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BUSINESSES OF THE SPACE COAST MR. FIREPLACE PATIO & SPA
One of the greatest aspects of Florida living is the opportunity
to enjoy the outdoors (mostly) year ‘round. This coupled
with the surge in creative new designs and technologies,
which enable people to take full advantage of poolside activities
in the summer or outdoor cooking, dinning and entertaining in
the winter and fall, have transformed what used to be considered
summer patios to all-season spaces.
In addition, new relaxing and therapeutic spas, which used to be
reserved for colder climates, are now used regularly throughout
the year due to technology advances. Today, the spas have
highly efficient temperature controls and systems that do not
use chlorine. Spas have become a personal retreat or an inviting
complement when entertaining.
“We saw a trend that really began with the rising popularity of
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HGTV (Home and Garden TV) almost 20 years ago,” said John McMillan,
president of Mr. Fireplace, Patio & Spa in Melbourne. “They showcased
the outdoor living concepts that were developed first in California and
then spread to Florida, which today are incorporated into most upscale
home designs.”
According to McMillan, people today are giving as much thought to
their outdoor kitchens as to their indoor ones. McMillan, who grew up
in Satellite Beach, loves helping people enjoy the Florida lifestyle. Being
a native, however, he understands that long term investment in quality
is a calculated choice if it helps abate and avoid the ravages of rust and
mildew from high humidity and salty air on your outdoor furnishings,
spa and kitchen features.
TOMMY BAHAMA OUTDOOR FURNISHINGS
He is especially excited about the line of Tommy Bahama outdoor
furniture his company now stocks. “I remember going out on someone’s
pool deck and being able to smell the cushions before I even sat down.
Or, they had that typical extended use indentation, that made you feel
like you were sitting in a bucket,” he said.
The Tommy Bahama collection pieces are made with cushion materials
that are supportive and hold their shape, while also wicking water out
instead of holding it in like a sponge. Also, the wide variety of fabrics
options do not lose their vibrant color when exposed to the intense
Florida sun and although the designs may look like they are made
from wood, they are instead made from durable, corrosion-resistant
aluminum. “In Florida, all outdoor furniture is going to get wet at some
point. With these products, the look, the feel and even the smell stays
like new and is easy to maintain,” he said.
As with the furniture options, the outdoor kitchen combinations
available are visually as appealing as they are functional. With an endless
variety of counter and cabinet combinations, they are all fabricated from
materials designed to hold up to intense weather and coastal corrosion.
With ceramic brands like Primo and Saffire or stainless steel and
aluminum models by Firemagic, Blaze, Napoleon and American Outdoor
Grill, there is something to appeal to every outdoor chef.
FIREPLACES FIRST
As the name implies, McMillan started with fireplaces years ago and,
like his other lines, they continue to add a distinctive ambiance to both
indoor and outdoor areas and have evolved dramatically. The varieties
and technologies available can produce an array of looks and effects to
match any existing or planned decor or anyone’s imagination.
“Not only do I think we have the best products on the market, but the
outdoor, coastal lifestyle is our specialty. We can put together spa,
kitchen, furniture and fireplace packages that are not only best in class,
but very competitive in price,” McMillan said.
Right next door to his company showroom, McMillan also owns an HVAC
company called Hearth & Home. “It is a great business, but I honestly
love to come into our Mr. Fireplace, Patio & Spa showroom. The clients
are happy and excited, they are creating dream spaces and our people
are so knowledgeable and customer focused. It is just a joy,” he said.
321-727-7565 3351 W New Haven Ave STE 102, Melbourne www.mrfireplaceandpatio.com
/www.mrfireplaceandpatio.com