Outdoor Fireplaces and Fire Pits: Entertaining in Style
Elegant outdoor dinner parties, family gatherings and roasting marshmallows by the fire don’t have to be limited to the summer. “From ornate outdoor fireplaces to quaint fire pits, these outdoor features not only complement the look of outdoor rooms, but can extend your enjoyment of the outdoors well into the fall,” says Mariani Landscape’s Project Architect Colleen Phillips.
Outdoor Fireplaces
According to Phillips, “Outdoor fireplaces are no smaller than six feet wide, five feet deep and 10 to 12 feet tall. And while fireplaces can be larger, various towns have height restrictions.” When it comes to aesthetics, a fireplace should be viewed as an extension of the home’s architecture.
For a Richardsonian-Romanesque style home, Mariani designed a fireplace that that not only complements the home’s architecture, but also views of its surroundings. Featuring two separate fireplace hearths, the west side of the fireplace is a more intimate space featuring a mantle, decorative detailing carved out of limestone, and a raised hearth for seating. The east side of the fireplace has a larger opening and functions as an entertainment space for a sunken dining terrace. A seatwall connected to the fireplace accommodates more friends and family. “The client really wanted a relaxing space to lounge, entertain and listen to music or a ball game well into October,” says Phillips.
The most common method for fueling a fire is a gas starter that ignites wood logs, but Mariani also installs gas logs and offers eco-friendly solutions.
Fire Pits
Typically around five feet square, a fire pit may be less formal than its counterpart but still offers a wonderful opportunity to extend the enjoyment of your outdoor space. “Fire pits are more casual or rustic than a fireplace,” explains Phillips. “Often we design fire pits to be a destination in the landscape rather than a fireplace that is closer to a home.” Fire pits are either installed flush with a terrace or can be raised above a hardscape. Limestone or other coping details also add to the design. A gravel pit or firebrick typically lines the inside of the pit, which can either burn wood or gas.
When it comes to aesthetics, a fireplace should be viewed as an extension of the home’s architecture.
For a home in Lake Forest, Mariani designed a large outdoor entertaining space featuring a fire pit with limestone details overlooking a native-restored pond. “The homeowners wanted to create a place to gather,” says Mariani’s Design Director and Landscape Architect Sara Furlan. Complemented by a swimming pool, spa and outdoor kitchen, a fire pit does just that.
For more info on how you can integrate a fireplace or fire pit into your landscape, contact your representative today.
