Whether you're playing games with the kids, grilling, working out, or just hanging out, if you're like most people you'll be spending more time in the backyard this summer. It's a growing trend that's been on the rise for several years now, and it got a major boost in 2020. This year, people are getting really creative with their outdoor design and hardscaping ideas. Here, we'll talk about some of the coolest outdoor patio design ideas we've seen and that people are absolutely loving.
The hottest ideas are fairly simple. Things like sitting walls, fireplaces, outdoor lighting, and other basics are what you're going to see a lot of. Where the designs get really interesting is when people add their own personal flair to them and arrange them in unique configurations to get the most out of their outdoor spaces. But we'll just begin with the basics.
Don't confuse a sitting wall for a lack of inspiration. These features can be extremely useful and beautiful, and when properly placed, they can do more than just one thing. For example, you can use a sitting wall for additional seating, of course. But it can also be used to set things on, like a long, low table that's great for bbq events when you're cooking for a large group. They can also be used as a retaining wall for a garden or tree or to contain a water feature such as retaining wall waterfalls, a bubbling rock water feature, and so much more. Sitting walls can be a simple piece of raised concrete, or they can incorporate unique design features like outdoor paver tops, glass beads, specially chosen stones, and much more.
Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits have always been popular and they are growing in popularity, especially as the available tools and techniques make them more practical than ever. Adding an aluminum fire pit bowl or fireplace not only adds great ambiance, but it makes your outdoor spaces usable for longer than just the warm season. With the right design elements in the correct positions, trees, and outdoor furniture arranged to retain the heat, you can enjoy your outdoor spaces even in the middle of a snowstorm! Of course, fireplaces and fire pits are also a nice way to do a little grilling on the side. With the right tools, you can cook for yourself and someone special in a small setting while sitting next to the fire. What could be more romantic than that?
Outdoor lighting has always been a great way to add safety, security, and style to an outdoor space. But as solar and outdoor electronics are becoming more and more able to stand up to the heat, cold, and the elements, outdoor lighting options are becoming more complex and more interesting. Portable outdoor lights can be powered by the sun. Move them to suit your liking and meet the lighting needs of any occasion. Use spiked solar lamps to line the edges of a path, outline the entire yard or a given area, move them and replace them as you see fit. You could set up an outdoor poker table lit by a set of beautiful outdoor lamps either hardwired, battery-powered, and/or solar. The possibilities are defined only by the limits of your imagination.
Of course, water features like the ones mentioned above are always going to be a popular choice. Even a small element of moving water is relaxing, beautiful, and therapeutic. Better still, is the fact that adding a water feature is good for your health. The negative ions will drag pollutants out of the air and the sound of moving water will help you to relax. You might even add a pond with fish or a small bath for visiting birds. Design a wandering retaining wall around a Zen garden with your personalized water element at the center, and you'll have a beautiful, relaxing area that will be popular with the entire family.
Traditional patios made from wood or a slab of ordinary concrete are always a solid choice. However, paver patios are yet another growing trend that could make the difference between a nice outdoor space and an extraordinary one. Paver patios are much more beautiful than ordinary concrete, more customizable, and longer-lasting.
Many people believe that building a new outdoor space is out of their budget. But building techniques and materials are growing in availability and advanced manufacturing techniques are bringing down the costs. In fact, you can design and build your own outdoor paver patio for as little as $4,000. Best of all, the gains you'll make in the value of your property make the investment more than worth your while. You'll enjoy it while you're there, and you'll reap the gains when you sell your home.
Building your indoor/outdoor space can be a DIY project if you're feeling ambitious and want to save even more money. But if you're not feeling up to the task, working with the professionals at First Class Lawn Care is a good way to make sure the job is done right the first time, and that your outdoor living area will last for many years to come.
To learn more about what you can do with your front or back yard this summer, get in touch with First Class Lawn Care and get your free estimate today!