Ever wonder what it would be like to live in an A-Frame? We do! Simple structures typically used for utilitarian purposes until the 1950’s, A-Frames have inspired designs by legendary architects including Andrew Geller, who built an A-frame house on the beach in Long Island known as the Elizabeth Reese House.  KDHamptons loves to follow the ever expanding A-Frame home that interior designer Astrid Insieme of Insieme House and her husband Brian have been carefully curating in New England.

We asked Astrid to share pix and deets on her latest labor of love: building the PERFECT outdoor fire pit, which I am dying to recreate at my Hamptons home. Check it out….

Astrid shares: We’re just a couple of days shy of the winter solstice…and what better way to celebrate the arrival of Old Man Winter (who, admittedly, decided to show up MUCH earlier than desired this year…haha!) than with a good, old-fashioned fire in the snowy woods? If you’ve been following along on Instagram, you know that we’ve been busy tying up all of our outdoor projects before the onset of the long, cold months ahead. The last of which was the creation of a permanent fire pit area in our backyard which we cast amidst a path of concrete pavers. Well, it took a little longer than anticipated, but it’s finally finished and already been put to good use, in partnership with my friends at Raymour & Flanigan.  Before we jump in, here’s a quick, visual chronology of the basic steps of the fire pit project:

The process was relatively straightforward and devoid of issues, until, a freak snowstorm hit – with no forecast in sight – about twelve hours after we had poured the final round of concrete in the form. Thankfully, my extremely patient and amazingly capacious Husband, who makes absolutely EVERYTHING possible around here, decided to quickly cover the fire pit with one of those collapsible shed structures, and rigged some heat lamps in the interior to keep the temperature above freezing so that the concrete would cure properly.

And so thanks to his timely solution and efforts, our fire pit was saved! And ready to be used, even with arctic temperatures and snowdrifts dominating the landscaping…haha! Because we’re crazy like that. So long as the flames are persistent and the wine is flowing, there’s plenty of sustainable warmth to enjoy the picturesque surroundings!

In collaboration with Raymour & Flanigan, I’ve styled our outdoor fire pit area with very simple Adirondack-style chairs in white (Mopani Outdoor Chair), and a loveseat bench in the same style (Hantom Outdoor Bench). The simple lines of the Adirondack-inspired design of the chosen seating are just perfect for our rustic setting, and conjure up that quintessentially New England vibe regardless of the season.

Because we’re in the throes of some seriously cold days here in New Hampshire, the only other elements that are necessary are some cozy layers in the form of plaid throws, pelts, kilim pillows and some lanterns for effect. Oh, and fire, of course! Accompanied by warming beverage(s) of choice. And there you have it…the makings of a simple, unfussy scene to enjoy the stark beauty of winter!

Happy wintering, everybody…stay warm, safe and jolly, and may the season be merry and bright, well into the New Year! * Images and text by Astrid Insieme, follow her on Instagram HERE