Imagine your backyard transformed into an outdoor living space that’s beautiful enough to grace the cover of the latest home magazine. When you attempt to visualize this setting, you may find it tough to envision how the transformation will come together.
There can be complicated challenges involved in planning proper and effective landscape design for large residential properties. Landscape architects understand the importance of placement, function and spatial proximity and are trained in creating pleasing outdoor living spaces. Planting beds and trees are a great way to soften the landscape and add color but homeowners wanting to entertain friends and family need functional outdoor rooms that include a place to cook, eat and gather. These hardscapes can be built with an assortment of beautiful materials including cast stone, tumbled pavers, brick, natural stone, travertine and slate.
Perennials and shrubs are a great way to help make your backyard transformation happen by breaking up larger spaces into more intimate ‘rooms’. A meticulously landscaped backyard environment can change the feel of an entire property with seating walls and separate living spaces forming an outdoor ‘floor plan’. Hardscape components are highly-functional and can transform a unusable space into a functional dramatic setting. It’s all about choosing the right pieces to fit your yard and satisfy your lifestyle needs.
Here are our most popular landscape additions for making over a large residential backyard space.
Outdoor Kitchens
Consider a sensational outdoor kitchen constructed under a pergola with beautiful stone columns. Outdoor kitchens can be as elaborate or simple as you’d like them to be. There are a variety of options that meet almost any budget, from an inconspicuous place to put your grill or an elaborate custom-crafted kitchen complete with a bar, modern stainless steel appliances and a custom cooking area.
There are hundreds of kitchen appliances created specifically for outdoor use allowing endless possibilities to help create the perfect custom space to dine and entertain al fresco. Not only are these outdoor appliances cutting edge, but they are durable and can withstand nearly all types of weather.
Seating Areas & Stone Benches
Seating walls add a beautiful focal point and a much needed place to unwind with friends. Because patio furniture can make the area feel cluttered hardscape seating can provide a refreshing option. This is true especially for a sloping yard or a yard with an outdoor fireplace or fire pit. Stone or paver seating walls are perfect for homeowners who frequently host gatherings from small groups to large parties. If there is a need for storage, a perfectly planned seating wall can easily provide massive amounts of space for this.
Without a doubt, a place to relax is critical to have on your patio. The construction of hardscape seating areas will maintain your garden’s natural look while having all of the seating you want or need.
Fire Pits and Outdoor Fireplaces
Reminiscent of camp fires, marshmallow toasting and good-times, outdoor fireplaces offer nostalgia, flickering flames on a dark night, and the warmth of a fire to quell the chill.
Outdoor fireplaces are the perfect addition to an outdoor living area. The warmth of an outdoor fireplace allows you to unwind at the end of a long day. It also extends the season for gathering of friends and family in your backyard to all year long.
Fire pits and fireplaces are the perfect way to illuminate and warm any outdoor living space. Brick, stone, gas, propane or wood outdoor fire pits add a glowing touch to any outdoor patio, deck or living space. When it comes to good eating there is little to compare to an outdoor barbecue. Pro Image Hardscapes offers outdoor barbecues that are aesthetically beautiful, efficient and more cost effective than traditional masonry.
Water Features
The addition of moving water brings beauty like nothing else, especially when it comes to turning your backyard into your own personal oasis. Adding a spilling water feature to your backyard will create a magical environment especially when lit up at night.
There are a lot of options available. You could add a water garden, koi pond or a rain curtain. There are countless numbers of water fountains to choose from – anything from primitive to modern. Sitting in your backyard and listening to spilling water is relaxing after a stressful day and can provide a much needed retreat.
Pergolas / Outdoor Shade Structures
Pergolas are attractive outdoor structures that are open to the sky and are often constructed with wood or lattice to support plants. Climbing vines have a cooling effect as well as creating needed shade. This makes the arbor a great spot to enjoy a meal in your backyard or relax on a sunny day.
Tiered Gardens
No matter the size of your yard, it can still incorporate a lush, beautiful garden. Additional space can be created with carefully planned walls constructed from stone or pavers. Tiered gardens are an innovative solution to lack of space, erosion and a need for structure. The addition of lush botanicals combined with your favorite bright perennials can create a spectacular effect.
These landscaping and hardscaping ideas can completely transform the functionality and beauty of your yard. Regardless of which elements you decide to choose, it’s imperative that the end result is cohesive and feels natural. Coogans Design-Build has provided our customers with stunning outdoor spaces (both big and small) since 1982.
We make backyard transformations easy. Contact us today for a free consultation!
