As the year comes to an end, winter offers a chance to reflect and plan for the year ahead. Not to be forgotten about are the aspirations you may have for your Cortlandt Manor, NY, outdoor areas. Trends in outdoor living change from season to season, but some things never go out of style. Here are some considerations to make for your 2018 landscape construction projects:
Outdoor Kitchen and Dining Area
Backyard entertaining is always on the rise, and regardless of the weather conditions, it can be achieved if you have a properly equipped outdoor kitchen and dining area. Cooking outdoors is a fun activity that brings everyone together, and having all of the appliances readily available saves time and effort, and improves the experience. Dining areas can be located further from the kitchen, where guests can enjoy focal features such as waterfalls, fire pits, or beautiful greenery. This adds to an enhanced ambience, especially at night when the surrounding elements are illuminated.
Even if you have a smaller outdoor space, outdoor cooking and dining are easily facilitated. Multiple rooms or features that serve various purposes are ideal for small backyards and can include a combination kitchen and dining area.
Uniquely Crafted Landscape Elements
Every homeowner has personal taste in décor, and an outdoor space is the perfect canvas for expression. Many homeowners embrace the look of uniquely crafted elements. Patios or walkways with a modern, edgy design or regular features such as fire pits incorporating a custom design will leave a strong impression. In this regard, consider incorporating custom designed permanent seating that will give your outdoor areas additional seating room and added customization options. Permanent seating can be dressed with brightly colored pillows and throw cushions to bring pops of your indoor aesthetic out onto your patio.
Timeless Natural Stone
Natural stone remains a favorite material for paving walkways, patios and poolsides. It can also be incorporated into vertical features such as retaining walls and dry-set low walls. Taking this a step further, natural stone can be used to give older features a new look in the form of natural stone veneer. Talk to your contractor about the many ways natural stone can be incorporated into your landscape in 2018 for a timeless, textured look.
Focal Points and Accents
Focal points and accents act as highlights of a landscape and can come in many different forms, shapes, sizes, and textures. Illuminating the best features of the landscape with strip lighting that complements the colors of the elements will create a fantastic effect.
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Fire pits and fireplaces are classic focal elements that will never lose their importance in landscaping. Fire pits became a must have some years ago, and their popularity continues to rise. Fire features are a must for a warm and cozy outdoor living space, and if you haven’t already, this year is the year to invest in and experience this essential feature.
Other focal features to consider are water features. This includes elements like ponds and waterfalls which can have an incredible impact that engages all the senses.