Some of Memphis’s Most Enviable Outdoor Living Spaces

If the chilly winter days have you house-bound and subsequently climbing the walls, perhaps it’s time to take matters into your own hands and head outdoors. Creating outdoor spaces that can be enjoyed year-round is a benefit not only to your psyche but to your home’s value as well, and the options for creating these fabulous spaces are endless. For inspiration, we turned to the experts at Bishop Hearth & Home, who can create everything from outdoor kitchens and fire pits to screened porches and comfortable outdoor patios, making the outside of your home as comfortable and livable as the inside. Here, we take a look at several innovative spaces Bishop helped create to help spark your imagination. Bishop Hearth & Home sells products ranging from outdoor furnishings and outdoor kitchen appliances to custom shutters and indoor and outdoor heating options. And as winter approaches, there’s nothing more appealing than sitting beside a crackling fireplace surrounded by family and friends. “What we’re seeing the most of, the biggest thing people are wanting for outdoor spaces, is a fireplace,” says William Ware of Bishop’s Memphis location. “I think a good-looking fireplace goes a long way, because your outdoor living space is really an extension of your home.”

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Outdoor fireplaces these days offer all the comforts of an indoor space — mounted TVs, decorative mantels and stylish hearths. And Bishop focuses on giving homeowners functional spaces that best meet their specific needs. “We install our fireplaces ourselves,” William says. “The majority of the time we’re working with builders instead of the customer, but we work with the customer to pick out the design of the fireplace and the size, and whether they want wood-burning or gas logs.” Of course, enjoying an outdoor fireplace requires comfortable outdoor furniture. And Bishop Hearth & Home helps customers in that area, as well. The company sells three main lines: Kingsley Bate, Oxford Garden and Telescope Casual. And when choosing furniture, it’s important to consider your space as well as your tastes. “Teak furniture is better if the space is not covered,” William explains. “If it’s an outdoor space that’s going to get wet, teak is your best option there. All of the cushions we sell are made from Sunbrella fabric, so they’re weather-resistant.”

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Wicker is also a big seller. “Wicker is best for a covered porch or screen porch, and it comes in all different shapes and sizes and colors,” William adds. “There are a hundred different styles to choose from.”

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If a fireplace isn’t an option, or if an outdoor space is big enough to need additional heating, infrared heat is a popular choice. These stainless steel fixtures can be flush-mounted or ceiling-mounted, and they too come in different sizes and styles. “They’re sleekly designed, and especially in a bigger outdoor living area where a fireplace doesn’t suffice for the size of the space, they’re great to add, because they will add 10 to 15 degrees to the area they are heating,” says William. “They’re incredible. They’re not like the old school tower propane heaters. They’re very energy-efficient, because they run off electricity instead of propane gas.” Along with cozy seating areas and efficient heating that can make a space enjoyable all year round, outdoor kitchens are another popular component of modern-day outdoor living spaces. Bishop sells and installs outdoor appliances ranging from grills, smokers and vent hoods to wine coolers, ice makers and refrigerator drawers — all the items that can turn an outdoor space into an entertainment haven. The lines Bishop carries include Primo ceramic smokers, Fire Magic gas grills and accessories and True refrigeration products, among others. “Having a good grill is important for an outdoor kitchen area,” William says. “You want one that will last for a long time and perform well. And an outdoor vent hood is important to have, especially if you’re in a screen porch setting. It makes a big difference — it not only protects the structure of the house, but it keeps from smoking up that living space if you’re trying to cook and entertain at the same time.”

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Bishop Hearth & Home is all about function, but the company focuses on form, too. For customers looking to improve the aesthetics of their home’s exterior, Bishop sells custom shutters from two shutter manufacturers — composite shutters by Atlantic shutter systems and wooden shutters by Noralco. So, as winter settles in, make sure your indoor-outdoor living spaces are warm, comfy and stylish! All images are courtesy of George Hancock with Backey Media Group unless otherwise noted. Thank you, William! Bishop Hearth & Home is located at 1948 Vanderhorn Dr, Memphis, TN 38134. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call (901) 384-0070 or visit bishophome.com. This article is sponsored by Bishop Hearth & Home.