Fire Pit Ideas to Transform Your Outdoor Living Space in 2024

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Looking to add (literal) warmth and ambiance to your outdoor space? A fire pit can transform your backyard into a cozy retreat, perfect for gatherings with friends and family or peaceful evenings under the stars. Whether you prefer a sleek modern design or a rustic look with natural stones, there are endless fire pit ideas to suit your style and needs. Read on for some of our favorite ideas to get you inspired.

It doesn’t matter if you’re interested in adding a fire pit to your exterior design or you’re looking to change the entire hardscape; our expert designers will manifest your goals. Even if all you want to do is see what your house would look like in another color, we offer a paint visualizer service to help you do just that. Small changes or entire makeovers, we’ve got you covered. Learn more about our services.

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before and after rendering of an a-frame with a fire pit in the yard

#1 // Front yard fire pit

The front yard of this A-frame was practically barren save for a couple of planter boxes and a white picket fence. The elements in the existing design were a bit dated, so our designers revamped the exterior with a modern overhaul. Complementing the refreshed neutral exterior, we gave the planter box on the left a facelift.

Our designers also carved a section of the yard out with pea stones and pavers, making way for a stone fire pit with matching seating. The layout of the seating and the surrounding elements exude a cozy vibe that elevates the entire yard. Plus, the shorter, modern fence opens the façade, enhancing the curb appeal in an effortless way. 

before-and-after rendering of a house with a firepit added to the yard

#2 // Connect the backyard

We love a big backyard, especially since it opens the door for seemingly endless possibilities when it comes to landscaping and hardscaping. In the before photo shown above, our designers were given considerable open space to work with for the backyard. At the far back end of the yard, we forged a circular stone area with a fire pit and comfortable lounge seats. 

Linking the fire pit area to the back porch, we created a pathway with mulch, lush plants, and rigid stone pavers. These elements add dimension among the vast grassy space.

before-and-after rendering of a house with a firepit in the front yard

#3 // Elevate the façade 

Our designers are great at coming up with simple fire pit ideas that work in tandem with the other elements of hardscaped spaces to maximize curb appeal. The existing façade was subtle and charming, but the winding walkway condensed the space between the curb and the front door. In our redesign, we infused the exterior with depth by expanding and elevating the porch and creating perpendicular straight walkways in the front yard.

The updated pathway leading to the porch branches off to the left before it reaches the front steps and leads to a fire pit area. We used this space as a way to create even more distance between the curb and the entrance. The landscaping surrounding the fire pit creates a cozy vibe that makes the area all the more inviting.

before-and-after rendering with a backyard pool and fire pit

#4 // Define hardscape zones

When we’re working with a lot of space, our designers like to divide the hardscape into sections. Similarly, when we think of fire pit ideas, we often come up with ways to give them their own separate spot in the yard.

Here, we filled in the big backyard and created functional zones. On the left side of the paved area, we focused on water features with a backyard pool and a jacuzzi. To the right, we added an outdoor dining space with a pathway leading deeper into the yard where we placed the fire pit.

before-and-after rendering of the backyard pool area of a house with a firepit near the pool and outdoor lounge spaces

#5 // Poolside fire pit

What better way to warm up and dry off after a dip in the pool than relaxing by the fire pit? We built upon the blueprints this client provided to create the ideal outdoor space. Complementing the loungers and outdoor sectional near the pool, we added a poolside fire pit to the mix, complete with comfortable seats. This space breeds comfort and relaxation in a simple yet impactful way.

#6 // Complete your hardscape 

If you’re looking to get the most out of your outdoor living space, our designers have you covered. We reimagined the back of this exterior, emphasizing a warm, welcoming vibe. We replaced the existing pergola with a larger white one, complete with a hanging lantern and comfortable lounge seating. 

Breaking up the space between the pergola and the covered back patio, we added a fire pit to the hardscape. We kept the space simple. For the lounge seats surrounding the pit, we went with warm neutral tones to complement the other elements in the backyard.

before-and-after rendering of a landscaped backyard

#7 // Add dimension to the backyard

Our designers are skilled at coming up with landscaping elements to support our fire pit ideas. This sloped yard provided the perfect opportunity to create a more dynamic landscape. We added plants and boulders to the mulched space, along with permeable stone pavers and rigid stone steps. All of the landscape elements lead to and surround the fire pit, creating a warm and welcoming backyard oasis. 

before-and-after rendering of the back space of a house with lots of natural elements

#8 // Embrace landscaping

Since fire is one of the elements, we love to come up with fire pit ideas that lean into more of nature’s accents. For this design, we surrounded the fire pit with stones, plants, and water. Preserving the open layout, we ensured maximum visibility and access to every outdoor space.

before-and-after rendering of the back of a house with a screened-in porch and a fire pit

#9 // Create a focal point

Fire pit ideas don’t have to be thought of as supporting details. Here, we used the fire pit as a focal point in a backyard with plenty of other compelling elements. We updated the screened-in porch, maximizing visibility to and from the yard. We also added an outdoor kitchen and dining area, ideal for entertaining. To make the fire pit stand out, we aligned it with the screened-in porch and gave it its own circular section.

before-and-after rendering of a house with a multi-level deck and a fire pit

#10 // Fill space intentionally 

One of our designers’ strong points is their ability to look at a space and imagine all of the ways to fill it in, both intentionally and impactfully. In this existing design, the patio section between the two stairways was vacant. We saw this as the ideal spot to relax and unwind, so we added a fire pit and comfortable seating surrounding it. Adding even more warmth, we included an outdoor rug in the space.

before-and-after rendering of a house with a plunge pool and firepit on the deck

#11 // Deck it out

In this redesign, we cleared space to make room for a revamped multi-level deck. On the added lower level, we used steps to visually separate the plunge pool space from the fire pit. These steps also create a layered look which adds to the illusion of the different deck levels throughout the design.

large gray home with a backyard fire pit

Feeling fired up to transform your exterior?

Fire pits transcend any and every design style. Whether you have a modern mountain home or a cottage-style house, a fire pit can fit into your exterior design. Still, it’s not always easy to think of how these design elements best integrate into your design. That’s where we come in. Our designers can seamlessly add a fire pit to your outdoor space to get the most out of your curb appeal. 

Ready to add a fire pit to your exterior? Or maybe you’re feeling inspired to chase other design goals. We’re ready to work with you to manifest it all. Get started today!

Author

brick&batten Contributor

Mackenzie has been writing for brick&batten for three years, and most of her exterior design knowledge comes from renovating her own home. She purchased a log home that was stuck in the '90s and the previous owners were unable to keep up with exterior maintenance. From reimagining the landscaping and hardscaping to revamping the porch and logs, Mackenzie and her family approached the entire project DIY-style. In her free time, Mackenzie enjoys cooking and spending time with her family of six on their farm, which includes cows, chickens, rabbits, dogs, and cats. She has been writing for 12 years and has explored a variety of materials from food writing to lifestyle pieces and, of course, virtual exterior design.