When designing a common space for large amounts of people to enjoy, it can seem difficult to know which direction to take. Common areas used by many people should be both functional and comfortable, a feat that can seem challenging if you try to please everyone with your design. The good news is that you don’t actually have to satisfy everyone’s individual tastes! Choosing a general theme to work with keeps you focused so that you avoid creating a space that looks like a mis-matched jumble of furniture and decorations. A theme will also attract people who are interested in the style that you’ve chosen to use. Here are four aesthetic themes to inspire your driveway and patio designs in Cortlandt Manor, NY.
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A few general, reliable and versatile themes you can use are modern, urban, vintage and rustic. Each one has its own defining features, yet can be customized to your needs and your space, from parking lots and walkways, to patio gardens and community gathering areas.
Modern
Modern-themed designs are stylish, sleek and one step ahead when it comes to finding the trends. These types of designs feature clean lines and pops of color, with a focus on interesting visual effects and minimalist landscaping. Carefully pruned greenery sets the stage for artistic pieces such as lighting, decorations, and patio furniture.
Line the borders of parking areas with low, neatly-trimmed shrubs. Accent corners and walkways with sleek light fixtures - look for rectangular frames with different shapes and sizes of bulbs.
Attract people to a common gathering space with a selection of angular furniture in shades of black, white and grey interrupted by colorful accent pieces. Use sleek-looking porcelain pavers (they’re actually quite strong and durable) to create walkways through the landscape, and as the floor to the patio area. Include a fire feature as a final touch, such as a propane fire pit table, to complete this sophisticated atmosphere.
Urban
Just as in cities where you can see the older, historical buildings adjacent to the new, this style of design combines elements from the modern, up-and-coming style with older accents such as brick walls and weathered metal.
Plant a gorgeous urban garden at the entrance of your building. Mix the “new” of your plants with some “old” features such as metal statues or fountains. Use brick along the borders and walkways as an older attribute, and some newer, colorful tables and chairs in and around the garden will send a welcoming message to your customers, clients and employees.
Vintage
A landscape inspired by attractive antiques creates a charming atmosphere, and inspires conversations. Similar to the urban theme, brick is an essential element in the vintage look. Plant grasses along walkways and driveways to make people feel like they are walking through the moors of an old countryside. Antique fixtures such as carts and wheelbarrows make for great planters and statement pieces to decorate a community space. Adorn these beautiful areas with cast iron benches and lanterns, to encourage passerby to linger and enjoy them.
Rustic
For a different approach than the man-made appeal of many theme styles, opt for an elegantly rustic look. Natural stone borders and planters lining the entrance are a friendly welcome that will make your visitors feel as if they, too, are starting to blend into nature. There are also many styles of concrete pavers that are built to look just like natural stone! Lodge-style furniture, from benches to adirondack chairs, and masonry benches are all friendly ways to invite people to relax and enjoy the surroundings in a community area. Use varied colors and textures of natural stone to build a large outdoor fireplace where everyone will want to be.
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