This project combines high end earthy elements with elegant, modern furnishings. We wanted to re invent the beach house concept and create an home which is not your typical coastal retreat. By combining stronger colors and textures, we gave the spaces a bolder and more permanent feel. Yet, as you travel through each room, you can't help but feel invited and at home.

This project reimagines an under-used back yard in Portland, Oregon, creating an urban garden with an adjacent writer’s studio. Taking inspiration from Japanese precedents, we conceived of a paving scheme with planters, a cedar soaking tub, a fire pit, and a seven-foot-tall cedar fence. A maple tree forms the focal point and will grow to shade the yard. Board-formed concrete planters house conifers, maples and moss, appropriate to the Pacific Northwest climate. Photo: Anna M Campbell: annamcampbell.com

Located in Highland Park, Texas just off the Katy Trail, is this outdoor patio project that took a stale, harsh exterior space and turned it into an inviting and private space for the owner to enjoy. The project featured custom planters, led lighting, privacy screen plantings, ipe wood deck and an outdoor fire pit with comfortable exterior furniture for relaxing and entertaining.

Traditional Style Fire Feature - Techo-Bloc's Valencia Fire Pit.
Patio - large contemporary backyard concrete patio idea in Charlotte with a fire pit

Custom, in ground fire pit extends the season for this homeowner.
Patio - large modern backyard patio idea in New York with a fire pit

Lounge at the bar area with a signature Kimera Fire table, Frosted glass for privacy.
Example of a large trendy rooftop rooftop deck design in Chicago with a fire pit and no cover

Inspiration for a huge mediterranean backyard concrete paver patio remodel in Dallas with a fire pit

Lakefront Firepit in Backyard
Mountain style backyard deck photo in Orlando with a fire pit and decking

A radial cut stone fire pit is the perfect place for the family to gather after relaxing in the swimming pool. Westhauser Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional drought-tolerant and full sun backyard landscaping in Milwaukee with a fire pit for summer.

There are an infinite number of possible designs, and outdoor fire pits no longer need to be just a round pile of rocks. I work with several basic styles of gas fed fire pits when I design outdoor gardens to enchant my clients. The popularity of fire pits and the fire effects they produce in the garden is one of fastest growing trends in outdoor design. The allure of sitting around a fire ring has been around since the beginning of mankind. Fire provides warmth, light, a cooking source and, of course relaxation. A dancing flame has a mesmerizing affect that encourages you to unwind and settle in. The popularity of fire pits, or conversation pits as they are commonly called, has grown rapidly in recent years. Proper design and construction will ensure a safe and enjoyable feature that will last several decades This fully equipped outdoor kitchen is separate from the rest of the living space, allowing the two areas to be utilized entirely on their own. outdoor kitchens are most efficient when it's zoned into logical uses. your cook space should have plenty of prep space, room to set down utensils and stage ingredients, and a comfortable buffer from the seating island to keep guests protected from the heat.

Patio - mid-sized transitional backyard stamped concrete patio idea in Chicago with a fire pit and a pergola

This beautiful space allows for larger family gatherings as well as more intimate entertainment. The larger pavers make the space appear even larger, and the semi circle seating wall allows for lots of additional seating. The circular pattern around the fire pit draws your eye in and creates a beautiful focal point.

CJ South
Deck - small contemporary backyard deck idea in Detroit with a fire pit and a pergola

Patio - contemporary backyard stone patio idea in Salt Lake City with a fire pit and no cover

Fire Pit with Manutti Furnishings, Photo by David Lauer Photography
Large trendy backyard gravel full sun patio photo for summer in Denver with a fire pit and no cover

To keep plants from going into the pool, I recommend planting succulents, and using only one or two varieties to maintain a streamlined appearance. If they are nearby a fire pit, as seen here, make sure that all flora stay contained inside the planter, so as not to catch on fire.

A different angle of this Modern Landscape style. The fire pit and built in benches provide a focal point for the space. When landscaping in Orange County, it is important to make the most of small spaces. TRU Landscape Services

Jeff Elson
Inspiration for a transitional concrete patio remodel in Los Angeles with a fire pit and no cover

Patio - mid-sized transitional backyard stamped concrete patio idea in Chicago with a fire pit and a pergola