Cozying Up to the Backyard Blaze
As the weather starts to turn crisp and cool, there’s nothing quite as inviting as a cozy backyard fire pit. The flickering flames, the toasty warmth, the smokey aroma – it all comes together to create the perfect ambiance for gathering with friends, roasting marshmallows, and soaking in the last moments of each fleeting summer evening.
When my husband and I bought our home in Aberdeen last year, the backyard was honestly an afterthought. We were so focused on renovating the interior to match our modern farmhouse aesthetic that the outdoor space took a backseat. But as the months went by and we spent more time entertaining outdoors, we realized just how much potential our backyard had. It was time to give it a little TLC and make it the cozy oasis we’d been dreaming of.
Inspired by our travels and the stunning fire pits we’ve come across, we knew a backyard fire feature was an absolute must. After all, what could be more inviting than gathering around a crackling blaze, roasting marshmallows and sipping on hot cocoa as the sun dips below the horizon? It’s the epitome of hygge – that elusive Danish concept of cozy contentment.
So, we set out on a mission to create the ultimate backyard fire pit setup. We scoured the internet for design inspiration, from sleek and modern linear fire tables to rustic, elevated stone pits. And let me tell you, the options are endless! Whether you’re going for a casual, laid-back vibe or something a little more elevated, there’s a fire feature out there to suit every style and budget.
Picking the Perfect Pit
One of the first decisions we had to make was the type of fire pit we wanted. Traditional wood-burning fire pits have a certain nostalgic charm, with the flickering flames and the satisfying crackle of the logs. But they also require a bit more maintenance, from cleaning out the ashes to ensuring the fire is fully extinguished.
On the other hand, gas-powered fire tables offer a much more convenient and low-maintenance option. With the flip of a switch, you’ve got a roaring fire that’s easy to control and clean up after. Plus, many gas fire pits come with built-in features like glass wind guards and adjustable flame levels, making them ideal for year-round use.
Ultimately, we decided to go with a gas fire pit for our backyard. We loved the sleek, linear design of the Belgard BelAir Wall® fire table, which would seamlessly blend with our modern farmhouse aesthetic. And the fact that it’s virtually maintenance-free was the cherry on top.
Of course, if you’re the type who loves the ritual of building and tending to a wood-burning fire, there are plenty of stunning options out there. Creative Environments has a gorgeous CMU block fire pit with a stucco finish and travertine cap that would be the perfect centerpiece for a cozy backyard oasis.
Designing the Dreamscape
With the fire pit itself sorted, it was time to turn our attention to the surrounding space. We wanted to create a true outdoor living room – a place where we could lounge, entertain, and soak in those magical twilight hours.
Taking inspiration from our travels, we envisioned a space that felt like an extension of our home’s interior – warm, inviting, and infused with personal touches. Think plush, oversized seating, cozy throws and pillows, and a mix of rustic and modern elements.
To that end, we scoured local shops and Pinterest for the perfect furnishings. A generously-sized sectional sofa would provide ample seating for friends and family, while a pair of modern Adirondack chairs would offer a more intimate spot to cozy up and gaze into the flames. Throw in a few side tables for drinks and s’mores supplies, and voila – our dream backyard hangout spot was starting to take shape.
Of course, no cozy backyard nook is complete without the right lighting. We knew string lights would be an absolute must, adding a touch of whimsy and ambiance to the space. And to really drive home that sense of coziness, we plan to incorporate lanterns, sconces, and even a few strategically placed floor lamps to create a warm, inviting glow.
Putting It All Together
With the fire pit and furnishings selected, it was time to tackle the actual installation and setup. Now, I’ll admit – this part wasn’t exactly our forte. As much as we love the idea of DIY, when it comes to complex landscaping projects like this, we knew it was best to call in the professionals.
Enter Stratton & Brätt Landscaping – a local company with a reputation for creating stunning, thoughtfully-designed outdoor spaces. They worked closely with us to bring our vision to life, handling everything from the excavation and masonry work for the fire pit to the landscaping and hardscaping around the seating area.
The end result? A true backyard oasis that’s equal parts cozy and refined. The linear fire table anchors the space, while the surrounding seating arrangement creates an intimate, conversation-friendly vibe. Lush greenery and cheerful pops of color from the planters and throw pillows add to the overall sense of warmth and comfort.
And the best part? Now that the heavy lifting is done, all that’s left is to light the fire, grab a mug of hot cocoa, and start making memories. Whether it’s an impromptu weekend gathering with friends or a quiet date night under the stars, our new backyard fire pit is sure to be the heart of it all.
So, if you’re looking to add a little extra coziness to your outdoor space, I can’t recommend a fire pit highly enough. With so many incredible designs and styles to choose from, the possibilities are truly endless. And who knows – it just might become the centerpiece of your own backyard oasis. Happy cozy-ing!
