IEE Designs

The holidays are here which means cooler weather for Southern California! While sunny days and little rain mean we get to enjoy our backyards and patio spaces year-round, the nights can get a bit cold during the winter months.  Installing a fireplace or fire pit in your backyard can add some much-needed warmth and light to those chilly California evenings. But how do you know which one is best for your space?  FUNCTION We always ask clients how they intend to use their new, redesigned space to help them evaluate their options and make the right choices. Do you have visions of cocktails enjoyed around the fire pit? Or an elegant dinner party? Since there’s no way to direct the smoke, fire pits can often feel smoky. If you plan to entertain a lot, a fireplace would likely be a better fit since you can enjoy the heat without the smoke. On the other hand, if you have more casual uses planned, a fire pit might be just fine.  Space is also a consideration. Fireplaces are easier to tuck to th