Judith Sutton ABR CRS IDS PMN ASP IAHSP SRES GREEN
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OUTDOOR FIRE PITS FOR FAMILY FUN
The proper way to landscape for fire pits
The idea of an outdoor fire pit is not only to liven up your landscaping and making it more interesting, but to create a cozy spot in any weather to relax and socialize with friends and family. Fire pits should be an extension of the house and a compliment to your garden. This can be a great informal entertaining area for family and friends if kept casual and simple.
Outdoor fire pits are fun and can add visual interest to your home’s architecture and interior style. The idea is to create an area conducive to gathering and talking, so you will want to extend the aesthetic and design elements of the entire home. There are some basic principles you should adhere to when designing around a fire pit. The most important thing is safety first: Anything you plan on placing in the vicinity of your fire pit should be fire-retardant and highly durable.
Opt for materials like natural stone, concrete, or weather-resistant metals such as stainless steel or Corten steel. These materials not only withstand the elements but also offer a luxurious and timeless look. Also, consider incorporating fire-resistant materials for the surrounding hardscape to ensure safety and longevity. While you will want all designs to be visually pleasing, function takes top priority.
LANDSCAPE
Landscaping plays a crucial role in enhancing the ambiance of any exterior space. Integrate lush greenery, such as strategically placed shrubs, ornamental grasses and flowering plants, to soften the hardscape and create a sense of natural beauty. Incorporate decorative elements like boulders, pebbles, and ornamental lighting to add visual interest and texture. Consider installing a water feature or a garden sculpture to elevate the overall aesthetic appeal and create a serene outdoor retreat.
SEATING MATERIALS
When it comes to seating, consider weather-resistant wood like teak, cedar or treated pine; long-lasting metals such as wrought iron or aluminum, or cushions with outdoor fabric for that extra touch of coziness.
YOUR THEME
Adhering to a particular theme—be it natural, rustic or eclectic—can establish a unified and visually pleasing setting. Consistency in materials, colors, and design elements elevates the overall aesthetic appeal. Choose one or two anchor pieces in a dominant style, stick to a cohesive color palette, and use transitional elements that blend aspects when mixing styles. Repeating certain materials or design motifs throughout the space can help create harmony.
SEATING PLACEMENT
There is no rule for placement around a fire pit so do whatever you like best, however, a good rule of thumb is to adhere with circular seating is to keep one-fourth of the space clear to preserve the views and to ensure you aren’t shouting across the fire pit to speak or hear what others are saying.
The seating arrangement usually depends on the shape of your fire pit. Round fire pits usually lend themselves to more circular seating arrangements while square or rectangular fire pits usually work better with more standard symmetrical/asymmetrical seating arrangements.
Seating arranged in a circle or semicircle ensures that everyone has a good view of the fire while making it easier to have conversations with everyone around the fire pit. Symmetrical seating arrangements make for a more formal atmosphere, while asymmetrical seating arrangements offer a more relaxed atmosphere.
A very important detail is that all seating should face toward the fire pit to create a focal point and encourage interaction. Also, don’t forget to leave enough space between the fire pit and seating to allow for circulation and for obvious safety reasons.
STORAGE FOR YOUR WOOD
Consider wood storage and if you can, incorporate it into the design of the pit. For propane and natural gas, you can bypass this step, but personally I enjoy the crackle wood makes while it burns and the glassy glaze or trance you go into watching the embers burn… plus s’mores taste better with an open flame, right?
HAPPY ROASTED MARSHMALLOWS!
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