Spring is just around the corner and now is the perfect time to plan a hardscape theme that fits with your home’s or business’s design and expresses your personality. It’s also an opportunity to create outdoor spaces that fit the style you want, from sophisticated to rustic, farmhouse to estate, and everything in between. We recently won a GOLD Environmental Improvement Award for a paving installation project at the Shinola Hotel in Detroit (pictured). Here are some tips on how brick pavers can be used to achieve these aesthetic themes in Sterling Heights, MI.
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Rustic
Nature lovers embrace this style as a way to blend the manmade and the natural. Brick pavers most often come in warm, earthy colors that complement the colors of the surrounding landscape, and create a character-filled transition from the main building (your home or office building) to the softscape. In rustic designs, you want to stay away from linear designs in favor of curves and asymmetrical placement of various elements. The look is characterized by plant beds that allow flowers and ornamental grasses to nudge their way into the outer boundary of the hardscape. Laying patterns are relaxed. If you’re using traditional brick shapes, then circular, fan-shaped or basketweave patterns give a more relaxed feeling than running bond or herringbone. Brick pavers that come in random bundles can be laid in an ashlar pattern, which looks almost random.
Farmhouse
A farmhouse brings to mind happy families gathering together, and the warmth and comfort of grandma’s kitchen. Re-create this feeling outdoors with brick pavers. Here, use darker brick pavers to contrast with the home and give the feeling that the pavers were hand-picked and cut from local materials. If your brick pavers are available in several colors, choose two or three to blend onsite for a unique and interesting look. Darker jointing compound will keep the patio from looking busy. Random laying patterns keep the feeling relaxed and casual.
Traditional
Traditional styles are more formal. Outdoor spaces are designed for modern living but the feeling is steeped in local history. Use colors that complement the home (for example, using steel blue pavers to contrast a traditional brick or clapboard facade). Laying patterns such as herringbone and running bond are timeless favorites; since the look favors straight lines, these patterns enhance the feeling of formality. When it comes to choosing brick pavers, opt for those with a timeworn, distressed appearance, buffed smooth by years of wear.
Modern
Modern architecture focuses on the interplay of shape, light, and contrast. Each element in the landscape (the home, outdoor living space, walkways, driveway, and softscape) has a distinct presence that can stand alone yet is part of a cohesive whole. The look is minimalist and sparse, with straight lines, plenty of negative space, and clean edges to bring attention to individual elements. Manmade and natural materials coexist happily in a modern space. While modern applications typically favor large format pavers as a way to keep the look sleek and clean, you can create an absolutely stunning outdoor space by choosing traditional brick pavers in a herringbone pattern. This contrast is delightful, and brings needed warmth and livability to otherwise stark spaces.
Contemporary
Contemporary suburban landscapes are all about casual entertaining and family time, which favors natural materials and brick pavers that require little maintenance. Choose pavers that are factory sealed so that spills don’t get a chance to set into stains. Earth-toned pavers and relaxed laying patterns (typically ashlar) are the most popular choice. Many contemporary outdoor living spaces feature contrasting borders or accents for added interest.
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