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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.