A HOT TWIST ON A COOL IDEA

A HOT TWIST ON A COOL IDEA

Fire bowls extend the outdoor living experience beyond summer

There’s a reason that the ancients called fire one of the four elements that make up our world. At its most basic level, it provided light in the dark and warmth in the cold. It’s possibly even more important to civilization and culture than the invention of the wheel.

Although our use of fire has evolved into technologically intricate applications, we humans still find few things more elementally satisfying than gathering around an open flame. In this autumn season, Carol Edick, co-owner of Southern Living Design, tells us about fire bowls (also known as firepits) and how they help us enjoy outdoor living beyond summertime.

QUESTION: How do fire bowls work, Carol? ANSWER: The bowls are made of non-flammable material. At Southern Living, we sell ones made of Fibrecrete, which looks like concrete. The flame is generated from either propane or natural gas from within the bowl, making it very easy to use without the mess of wood and ash.

Q: What goes inside a fire bowl? A: We usually sell them with Peruvian lava stone in charcoal grey or Peruvian beach stone in creamy white. The flame then comes through these stones from underneath. There are a lot of stone colour options to complement any exterior decor.

Q: Can they be used in any outdoor setting? A: The fire bowls are commonly installed on concrete or stone patios, but because of their non-flammable construction, they are safe enough to be used on wooden decks and grass. The propane versions can be moved if desired to accommodate large gatherings, renovations and more.

Q: What about safety? A: Unlike with wood-burning firepits, you have the option of adjusting the flame height. You can also get a glass wind guard for added safety and blocking breezes. Natural gas units are always installed by a certified plumber/ gas fitter.

Q: Looks are important, too. How can a fire bowl fit into garden decor? A: They come in a variety of different sizes and shapes, all very modern with a crisp, clean look. The corresponding cover keeps out blowing leaves and debris when the fire bowl is not in use. Because they are so compact, they can be placed in any setting, making them perfect accent or statement pieces.

Q: Are there any other features that fire bowls offer? A: Some units have wider ledges, giving them a multi-purpose use like a coffee table. Propane tanks can even be disguised as a side table or footstool with a custom-fitting cover and extension hoses so they can be moved around whenever desired. •

Southern Living Design www.southernlivingdesign.ca 905-823-3036