Category: lighting

Light Up the Night (and Your Landscape)

Jan 14, 2021 | custom stonework, hardscape, home appeal, landscape, landscaping, lanscape company, lighting, masonry, outdoors, retaining wall, softscape

Light has always perplexed and inspired humankind from the days of only starlight and campfires to modern electrical marvels. The beauty of light is unparalleled, and before electricity it was quite difficult to sustain lighting in homes or outdoors without a significant risk of fire. However, electricity creates a safe way to make your landscape beautiful in the dark without bringing the heat.

Your landscape is incredibly elegant in the daytime, so why not bring out the suave and glowing beauty of nighttime lighting to your masterfully designed soft and hardscapes? Lighting can turn your nighttime landscape into something from a dream- you may even have dreams about lighting after seeing the results!

Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting is far better for your wallet than it used to be, and far better for the planet too! With waterproof, motion-sensing, solar-powered, and LED options in all styles and colors, there’s no stopping you from achieving the nightscape of your dreams! Installing outdoor lighting doesn’t have to be hard, and there are even options that don’t require wiring or battery changes but rather rely on the sun!

Outdoor lighting lets you stay outside for longer in the Summer and soak in the fresh night air without being drowned in darkness, and while you’re probably not likely to go outside at night much during the winter, you can still appreciate the beauty of your winter landscape and watch the lights dance on the glittering frost and snow of the colder months.

Seasonal Options

When it comes to looking for outdoor lighting for your home, the options are limitless, and the possibilities are only limited to your creativity. This flexibility can come in handy especially if you are a fan of decorating for the holiday season! Many LED lights (the most energy efficient) come in a wide array of colors, and some can even change colors at the push of a button! Holiday decorations have never been so easy!

Come to the Bright Side

Curb appeal is something that many home and business owners are constantly trying to improve. Simply put, curb appeal is how aesthetic your property is at first glance, this is especially important for selling or appraising your home or encouraging customers to visit your business as well as giving you the reputation as the neighbors with the nice house. You can build curb appeal by improving your home and property through a number of ways including landscaping and lighting.

Most homes and businesses do not have much in the way of nighttime curb appeal, but by installing outdoor lighting in a well-planned way, your property can look great at any time of the day making it the talk of the town in the best of ways! You love your property, let that shine by installing outdoor lighting!

Final Thoughts

Outdoor lighting is elegant and beautiful when planned and installed responsibly! The installation of outdoor lighting can show everyone how much you value your property, and this is a very important aspect of building curb appeal! If you need help creating a beautiful landscape or planning energy-efficient and beautiful outdoor lighting, contact Fritz Stonework & Retaining Walls today!

Outdoor Spaces You Can Relax In

Apr 22, 2020 | aroma therapy, hardscape, home appeal, landscape, lanscape company, lighting, natural landscape, retaining wall, waterfall

In this hectic world that we live in stress has become a number one problem. To reduce stress you need to have a place where you can relax and take time to rejuvenate yourself. You need this relaxing space to be close to home so you can visit it often. Just imagine having your own Puerta Vallarta or Turks and Caicos and it be just mere steps away. You need an at-home oasis that you can kick your shoes off, grab a beer, take a deep breath, and let out the deepest sigh imaginable.

To establish a relaxing space that is close enough to visit often you only need to look as far as your backyard. On your own property you can create a unique and inviting spot to relax and enjoy. The majority of the time when we think about creating outdoor spaces on our property we think about creating spaces where the children can play or where we can entertain. It is time to forget the kid’s desires and forget entertaining guests; you need to concentrate on an outdoor spot that is designed for you.

Waterfalls are Relaxing

Have you ever listened to a waterfall cascading over rocks? The sound is calming and makes you feel at peace with nature and with yourself. While listening to the water gently flowing over the rocks you can push the stresses of work, family and life aside and allow yourself to relax.

Waterfalls are great features to add to the landscape of your property. The size of the waterfall will depend on your personal preferences, and the size of the space you are creating. The waterfall can be used as a water feature that brings water to plants and shrubs, or it can be made to deliver water to your pool.

Aroma Therapy

Certain aromas can put the most stress-induced person into a calmer state. For instance, the smell of lavender can easily relax you and your partner after a long day at work. To help create a space where you can relax and leave the cares of the world behind you can plant lavender, and other aromatic plants close to your space.

Aloe Vera plants improve the quality of the air you breathe. Gerbera daisies also help improve the air by removing some of the toxins. Rosemary is an herb that helps reduce stress and improve your memory.

When you picture your relaxing spot in your back yard picture the sounds of a waterfall and the aromas of stress reducing plants.

A Living Space

You need a comfortable place to sit and enjoy these sounds and aromas. Creating a small patio space with pavers will allow you to have a spot to place a comfortable furniture set, or just a couple of chairs. You need some tables beside those chairs so you can set your iced tea glass down, and a fire-pit or outdoor fireplace will allow you to enjoy your space even when autumn starts to bring a chill to the air.

Establishing an area that has pavers as a foundation will keep you from having to move the furniture so you can mow. It keeps the furniture cleaner, and allows everything to sit level.

