Fire & Water

In recent years, fire features have been evolving in exciting new ways. It used to be that people only did simple fire pits. These were small features that mimicked a pile of rocks with a little flame in the middle. Now the trend not only includes much larger fire pits but also formal outdoor fireplaces crafted from fine materials like stone, cast limestone and travertine.

A custom full size fireplace can cost significantly more than a fire pit, but homeowners find that the extra cost gives them a substantial addition to their outdoor living space. When it comes to creating an outdoor living room, there is simply no better element than a fireplace. It serves as an anchor that creates and defines the space.

Fire is a stunning decorative element on its own. It’s no longer simply something to gather around, but also something that can provide visual appeal in the yard. To create this visual focal point, we use majestic bowls and troughs of fire to add striking highlights throughout the yard. The effect is both elegant and primitive at the same time.

For the romantic at heart, it goes without saying that nothing heats up a relationship like an enticing fire. Whether it’s an intimate fireside chat for two or a late night dip in the swimming pool by firelight, that glowing warmth makes everyone feel like getting closer. Ironically, fire features often spark trouble between men and women during the planning stages of patio design. When women think about fire in the landscape, they often think ‘fireplace’ and see themselves sitting in the cozy flickering light with a nice glass of wine, holding hands with their loved one or reading a good book. Men on the other hand think ‘fire pit’ and see themselves gathered around a roaring fire with their buddies drinking beer or scotch while the kids roast marshmallows.