As the sun sets in Portsmouth, RI, the day's end is just the beginning of an outdoor experience that can be both enchanting and memorable. Imagine transforming your backyard into a gathering space that resonates with warmth and invites shared moments. The centerpiece? A fire pit, not just as a source of warmth, but as a focal point of togetherness and the artful anchor of your outdoor domain.
Related: Is Your Newport Or Portsmouth, RI Backyard Lacking A Focal Point? Let A Fire Pit Fill That Hole
Crafting the Ideal Gathering Spot
In our region, where the coastal air can bring a chill, a fire pit offers more than aesthetic appeal—it provides a warm embrace to your outdoor space. Picture a custom-designed fire pit that reflects the contours of your landscape and becomes the natural gathering spot for friends and family. It's a place where laughter is shared, stories are told, and memories are made.
Selecting the Perfect Location
Choosing the right spot for your fire pit involves considering the flow of your outdoor space. You'll want a location that offers both privacy and openness, allowing for intimate gatherings while still feeling connected to the rest of your landscape. Ideally, your fire pit will offer views of the landscape, perhaps glimpses of the sea or the rustling of trees in the coastal breeze.
Designing With Elements in Mind
The materials and design of your fire pit should harmonize with the natural beauty of our area. Natural stone or brick can echo the rugged New England coastlines, while a sleek metal design might complement a more modern aesthetic. The shape, whether round, square, or an abstract form, should facilitate conversation and welcome guests to sit down and relax.
Fueling the Flame
When it comes to fueling your fire pit, you have options that can align with your lifestyle. Wood-burning fire pits create a traditional, crackling fire with a rustic feel. For ease of use, gas fire pits can be lit with a switch and don't produce ash or embers. Whatever your preference, your fire pit can be a source of light and warmth that extends the use of your outdoor space into the cooler months.
Seating Arrangements
The seating around your fire pit is as important as the pit itself. It should be comfortable and inviting, encouraging guests to linger. Built-in benches can provide a seamless look, while separate chairs allow for flexibility in arrangement and number. The right seating creates an amphitheater of conversation around the flickering flames.
Outdoor Lighting to Accentuate Your Fire Pit
While the fire pit will emit its own glow, the addition of strategic outdoor lighting can enhance the ambiance. Soft outdoor lights can illuminate walkways leading to the fire pit, while accent lights can showcase surrounding plantings and architectural features. This layered outdoor lighting approach ensures that the fire pit area is both accessible and beautifully highlighted.
Landscape Features Around the Fire
The landscape around your fire pit should enhance the sense of retreat. Low-growing ground covers can soften the edges of the space, while taller shrubs can provide a backdrop and windbreak. Seasonal blooming plantings can add pops of color, and aromatic herbs like lavender can contribute a pleasant scent to the evening air.
Related: Start The New Year Fresh With Landscaping Near Me For A Newport Or North Kingstown, RI Property
About the Author
Peter Grandin, founder of Grandin Landscape and GrandScapes, has always shown a passion for nature. Even as a young man he started his own lawn maintenance company in grammar school (Pete's Mowing Service). This helped to support his study of horticulture at URI. Peter knew, even in his early years, that there is a perfect combination of the beauty of nature as well as the personalities of people, and that the harmonization of the two would be the driving force for his company's success.
