At Skyline Hearth & Fire, we work with homeowners throughout Roanoke, Smith Mountain Lake, Lexington, and Lynchburg, designing fireplaces and outdoor living spaces that don’t just look good in photos — they actually get used year-round.
One of the biggest mistakes we see is homeowners investing in beautiful outdoor features that end up sitting empty. Not because the space isn’t attractive, but because it wasn’t designed to function the way people truly live and gather.
The Biggest Outdoor Living Mistake: Designing Features Instead of Flow
A common scenario we run into:
- A patio is added first
- A fire pit or outdoor fireplace is added later
- Seating and walkways are adjusted afterward
The result is often a space that feels awkward:
- Seating faces the wrong direction
- Heat doesn’t reach where people sit
- Walkways cut through gathering areas
- The space feels disconnected from the home
Outdoor living works best when everything is planned together — not added in pieces.
Outdoor Fireplace vs Fire Pit: Choosing the Right Anchor
We install both outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, but they serve very different purposes.
Outdoor fireplaces provide:
- Directed heat
- Strong visual structure
- Better performance in cooler weather
- A natural focal point for seating
Fire pits offer:
- Casual gathering
- 360-degree seating
- Flexibility for larger groups
- A more relaxed atmosphere
In Smith Mountain Lake homes, wind exposure and open landscapes often make outdoor fireplaces a better choice when consistent heat and comfort are priorities.
If you're comparing outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, we also break down common layout mistakes homeowners make in this guide.
Elevation Changes, Steps, and Why They Matter More Than You Think
Grade changes are not a problem — they’re a design opportunity.
In many Roanoke and Lynchburg properties, natural slopes allow us to create:
- Multi-level patios
- Defined dining and lounging areas
- Built-in seating walls
- Improved drainage and long-term stability
When steps and retaining walls are designed from the beginning, the entire space feels intentional instead of forced.
Connecting Indoor and Outdoor Living Spaces
One design element we emphasize is how the outdoor space relates to the home itself.
Homes in Lexington and surrounding areas often benefit from:
- Aligning outdoor fire features with indoor fireplaces
- Creating clear sightlines through windows and doors
- Using complementary materials indoors and outdoors
When indoor and outdoor spaces visually connect, both areas feel larger, more cohesive, and more usable throughout the year.
What We Typically Recommend for Long-Term Use
While no two projects are the same, the outdoor spaces that get used the most usually include:
- A clearly defined fire feature
- Seating oriented toward warmth and conversation
- Thoughtful elevation planning
- Materials selected for durability and comfort
- A layout designed around real-world use — not just appearance
Designing with intention upfront prevents costly changes later.
We explain some good design recommendations in
this video.
Final Thoughts
Outdoor living spaces work best when they are designed as a complete system, not assembled piece by piece. Whether you’re planning a new patio, deciding between an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, or looking to better connect your indoor and outdoor spaces, thoughtful design makes all the difference.
Skyline Hearth & Fire proudly designs and installs fireplaces and outdoor living spaces for homeowners in Roanoke, Smith Mountain Lake, Lexington, and Lynchburg. An upfront design conversation can save time, money, and frustration — and help ensure your space is one you’ll truly enjoy.
