One of the great joys of living in the Midwest is getting to fully experience all four seasons. To make the most of cooler days and nights, a fire pit and outdoor lighting can make it possible to enjoy your Novi, MI outdoor space on nights you wouldn’t otherwise be able to. These tips can help you choose the right landscape features for your home.
The Fire Pit
Having a warm, cozy spot to go when the sun goes down will help you extend your outdoor season. A fire pit can be a perfect spot for friends and family to get together.
When the weather becomes chilly, fire pits not only provide a location for gathering but also provide a stunning focal point that will impress everyone. You could have a custom firewood holder designed to complement your fire pit so you’ll always have a place to keep your wood tidy and dry.
Gas fire pits are a good option if you want a simple, effective option that gets you an instant fire with the flip of a switch. With no need for hauling and storing firewood, it’s a top choice for those not wanting to use much space for their main fire feature.
Seating Around the Fire Pit
There are two main seating options around the fire pit. You could have a large enough area built around the fire pit that you can bring out your own chairs. Choose cozy, comfortable chairs, an outdoor couch, or other outdoor furniture. The other option is to have a seating wall constructed around the fire pit, making it so you won’t have to worry about bringing in the furniture when the clouds start gathering.
Outdoor Lighting
Your fire pit will give off a beautiful glow, but you will likely want additional outdoor lighting for when the fire isn’t lit and for people to admire the rest of your landscape. If you choose to have a seating wall built around your fire pit, you could have landscape lighting built directly into it. Another option is brighter, to give you enough light to play a game of cards or dimmer, to set the mood during an outdoor meal. When you have a dimmer included, you’ll be able to adjust and soften the light as needed. This can all be done with permanent light fixtures around the perimeter of your fire pit.
If there are steps that go up and around your deck, pavilion, or another outdoor area, adding lighting within the steps can be an excellent option for keeping everyone safe as they walk to and from the fire pit.
To create a contrast with the light from the fire pit, spotlights can be placed at various intervals within your trees. This illuminates the trees themselves and creates a look of interest in the dark. The goal here is to create indirect illumination that brings attention to the overall beauty of your backyard.