Designing Beautiful Outdoor Layouts – The Basics

Designing Beautiful Outdoor Layouts – The Basics

Feb 18, 2020 | hardscape, landscape, landscaping, lighting, pavers, softscape

Landscaping can be split out into two categories: hardscape and softscape. Together they are what make an outdoor layout beautiful. Some elements and items can be added to an outdoor space and turned into a pleasant, functional, and enjoyable area. These are the essential elements of landscaping:

● Hardscape refers to all non-living components of an outdoor space such as stone walls, concrete, brick or paver patios, and metal features. Applied correctly, hardscape elements add functionality and beauty to any outdoor area. Hardscape structures heavily determine the flow and design of any outdoor project.

● Pavers or “concrete pavers” are paving tiles, bricks, or stone generally utilized as an exterior flooring material. While holding a higher value and price point than alternatives such as concrete, pavers have many advantages. They are weather-resistant, can fit in any space, and they can match any design style. An additional great perk is that they are durable and incredibly easy to maintain. Outside of general maintenance such as sweeping and blowing off of natural debris, professional cleaning and sealing every 3-5 years will keep your patio looking great for a lifetime.

● Softscape is the art of setting and maintaining healthy living components in a yard. This includes plants, flowers, trees, shrubs, flower beds, etc. It also involves several tasks such as mowing, fertilization procedures, weed control, pest control, cleanups, mulch installation, and many others –depending on the size and style of the garden. Maintaining the live horticultural elements of a yard requires a certain level of training and expertise. For instance, the seeding process has its specific parameters, the nourishing of the soil, the mowing schedule, fighting weeds, etc.

● Outdoor lighting significantly enhances the beauty of an outdoor space. It serves a dual purpose of functionality and aesthetics. Outdoor lighting refers to lights added into the landscaping, walls, steps, up lights, and spotlights. Lighting adds on coziness and has a welcoming factor –especially useful for those keen on having guests over and allows you to enjoy your outdoor space long into the night.

● There are additional elements to add to an outdoor space such as outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, pools, retaining walls, putting greens, sports courts, pet runs, etc.

With the many attractive options available, it is easy to get overwhelmed when planning and designing your outdoor oasis. So, before committing to a style or purchasing any materials/furniture, consider the following:

● Assess the available space. Surely you want to make the most of the area, but you must consider space limitations, as well as slopes or terrain characteristics. Once you know exactly what parts you can use –and for what purposes –you can begin planning.

● Beauty and functionality. Landscaping is so much more than adding attractive elements to a yard. Design, materials, and furniture, all have to be aligned with the target you have in mind: is this a family-friendly space? Is it designed for adults only? Do you wish to avoid slippery elements for seniors? All of these questions must be answered beforehand.

● Have a budget in mind. With a defined number, it is easier to plan and calculate, not the other way around. If you are lucky enough to have unlimited resources, then you may let your imagination fly!

● Maintenance. Before committing to certain aspects of your landscaping –especially with the living components –ask yourself if you have the will and time to keep it as it was intended. There are artificial components or low-maintenance plants that suit better for busy owners.

Consult an expert. The advantages of hiring professionals to do the job are countless; you will save time, money, and headaches by seeking the input of experts. This will also ensure you have the landscape you’ve dreamt of! St. Louis Select Landscaping has years of expertise in designing, building, and maintaining functional, stunning outside views in the St. Louis area. You can learn more about their services at http://www.stlselectlawn.com/index.php, or you can reach them by phone at (314)568-6550.

Make Your Retaining Wall an Eye-Catcher

Make Your Retaining Wall an Eye-Catcher

Feb 17, 2020 | home appeal, landscape, landscaping, natural landscape, retaining wall

Many people are reluctant to build on properties that are going to require a retaining wall. People often view retaining walls as structures that are less than attractive. They try doing things like planting shrubbery in front of the wall to hide its existence.

Instead of not building because you need a retainer wall or building a wall that you feel the need to hide, why not build a retaining wall that is so attractive that you want to showcase it. Make your retaining wall an aesthetically pleasing addition to your property décor.

Review your options.  A retaining wall can be constructed from many different brick and stone options. You can use the look of the material that you choose to enhance the look and feel of your property. This is your Shangri-La and it should be the mystical, harmonious space that you envision.

Make it curvy.  A retaining wall can be shaped so that it does its duty and adds a unique and flagrant touch to your architectural design. These walls can be curved, or straight. They can be tall and majestic or shorter and low profile. The possibilities are endless, and only your imagination can hold you back from creating a wall that is alluring and inviting.

Use patterns.  Consider building a basic retaining wall and then at the top of the wall create patterns out of the rock or stone that will be unique. You can install bricks and leave open spaces, you can create a look that resembles the top of a castle wall, how about installing glass bricks or colored mirror balls to create a fantasy area?

Add some color.  Your wall can bring an old world feel to your property with the right material and design choices. You can also showcase a beautiful rose garden, or flowering display, behind a short wall of natural stone.

Make it shine.  Strategically placed lighting can enhance the beauty of the wall at night, and it can create a softer image. The lighting can also help safe guard your home from uninvited guests.

Make some steps.  Build your steps out of the same material as the wall, or build steps out of a contrasting material to create an eye-catching entrance. You can use pavers to create an artistic design on the area behind, or in front of the wall. You can use pavers to create a walkway that matches, or contrasts the wall you have designed.

You can choose materials that fit into the natural landscape so the wall is less noticeable. By using stone that is similar to the natural stones of the area your retaining wall can blend into the natural surroundings and become a part of the landscape.

A properly designed retaining wall can actually increase the value of your property. When you build a beautiful structure you increase the curb appeal of the property, and property that is nicer to look at, and more functional, is worth more money if you ever decide to sell.

The team of professionals at Fritz Stonework & Retaining Walls can help you to create a wall that will be functional, beautiful, and unique. Give them a call today and let them show you what they can do with your ideas.