As Memorial Day approaches, it’s time to embrace the return of outdoor living and design spaces that invite connection, celebration, and ease. A thoughtfully crafted backyard becomes more than a setting—it becomes the backdrop for the season’s most memorable gatherings. Whether you're refreshing your outdoor space with new textures, adding layers of comfort, or simply looking to create a welcoming focal point, a sculptural fire feature remains at the heart of it all.
From layered plantings and natural materials to curated seating and the timeless draw of flame, these are the essential elements that shape outdoor spaces built for gathering, reflection, and summer living.
Center the Space with a Sculptural Fire Feature
A fire feature instantly becomes the natural focal point of any outdoor setting. Whether framed by stone patios, nestled within native plantings, or positioned on modern hardscapes, fire invites people to gather, reflect, and connect. Whether it's the sculptural PAOLO, the elevated simplicity of AURA, or the minimalist form of BOLA, every piece in our collection creates a strong visual anchor—balancing refined geometry with the organic rhythm of the landscape.
Key design considerations:
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Choose a form that echoes the movement of the surrounding landscape (soft curves or strong lines).
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Position fire features centrally to naturally draw people together.
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Use complementary materials—concrete, stone, gravel—to integrate the feature seamlessly into the environment.
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PAOLO 72 | Inkwell | rolled lava
Layer Seating for Flexibility and Comfort
Thoughtful seating arrangements elevate how an outdoor space feels and functions. Layering different types of seating—built-in benches, deep lounge chairs, and lightweight moveable pieces—encourages informal gathering and fluid conversation. Choosing durable, tactile materials like teak, powder-coated metals, and linen-blend fabrics ensures the space feels effortless and grounded.
Best practices for seating design:
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Mix fixed and moveable seating for flexibility.
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Prioritize weather-resistant, low-maintenance materials.
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Arrange seating to encourage smaller, natural conversation clusters.
BOLA 48 | Ivory | rolled lava
Define the Atmosphere with Lighting
Lighting extends the outdoor experience well beyond sunset, shaping the mood and usability of a space. Layered lighting—such as overhead string lights, subtle path lights, and soft up-lighting on trees or architectural elements—creates dimension and warmth. Firelight remains the heart of the experience, but carefully placed accent lighting enhances movement through the space and highlights natural textures after dark.
Lighting essentials:
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Layer multiple lighting sources: overhead, task, and ambient.
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Use warm color temperatures (2700K–3000K) for inviting evening light.
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Allow firelight to remain a dominant visual element without overpowering it.
OVA soft 36 | Taupe | rolled lava
Infuse Coastal Colors for a Seasonal Refresh
Updating your outdoor space for a new season doesn’t require a complete redesign—often, a shift in palette brings new life to familiar settings. Muted blues, crisp whites, soft greens, and stone-inspired grays offer a sophisticated, seasonless foundation for outdoor living. These tones, drawn from coastal landscapes, evoke a relaxed, timeless atmosphere without relying on motifs or themed decor.
Introduce subtle layers of color through outdoor cushions, throws, and accent pieces. Consider understated patterns inspired by the movement of water or the textures of stone—organic, flowing, and quiet. Small shifts in color and material add depth and rhythm to the space, enhancing its sense of comfort without overwhelming its natural simplicity.
Fire features can become a seamless part of this palette—or a striking counterpoint. Lumacast designs are available in a curated range of finishes, from deep charcoals to warm neutrals and soft grays, allowing you to either echo your landscape’s tones or create bold contrast. Choosing a complementary or contrasting fire feature finish adds another layer of intentionality to your design, helping to tie the entire outdoor environment together with ease.
Coastal-inspired refresh ideas:
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Add a touch of coastal elegance with blue and white-themed accent pillows to complement neutral-toned seating.
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Layer muted blue or soft gray textiles against warm concrete finishes for subtle depth.
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Choose outdoor throws or cushions with flowing, organic patterns inspired by water or sky movement.
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Select a fire feature finish that either mirrors the surrounding palette or creates a refined contrast for visual balance.
AURA 52 | Ivory | Gray Basalt
Design Spaces That Invite Connection
As gatherings move outdoors with the arrival of summer, designing spaces that feel personal and welcoming becomes even more essential. Rather than focusing solely on structure, think about how your landscape can guide the rhythm of a gathering—creating natural transitions between lively conversations, quiet reflection, and shared meals under the sky.
Subtle divisions—like changes in planting density, low seating walls, or the soft glow of lighting—can help define intimate pockets within a larger landscape without feeling forced. A sculptural fire feature can anchor these moments, offering a warm center where people naturally gather, connect, and linger long into the evening.
Spatial zoning tips:
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Use planting density or material changes to create separation without hard barriers.
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Design clear pathways between zones to keep circulation fluid.
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Position fire features where multiple zones overlap to anchor the entire space.
This Memorial Day and beyond, the most memorable outdoor spaces will be the ones that feel effortless—designed not just for living, but for coming together.
BLOC 72 | Inkwell | rolled lava + glass wind guard
Setting the Stage for Summer Living
As Memorial Day approaches, now is the perfect time to reimagine your outdoor spaces for a season of connection, warmth, and celebration. Thoughtful design—rooted in natural materials, sculptural focal points, and layered comfort—creates environments that invite people to gather and linger.
Explore how a fire feature from Lumacast can anchor your outdoor space for a summer of timeless moments.
