplace mantel.

Birch tree bark’s light shades and texture can bring alot of interest to an otherwise cold dark space. Buy birch at a garden center or on-line and cut it to your specifications. Measure the opening to get a full look without a gap on the sides. Pile one log directly on top of another in the opening, taking time and try them in different orders until you find the best arrangement.

A mirror would not only reflect light but a gorgeous rug facing the fireplace mantel. Visit your local framer to have a piece of mirror cut to the exact dimensions of the fireplace opening. Ask to have the edges of the mirror seamed, so they’re not sharp. Or simply lean a large framed mirror against the front of the hearth, as you might lean a piece of art against the wall above the mantel, if you don’t have pets or small children.

A surprising way to bring a glow to the fireplace is to insert an electric log set, striking when the light reflects against a shiny floor. This is a way to brighten up the fireplace mantel and hearth until the temperatures drop in the fall, so go ahead and snake the cord out of the opening to plug the electric fireplace in.

If it’s the mantel itself that you cannot get over, and the surround is what has caught your eye, I suggest you check out Ramsay from the Majestic Series of Classic Stone Mantels. Summer is a great time to renovate the whole fireplace mantel and surround to ensure the project is completed and ready for year end holidays.

With a serene, calm aesthetic and natural inspiration, Asian style refers to spaces with Japanese and Chinese influences. Japanese-style rooms use raw materials like bamboo and a natural subtle color palette. While Chinese interiors draw on highly stylized furnishings with hand-painted designs, lacquered finishes and a red and black palette.

Since serene calming Asian-style rooms provide a great place to clear your head after a long day, the design aesthetic easily translates to exterior spaces. A few key elements of Asian style would be natural materials, clean lines and objects with a low profile. The raw materials suitable for the space would include bamboo, slate and rock and nature’s subtle colors helping create a tranquil space. Asian-style rooms typically don’t have many accessories or much clutter in order to create a calming environment.

An outdoor space would call for multifunctional furnishings with clean lines and a sleek profile. Having a firepit with a wooden top allows it to function as both a table and fire pit. The Revolver firepit converts from a fire pit grill to a cocktail table once the hardwood top is placed in position. Stone accessories such as a fire bowl, sized smaller for table top, or larger freestanding fire bowls on a column provide accent lighting and warmth if the night air is chilly.  Introducing fire bowls styled with natural elements reinforces the Asian feel of the outdoor space.

In addition, Japanese design often includes water features such as Koi ponds or waterfalls. The Cliffstone series includes a fire fountain with a waterfall. Functional pieces, such as a fire pit or fire fountain satisfies the senses and contribute to simple uncluttered Asian design. And despite its antiquity, Asian design is a very modern style that will look current for a long time.