The landscaping of outdoor spaces is a valuable area of your property that you might not be taking advantage of. Thus, you might be considering the different options that can help you update this unused space. Hardscaping designs are a great way to update this space to get the most out of it. The following new landscaping designs will help you use the right hardscaping to upgrade these outdoor spaces:
What is Hardscaping?
Hardscaping is the use of non-living materials in your landscaping. This includes walkways, patios, retaining walls, and even outdoor lighting. In short, it's the elements that don't plant. It also isn't limited to outdoor spaces — indoor water features and fireplaces are great examples of hardscapes.
Some people think that hardscapes are just the boring or utilitarian parts of landscaping, but that isn't true. While they can certainly serve functional purposes (like providing a path from one area to another), they can also be beautiful and unique if you work with a professional designer.
Outdoor Kitchen
Outdoor kitchens are great features to incorporate into the design of your outdoor spaces. It can be integrated into the landscaping and include all the right features that you want for your outdoor spaces. Some of the finishes and features that you might want to incorporate into the design of your outdoor kitchen include:
- Cabinetry
- Countertops
- Barbeque grill
- Sink
- Refrigerator
- Stove or grill top
- Pizza oven
There are a number of different types of kitchen features that can be designed specifically for outdoor use.
Fire Pit
Another great feature to add to the hardscaping of your outdoor space is a fire pit. There are many options that you might want to consider for the fire pit. Some of these fire pit designs include outdoor fireplaces, round fire pits that are a focal point of outdoor design, and outdoor grilling areas. When choosing the design of your fire pit, consider what you are going to use it for and the design features that you would like it to have. The fire pit areas can even include stone furniture for entertainment purposes for outdoor spaces.
Garden Wall
You might also want to consider different options to add privacy to your outdoor spaces. A garden wall is a great option to add privacy with elegant features. The garden walls can be made of various materials, including wood, stone, and manmade materials. You might even want to combine materials, such as a half stone wall with a wood fence upper section of latticework to allow plants to grow over and provide more privacy for your outdoor space.
Outdoor Woodwork
Outdoor woodwork can be a lovely part of your landscape design. There are a lot of options for beautiful and unique outdoor woodwork that can add beauty to your yard or garden area. Outdoor woodwork can include benches, tables, chairs, and other furniture, arbors, trellises, fencing, gates, and even signs. There are many different types of outdoor woodwork you can use in the design of your outdoor spaces.
Pathways and Patios
Pathways and patios can be used to create a sense of organization and flow in your yard design.
Pathways are generally narrow strips of concrete, bricks, pavers, or gravel that guide you from one part of the yard to another. They can be simple and utilitarian or decorative and inviting. You can even use pieces as stepping stones in grassy areas.
A patio is a larger area made of concrete, bricks, pavers, or gravel. It's usually surrounded by plantings or other elements within the landscape. Patios often have outdoor furniture on them and may be used for dining, entertaining, or just relaxing.
The right hardscaping can help you completely makeover the outdoor spaces around your home. Contact a hardscaping design service to discuss some of these options.
