Builder Online ran a story earlier this year on fire pits and outdoor fireplaces; the slideshow was one of our most popular. Soon after, a survey by the American Society of Landscape Architects showed that fire pits are one of the most oft-requested features for a home’s outdoor living space—second only to outdoor kitchens, and besting a swimming pool by far. Is it that instinctive desire to gather around a flame and toast marshmallows? Memories of summer camp and strumming guitars round the fire? Any feature that helps make a lovely night last as long as possible is fine by us.
Amy Albert is editor of Custom Home and a senior editor at Builder. She covers all aspects of design. Previously, she
was kitchen design editor at Bon Appetit;
before that, she was senior editor at Fine
Cooking, where she shot, edited, and wrote stories on kitchen design. Amy
studied art history with an emphasis on architecture and urban design at the
University of Pennsylvania. She lives in Los Angeles. Write her at aalbert@hanleywood.com, follow her on Twitter @CustomHomeMag and @amyatbuilder, or join her on Custom Home's Facebook page.
