October 2024 | Firepits & Human Evolution

Fire has been an important part of the Earth system for over 350 Myr. Humans are the only animals to have used and controlled fire.

Darwin actually regarded fire as the greatest discovery made by humanity, excepting only language.

Fire provided a source of warmth and lighting, and most importantly served as a trustworthy ally in protecting from predators during night time for many years. It was a way to create more advanced hunting tools, and a method for cooking food.

These cultural advances brought by this discovery, allowed human geographic dispersal, cultural innovations, and changes to diet and behavior.

So, is it our primeval connection to fire the reason it evokes such grounding and mesmerizing feelings still now?

Gazing into fire flames inside a fire pit or fireplace always captivated me. The feeling is so much different than the one when  watching beach shore waves with the acoustic of tiny pebbles moving. The feeling of fire and the sound effects of burning wood for some reason bring powerful messages, give gravity and strength.

Most homes I have stayed have had a fireplace. And maybe it’s not a coincidence.

I strongly suggest when enough space is available to add a fireplace to your home plans. It doesn’t necessarily need to be in the living room. Inside your master bedroom or in the entrance hall is a perfect positioning as well.

When installing a fireplace - talking from an interior design point of view – please see mantel’s potential as something more than a functional frame.

If you are an outdoors person and the weather in your country makes it accessible most months of the year, a fire pit is all you need to get out there as the air starts chilling. From the Fritz hansen Helios Fire bowl to the Rook Fire table of Neighbor, there are amazing choices out there -often portable- and of course we are going to add all new releases and designs on our curated edit during winter months. 

Keep up

Warm wishes for a cozy Fall

ELENI NODARAKI

Creative Editorial Director

Write to me on eleni@decorationrunway.com