Whether your clients want to meditate, relax or entertain, you can help them create the patio of their dreams. Creating a patio that supports your client’s vision will help them use the space and enjoy it for years to come.
Crushed gravel can be one of the cheapest and easiest materials to work with. This recessed gravel patio with wood seating feels cozy and modern.
Pavers
Pavers are a fantastic way to create a beautiful backyard patio. They’re easy to install and offer a wide range of design options. You can build a large paved patio or something smaller like this stepping stone chessboard – both of which are great DIY projects that you can complete in one weekend.
These pavers are manufactured from concrete and are designed to look like natural flagstones or sandstone. They are available in a variety of colors and styles to match any design theme. They’re also very durable and add value to your home.
While these pavers may be more expensive than other options, they’re a fantastic investment that will last a long time and look amazing. Plus, they are easier to maintain than a traditional concrete patio.
If you’re on a budget, this is the best choice for your next paver project. You can find plastic molds online that will allow you to make your own pavers for much less than a contractor would charge. They’re also quick to set up, which means you can have your new patio faster and save money at the same time.
Another option is to buy pre-made pavers, which can save you a lot of time. However, it’s important to ensure that the pavers you buy are the right size for your space. If you’re unsure, ask your contractor to help you determine the best fit for your space.
When selecting pavers, you’ll also need to choose a pattern. Some of the most popular designs are Circle, Fan, and Random. The Circle design is a popular and easy to install, but it can be challenging to form the curves. The Fan design offers a pattern of gentle arches that’s similar to the Circle design. And the Random pattern uses four different sizes of pavers in one application to create a bold effect.
If you’re looking for a more luxurious look, you can use granite or flagstone pavers. These are a bit more expensive, but they’re incredibly durable and will look amazing around a fire pit or pergola. Another option is to use permeable pavers, which allow rainwater to pass around them rather than through them. This helps reduce runoff and prevent floods.
Pergolas
When it comes to adding value and function to your backyard, pergolas are some of the best choices. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbeque, planning a small wedding or just enjoying your morning cup of coffee with a book in the shade, these structures offer structure and beauty to any outdoor space.
Pergolas can be freestanding or attached to a wall and come in various sizes. They are available in wood or vinyl, and can be stained or painted in a wide range of colors to match your patio furniture or home décor. They can also be adorned with hanging plants and vines, which add extra shade and interest to any outdoor area.
Historically, pergolas acted like a trellis for climbing and creeping plants like honeysuckle, roses, wisteria, passion flowers and grape vines. You can even grow clematis and other flowering vines on your pergola to create an inviting backyard retreat that will attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
You can further enhance the ambiance and style of your pergola with lighting or curtains. String lights around the posts or through the cross beams to create a soft, romantic glow at dusk. Drape pieces of colored linen fabric over the top and sides for a more Greek touch.
Another great way to use your pergola is to install a swing for the kids. This easy and fun project will give your children a place to relax and make lasting memories.
Pergolas have been a popular addition to backyards for generations and continue to be a hot trend in outdoor living. Not only do these structures add beauty to the home, but they can provide a significant return on investment when it comes time to sell. Contact Green Impressions for more information about creating your ideal backyard retreat. Our experienced landscape professionals will help you turn your vision into a reality that is functional and enjoyable for years to come. We serve homeowners throughout the greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio area. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation.
Fire Pits
A fire pit is a wonderful addition to any backyard landscaping. Not only does it add ambiance and warmth to any outdoor space but it also provides the perfect gathering place for friends and family to relax and enjoy each other’s company. A fire pit extends enjoyment of your backyard landscape design into the evening hours and can be enjoyed in all seasons.
It’s important to note that you should use caution when using any kind of firepit. Make sure to keep a water hose nearby and to constantly monitor the flames. Also, it is important to use only seasoned wood. If you are unsure of the quality of the wood you should purchase, it is best to opt for “kiln dried” wood which has been heated to remove excess moisture. Wood that has not been properly seasoned can produce toxic smoke which is dangerous to your health.
Once you have installed a fire pit you can enjoy many activities with your family and friends. According to Eden, some of the most popular activities include cooking, roasting marshmallows, playing card and word games and even chatting with each other about your day. However, it is important to disconnect from electronic screens and spend time focusing on your immediate family.
Another fun and stylish way to decorate your patio is with fairy lights. You can hang these from trees or create a unique and eye-catching focal point with grapevine balls. These are fairly easy to make at home and only require some string, a vine yard and a little creativity. To make your own grapevine balls, simply soften the grapevine in some water and then roll it into a ball shape. Once you have your desired size, simply secure the end with a piece of tape.
If you want to take your patio décor up a notch, consider adding a natural gas fire pit to your outdoor space. These are similar to propane fire pits but they connect directly to your natural gas line which eliminates the need to refill the tank. However, they do cost more to install and are not as portable as propane.
Lighting
Lighting is often overlooked as a patio project, but it’s a quick way to make your outdoor space more usable at night. Besides creating a welcoming mood, it can also help people safely navigate to and from the house and highlight special features of your yard.
For open-air spaces like your patio, string lights are an easy-to-install and affordable option that works well to define your patio. You can hang them from the ceiling to define the space or use them to illuminate a gazebo, pergola, or other structure. If you don’t want the hassle of string lights, a few solar-powered or motion-sensitive spotlights are another great way to light up your patio and highlight landscaping elements at night.
You can also use lighting to create a walkway from the house to your patio, and low-lying lanterns or hurricanes are a good choice for this purpose. The right lighting can also accentuate the architectural details of your patio and draw attention to decorative items or decor, such as a wreath atop a pergola or a tablescape of candles or decorative lanterns.
If your patio is enclosed by walls on some or all sides, a set of wall sconces is a smart way to add ambient light. They can also serve as a stylish and practical way to define the dining or lounge areas of your patio.
Patio lighting can be a lot more creative than you might think, too. For example, a simple wicker-style basket with a lampshade woven from strips of burlap makes for a fun DIY patio lamp that looks rustic and elegant at the same time.
If your patio doesn’t have a built-in lamp, look at your home’s architecture to see what you can do with your ceiling. If your ceiling is high enough, a built-in fixture can be an effective way to illuminate your patio, especially if it’s designed for task lighting like over an outdoor grilling area. Otherwise, a lighted ceiling fan is a great option that provides both illumination and a gentle breeze that can help keep your patio cool and deter pesky mosquitos.