If you're thinking about adding a fireplace to your outdoor space, you're right on trend.
According to the American Society of Landscape Architects, great design doesn’t stop at the doorstep. Its 2014 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends Survey revealed that homeowner demand remains strong for residential landscapes that are attractively designed for entertaining and relaxing.
The survey asked landscape architects what American homeowners rate the highest for residential outdoor living features. Naturally, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits rank well and are some of the most popular amenities in outdoor home improvement.
In the survey’s Outdoor Living Features category, 95.4 percent of respondents rated outdoor fireplaces and fire pits as highly desired outdoor features. Seating/dining areas, outdoor lighting, grills, and installed seating like benches and seat walls were also at the top of the list.
Some top-rated trends in other categories of the survey include:
- Outdoor Recreation Amenities: Decorative water elements, spa features, and swimming pools
- Landscape Garden Elements: Low maintenance landscapes, native plants, and fountains/ornamental water features
- Sustainable Design Elements: Native/adapted drought-tolerant plants, drip/water efficient irrigation, and permeable paving
- Outdoor Structures: Terraces/patios/decks, fencing, and pergolas
If you’re feeling like your outdoor space is a bit lackluster, this is a great time of year to make improvements. Adding a fireplace not only creates a warm and inviting focal point, but can turn your space into the outdoor oasis you’ve always dreamed of retreating to after a long day at work.
There are many styles of outdoor fireplaces that will either burn gas or wood. See the options for yourself here. Which is your favorite?
