Last month we published a post about the results of the 2018 Adbri Masonry Great Australian Backyard survey that found backyard designs are inspired by holiday destinations including the Hamptons and Japan.
Now, as Australia enters the first month of winter we’ve got tips from outdoor fire pit specialist Glow on how to select fire pits to compliment these garden styles.
Hamptons
The Hamptons style is one of the biggest trends in 2018, including large open spaces, manicured lawns, formal gardens and a welcoming style that sits perfectly between classic and shabby chic. This signature look features subtle neutral colours and natural materials combined with structured details and layers that echo the coastal environs of upstate New York.
Fire pits with concrete bases and rustic bows that convey a modern and sophisticated aesthetic, such as the Lille fire pit by Glow, suits this style.
Vast lawns are also common features of Hamptons gardens so when choosing your fire pit location avoid placing on combustibles that may burn or scorch, such as grass and wooden decking.
Japanese Zen Garden
Traditionally, Zen gardens include ambient water features but that shouldn’t put you off using a fire pit; especially as watching a rumbling flame can be incredibly meditative and calming.
The design of Zen gardens make the ideal backdrop for a fire pit, which require two metres of clear space around them and to be placed on a heat-resistant surface. The stone masonry and raked gravel that are trademarks of a Zen garden, along with relatively low greenery, make it easy to incorporate a fire pit into this tranquil backyard design.
When choosing the fire pit, opt for a simple design in line with the rest of the minimalist aesthetic, such as the Machu fire pit by Glow that features a sleek black finish bowl and grey concrete base.
General tips
Careful consideration should go into the placement of a fire pit, as radiant heat can cause damage or cracking to underlying surfaces. Crushed rock or pebbles are a great option and create a casual Aussie backyard feel.
