With winter in full swing, believe it or not, NOW is the perfect time to start planning your landscaping projects. Let’s look at some current trends in creating outdoor living spaces.

Designing & Planning Your Landscape Investment

Hiring a local landscape designer offers many advantages and provides an optimal outcome for your landscape investment. Landscape designers, by nature, have abundant ideas that will create a landscape unique to your needs and wants. After conducting a site analysis, a professional designer then molds your ideas into a conceptual design; providing a visual layout of your new landscape plans. A landscape design ensures the homeowner and the designer agree on the design, and changes can be addressed before construction begins. A good designer will work with you to define budget, timelines and expectations; offering construction “phases” to complete your project over an extended time if needed.

Outdoor Structures: Pergolas, Pavilions & Gazebos

Structures such as pergolas, pavilions or gazebos create welcoming outdoor rooms for entertaining friends and family or simply relaxing in the sanctuary of your own backyard. Pavilions are usually used for large gatherings and will have a solid roof overhead. Pergolas can be attached to the home or be freestanding, usually have a slatted roof and can be customized to fit most any landscape. Gazebos are round or octagonal with a solid roof; creating a great spot for relaxing or dining in a semi-protected setting.

Built-in Wall Seating

Extra seating space is always nice when a large crowd gathers. Built-in wall seating is a great way to add low maintenance seating to a courtyard or fire pit area.

Fireplaces & Firepits

Whether you choose gas or wood as your fuel source, a fireplace or firepit will add ambiance and comfort into the evening hours for you and your guests. With endless styles available, a designer can help you decide which is best suited to your needs.

Outdoor Kitchens & Must-have Features

An outdoor kitchen with essential features makes cooking outdoors fun and easy! Ample counter space and utility drawers are must-haves for ease in preparing meals in your outdoor kitchen. Insist on a large sink with running water and be sure to plan for plenty of refrigerator space for food and beverages. Just like your in-door kitchen is the heart of the home, your outdoor kitchen will be the same. A bar with seating will allow interaction with guests while tending the grill.

Water Features

Trending water features include pond-less streams or waterfalls and splash pads. Requiring much less maintenance than traditional ponds, these features offer the peaceful ambiance and sound of water, a connection with nature and, in the case of the splash pad, a fun place for the kids to cool off during the summer.

In addition to these popular landscape options, other elements to consider include outdoor lighting, paver slab patios, a sound system, an outdoor theatre or a private deck off the master bedroom. Whatever elements you choose to create your own unique landscape with; ensuring sound decisions are made and quality work and products are used will increase the value of your home and provide years of enjoyment in your outdoor living space.