As summer winds down, it’s common to search for ways to prolong warm evenings outside. For many luxury homeowners, fire pits and outdoor fireplaces are the perfect solution. Now a widely popular home trend and luxury staple, this exterior feature can heat up any autumn night, and keep outdoor living spaces alive long into the cooler months.
According to REALTOR® Magazine, the appealing sight of a dancing flame, real or faux, has the ability to warm the entire atmosphere not only in temperature, but also with a sense of unity and ease. “When entertaining, both fire pits and fireplaces tend to draw everyone together,” says Vincenzo DiIorio, co-owner of DiIorio Brothers Contracting Inc., a family-owned masonry and landscaping business based out of Norwalk, Conn. “They are true conversation pieces that add to a landscape by creating warmth and an attractive element of architecture.”
Outdoor fire features can range from traditional fireplaces and built-in fire pits to gel fuel glass pieces, permanent gas-fed fireplaces and more. One of the most popular types takes on the form of a fully enclosed fireplace unit with a chimney. Due to its total enclosure, this style tends to be the safest, and can either stand alone or be installed with matching materials into an existing landscaping feature or wall. Fire pits, which are typically composed of tile, stone or metal, are also a top pick, and can be built into the ground or moved around according to preference. Modern versions tend to be raised and presented in the form of bowls or nests. “A wonderful benefit of a fire bowl is that it is portable and can be moved anywhere on a patio or around a pool, as well as easily stored,” explains Ian J. Sveilich, an expert designer with Old Lyme’s landscape and home firm The English Lady. No matter where the location or what the style, though, as Sveilich so aptly concludes, “the sight, sound, smell and warmth of a burning fire always create wonderful memories for a perfect evening with family and friends.”