If you want to know more about how to establish an outdoor space that is perfectly relaxing call the experts at Fritz Stonework and Retaining Walls, (636-861-1530). You can also visit their website to get inspiration for your personal oasis. https://fritzstonework.com/

Turn your Backyard into a Vacation Paradise

Apr 1, 2020 | hardscape, home appeal, landscape, lanscape company, lighting

Turn your backyard into that vacation spot you want to visit this year, and it will be a spot you can use for many years to come. You might find that a stay-cation in your own back yard is both fun and exciting. The best part of a stay-cation is that you get to enjoy the amenities longer.

So how do you go about creating an escape on your own property?

Pools/Spas/Waterfalls

Water is one of the biggest attractions for get-away places. You can create water attractions by installing pools, spas, hot-tubs, or waterfalls.

The pool is the one attraction that most people enjoy. Children, teens, adults and seniors can all have fun in the water. You can create a unique pool according to the people who will be using it and the natural surroundings you have.

Do not just pour a boring concrete deck around your pool. Use pavers, and stones to create a unique area that adds beauty and interest to your surroundings.

You can create your own water slide and keep children entertained for hours on end.

A diving board is a fun way for you to enter the pool at the deep end. Your family can spend hours perfecting their diving abilities, and learning the different diving techniques.

A waterfall feature established close to or in the pool will provide you with the exotic sounds that you would expect to find while swimming on a remote tropical island. The waterfall will create an atmosphere that you can relax in and allow you to remain calmer while you are playing in your backyard.

Poolside Kitchens

You can have a poolside outdoor kitchen designed from rocks, stones and pavers that match the pavers around your pool. You will enjoy cooking meals outdoors while you listen to the sounds of your family laughing and having fun.

The poolside kitchens can include barbeque grills, gas ranges, ovens, and more. You can have a sink installed for easier access to water, and you can have a countertop designed to allow you to prepare your foods right on the spot.

Cabanas

One of the things that can turn an ordinary pool in the backyard into a vacation zone is the erection of a cabana close to the water. You can relax in the shade and listen to music while you watch the children in the pool.

You will also be covered if rain was to threaten your outside fun. These areas can be soft lit so at night you have a secluded place to dine and enjoy intimate conversations with friends and family.

If you are interested in creating an outdoor oasis in your own backyard call the friendly folks at Fritz Stonework & Retaining Walls (636-861-1530) and let them tell you about the amazing options that are available. You can also visit them at https://fritzstonework.com/pool-features/ to see some of the great ideas they have.

Patio trends for 2020

Mar 24, 2020 | hardscape, home appeal, landscape, landscaping, lanscape company, lighting, natural landscape, pavers

It is that time of the year! Where coats are put back into the closets, and the outdoors begin calling. Patio furniture does not go out of fashion as fast as other home items. Nonetheless, the aspect of your patio can be drastically modified with simple touches or radical additions. New year, new patio! Here are this year’s patio trends:

Lighting. A significant player in any courtyard, your lighting can set the mood for a friendly gathering or a romantic encounter. LED technology has brought a new option in custom LEDs: with the appropriate design, LED lights can highlight certain features of your outdoor space. The best part? You can control shade and intensity with just a few clicks on your phone. And speaking of light, shade umbrellas are a great facet on outdoor patios. Look for those that will maximize your outdoor space to give it that extra pop!
Mixed Materials. Mixing different materials would have been a no-no in the past. Nonetheless, this trend continues to gain popularity in the last several years. Are you looking to make your patio shine with a bit of sparkle? Then unleash the creativity! Forget about one color, one material patios and step out of the comfort zone to impress your guests. Some of the most refreshing combinations are copper and birch, wicker and aluminum, concrete, and oak. This will also make it easier for you to find outdoor furniture that matches.
Fire pits. Outdoor fireplaces have a dual purpose: first, it allows you to enjoy your patio despite cold weather. Just imagine yourself on a chilly afternoon, enjoying a family gathering around comforting flames. Even on warm summer nights, fireplaces make the thought of spending some time outside feel like a great idea. The second purpose is decorative. No doubt, a beautiful fire pit is a focal point in an outdoor space; our decoration experts assure that firepits make any patio look larger. The idea of an outdoor fireplace can be intimidating, but at Fritz Stone Works, we have the best techniques to install and maintain a fire pit. All you have to do is enjoy it!
Darker, bolder colors. Having a colorful patio makes it unique and also trendy. Don’t be afraid to go darker, or even charcoal grey. Bold colors make a patio look modern and sleek. Stripes are also a big trend for 2020 and should not be limited to furniture as stripes can be mixed in your materials as well!
Sustainable areas. Patios are such a versatile space in one’s home as they are not only a decorative section of the house, but they become a place for memories. This space will be the area your kids will learn to care for plants or the site you’ll host a memorable party or the setting for a romantic moment. But remember, beneath those moments lie a host of tiny ecosystems existing under your feet. So be sure to build your patio with sustainability in mind for the flora and fauna residing under and around your patio. The trend for this year is to make your outdoor areas as sustainable and functional as possible.

If you are looking for inspiration or an expert’s advice on how to make the most of your patio, then call Fritz Stone Works at 636-861-1530 or visit our website at https://fritzstonework.com/ for more information about our services.

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.