Ignite Your Outdoor Living

Ignite Your Outdoor Living: Fire Features That Transform Your Space

Colorado’s crisp evenings and breathtaking mountain views beg for one thing: a cozy fire to gather around. Whether you're hosting friends, enjoying a quiet night under the stars, or simply extending your outdoor season, fire elements bring warmth, ambiance, and style to any landscape. At Designs By Sundown, we believe fire features are more than just functional—they’re focal points that elevate your outdoor living experience.

Outdoor fireplaces

Outdoor fireplaces offer a dramatic architectural statement. Built from stone, brick, or stucco, they can be designed to complement your home’s aesthetic—whether that’s a rustic mountain lodge, Mediterranean villa, or sleek modern retreat. Fireplaces create a natural gathering spot and offer directional heat and wind protection, making them ideal for cooler nights. They also add vertical interest and structure to your landscape, often integrating beautifully with seating walls, pergolas, or outdoor kitchens. From traditional wood-burning hearths to clean-burning gas installations and contemporary linear designs, the options are as varied as the lifestyles they serve.

Fire Pits

For a more casual and versatile fire experience, fire pits are the heart of laid-back outdoor entertaining. Whether sunken into a patio or freestanding in a backyard nook, they invite storytelling, marshmallow roasting, and spontaneous gatherings. Fire pits encourage 360-degree seating and can be tailored to fit any space, from natural boulder rings that blend seamlessly into Colorado’s rugged terrain to minimalist concrete bowls filled with lava rock or glass. Portable or permanent, wood or gas, fire pits offer flexibility and charm in equal measure.

Decorative Fire Elements

Not every fire feature needs to be functional. Decorative fire bowls, columns, and tabletop torches add visual drama and a touch of luxury to your landscape. These elements enhance mood and lighting, define zones within larger outdoor spaces, and serve as sculptural accents that elevate the overall design. Whether it’s a copper bowl with a rich patina, a glass-enclosed flame that dances in the wind, or a stunning water-and-fire combination, these artistic touches bring warmth and wonder to your outdoor retreat.

What Type of Fire Feature is Right For You?

When choosing the right fire feature for your space, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. First, think about how you plan to use the area—do you envision intimate evenings with family, lively gatherings with friends, or quiet moments of reflection? Your lifestyle will help determine whether a fireplace’s structure or a fire pit’s openness suits you best. Next, consider the size and layout of your outdoor space. Larger patios may benefit from the grandeur of a built-in fireplace, while smaller yards might be better served by a compact fire pit or decorative element. Fuel type is another important factor: wood-burning features offer a traditional feel but require more maintenance, while gas options provide convenience and cleaner operation. Finally, think about the overall aesthetic—your fire feature should harmonize with your home’s architecture and landscape design, not compete with it.

Adding a heating element to your outdoor space means you don’t have to say goodbye to your patio when the temperature drops. Fire features allow you to enjoy your landscape from early spring through late fall—and even into winter with the right setup. They maximize your investment in outdoor living, encourage year-round entertaining, and create a cozy retreat for relaxation and reflection.

Ready to turn up the heat? Let’s design a fire feature that reflects your style and enhances your lifestyle. Whether it’s a grand fireplace anchoring your patio or a simple fire pit tucked into a garden corner, our team is here to bring your vision to life. Contact us today to start designing your dream fire feature—and make every season one to savor. certified arborists. Together, we can help preserve the beauty and health of Colorado’s tree canopy for generations to come.