Key Takeaways:
A fire feature can change the whole feel of an outdoor space, but it looks different in every yard. In these projects, fire becomes part of the architecture of the space, sometimes subtle, sometimes bold, always intentional.
— Fire as the focal point. In several of these yards, the fire feature is the moment your eye lands on first, especially when you’re spending time in the yard after dark.
— Fire integrated with water. Floating flames and pool-framing fire features create that fire-and-water contrast that makes the whole space feel elevated at night.
— Fire repeated throughout the yard. When fire shows up in multiple areas, entry, lounge areas, patios, it connects the space and gives the yard a cohesive nighttime atmosphere.
How fire changes the feel of a yard
Fire features are one of the most versatile elements in outdoor design. They can act as a focal point, create a natural place to gather, or help visually anchor a large space.
When designed intentionally, a fire feature doesn’t just add ambiance to a yard. It shapes how your outdoor space is used. It changes where people naturally come together. And it sets the tone for how the space feels after dark.
In this post, we’re sharing several projects where fire was thoughtfully integrated into the design, and the different ways it can enhance the function and the feel of the yard.
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Golden Palm Bay
In this yard, we added floating fire features directly within the pool. That contrast brings a subtle wow factor that elevates the entire outdoor space, especially at night. It also changes the mood of the pool area in a big way once the sun goes down.
Foxhaven Estate
An oversized stone fire feature anchors the sunken seating area in this yard. It creates a cozy gathering space for the entire family that’s large enough for everyone to enjoy.
The fire feature is positioned in front of the outdoor movie screen, which makes the whole setup feel built for summer evenings outside.
Costa Palma
We added fire features to frame the infinity pool in this beachside yard. They draw your eye outward toward the ocean while grounding the space visually.
The combination of fire and ocean views makes the entire yard feel even more luxurious, especially after dark.
Solterra
We designed beach bonfire-style fire features in this yard. We created a raised sandy island, elevated from the pool, with fire features you can sit around.
It’s a modern take on a classic bonfire and a really engaging way to add both seating and fire to the space.
Terravue
We layered a variety of fire features throughout this yard to define and connect different areas in the outdoor space.
We created intimate seating areas, each with a fire bowl centering the space. There’s also a massive fire feature that separates the spa and pool zones, plus fire features integrated into the covered patio seating area so the warmth and ambiance carry through the entire layout.
Riverview
As you drive up to the entrance of this yard, you’re greeted by floating fire features. When you move into the rest of the space, we created circular floating sunken seating areas that each have a fire bowl at the center. They create a distinctive focus in the yard and add a really interesting shape to the space.
Get Your Resort-Style Yard
Fire features have the ability to completely change how an outdoor space is experienced. When designed intentionally, they create warmth, define gathering areas, and help bring structure and balance to a yard, especially after dark.
As these projects show, fire can be integrated in many different ways depending on the layout, setting, and how the space is meant to be used.
If you’re thinking about adding a fire feature to your own yard, the key is designing it as part of the overall plan, not as an afterthought. Placement, scale, and how the fire interacts with surrounding elements all make a difference in how successful the space feels.
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Designing a resort-style backyard isn’t just for warm climates, and this New Jersey project is proof. This modern outdoor space was intentionally designed to feel luxurious and livable in every season. In this tour, we walk through the features that make a year-round backyard not only possible, but comfortable and beautiful, in all four seasons.
What You’ll See in This Four-Season Backyard Tour:
– A weather-ready outdoor kitchen designed for four seasons
– A modern waterfall feature that blends natural landscape with clean architecture
– An acrylic pool panel that turns the pool into sculptural art
– And more
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do fire features make such a difference in a luxury yard?
A: Because they change how the space gets used. Fire creates a natural place to gather, adds warmth after dark, and gives the yard a focal point that doesn’t disappear at night.
Q: Where should a fire feature go in the overall layout?
A: Put it where people naturally want to gather. Near primary seating, along a major view line, or in a transition zone where you want the yard to slow down and feel more intentional.
Q: Why do fire features work so well near pools?
A: The contrast is what makes it feel elevated. Fire adds warmth and movement against the water, and at night it gives the pool area a whole new atmosphere.
Q: Why does fire matter so much for the nighttime experience?
A: Because it brings structure to the yard after the sun goes down. With the right fire placement, the space still feels designed, and it creates a different experience after dark.
Behind The Blog
Justin Fox
Founder & Creative Director
Founder Justin Fox grew up with a passion for landscaping. After 15+ years building luxury yards and pools as a licensed contractor, he saw the limits of the design/build model. Homes get detailed, architect-led plans, so why shouldn’t yards? In 2019 he convinced brother Nate Fox to join him and launched Foxterra Design to focus on immersive, luxury outdoor spaces.
Today, Foxterra creates resort-style residential environments for clients worldwide, pairing rigorous planning with bold imagination. Foxterra’s work and design approach have been featured across outlets like CBS Sunday Morning, Architectural Digest, Homes & Gardens, and Luxury Pools + Outdoor Living, highlighting the design firm's focus on outdoor spaces that are designed to be lived in, not just looked at.
Nate Fox
Designer
Nate Fox helps shape Foxterra’s creative vision, blending architectural detail with a designer’s eye for proportion and flow. His work redefines the backyard as an extension of modern luxury living.
In recent features, Nate’s perspective has been quoted across leading design publications, including Homes & Gardens and Luxury Pools + Outdoor Living, where he shares practical, design-forward guidance on everything from integrating sculptural moments and sightlines to creating “living wall” effects that soften hard architecture and make compact spaces feel more expansive.
