Practical and Beautiful: Fire & Light

In a recent ASLA (American Society of Landscape Architects) survey, fire pits/fireplaces and night lighting topped the landscape wish lists of what homeowners want. But there are two camps when it comes to why homeowners want those elements. There are those who look at the practicality of adding a fireplace (fire pit) or outdoor lighting and those who focus on aesthetics. Either way, both of these elements are a sound investment in the landscape.

Practical and Beautiful Fireplaces

From a practical perspective, fire pits or fireplaces allow homeowners to extend their time outdoors as the days grow shorter. Aesthetically, they provide a homey touch to the otherwise plain patio with the warmth and glow calming even the most hectic days.

Evening Warmth

Dramatic and Practical Night Lighting

There’s a long list of well-known practical reasons for adding night lighting to the landscape, among them safety, security, beautification and value. Aesthetically, architectural features are highlighted bringing the home and landscape together. Certain aspects of the landscape such as textures, colors, art, structures, trees and shrubs which all blend together during the day are eye-catching details in the night.

A well-designed lighting plan creates a dramatic enhancement of the home by illuminating colors and textures in the design. Warm and properly placed lighting is one of the most effective ways to naturally enhance a landscape. Before running to the hardware store, explore these different types of outdoor lighting and the benefits of each.