The days are getting shorter. The nights are getting cooler. It’s the time of year that beckons to get together outdoors with family and friends.
“When you have people over on a cool fall evening, a fire feature really draws people in,” says Steve Tillman, owner and lead designer for Country Gardens Lawn & Landscape. “It’s a gathering space for conversation.”
Tillman says that approximately 80 percent of the projects Country Gardens takes on include some sort of fire feature.
“It’s an element that everybody wants,” he says. “They want the ambiance.”
So, what are the big outdoor fire feature trends right now? That’s a question Tillman gets asked a lot. “Fire tables and fire bowls are popular,” he says. “Longer, more linear fireplaces and firepits are in. Everybody wants that modern look.”
Tillman says people really want their fire element to stand out, so they're choosing materials such as stucco, veneer stone and even custom-wrapped steel.
While cozy, sunken fire pits are making a comeback, another big trend is portable units that can be moved around depending on the number of guests or entertaining needs.
However, in addition to what fire features look like, people are becoming more conscious of what’s going into the fire. While there are shifts to cleaner burning propane and natural gas, many still love the sound and smell of a wood-burning fire. Following are several options to consider.
Gas Burning Fire Feature
Gas burning fire features are easy to start, low maintenance and less mess in the long run. If you would like a fire feature with a variety of options where you can adjust the flame, a gas burning fire may be the right fit.
Electric Fire Feature
An outdoor electric fireplace offers a flame-like feature that looks real with very little maintenance. Low cost, they can be plugged into an outlet and enjoyed through all the seasons. Then, when you're ready to go indoors, turn the fire off with just a switch.
Wood-Burning Fire Feature
The smell of wood burning and the sound of it crackling are just two reasons these traditional fire features are so popular. There’s just nothing quite like it to roast hot dogs or s’mores. Just throw a few logs on the fire, light it and it's all set within minutes.
When it comes to fire features and other hardscape and landscape elements, even more than what’s in style, Tillman encourages his clients to consider size, usage, kids, pets, privacy and more. “We look at each client individually,” Tillman says. “At the design meeting, we listen to their wants and needs. We want to understand what they’re going to be using the space for.”
The chef in the family may want an outdoor kitchen. Others may want a gathering space with a fireplace where they can relax and watch TV.
A lot of homes now are built with lanais, a covered area built off of the living room or bedroom. “That’s kind of the first place people go on a spring morning or a fall evening,” Tillman says. “Blending that space into the outdoor living space with similar materials and colors is a lot of what we do. You don’t just want to stick a patio in the backyard. You want to have a livable space.”
From pool projects to pergolas, custom decks to synthetic turf and more, Country Gardens can take care of hardscaping and softscaping needs.
"You don’t just want to stick a patio in the backyard. You want to have a livable space.”