In a time when social distancing has become the norm, the need to be outdoors has increased. If your backyard and patio have lost their visual appeal, however, and you find yourself wishing you had someplace nicer to hang out, here’s what you may discover as you search for “landscapers near me” and inspiration for designing inviting outdoor living spaces in Rochester Hills, MI.
What says “inviting” to you? That’s the first question a landscape designer may ask you. It’s okay if your vision isn’t defined yet. Here’s a small sampling of things to consider as you begin defining what you want.
Choosing Options for a Refreshed Landscape
You may enjoy being around certain elements like fire and water. You may like a certain type of paver or natural stone. You may love wide, expansive patios or small “secret garden” patios just big enough for two. You may be drawn to cool and soothing colors. Or you may love the warmth and rugged texture of flagstone.
Maybe a serene rectangular reflecting pool brings you joy—or maybe you love the rough-and-tumble effect of water cascading down a boulder waterfall. You may love linear designs, or prefer curves that mimic the surrounding landscape. You may embrace natural materials, or you may be unabashedly modern and man-made. Maybe you prefer bricks and small pavers with texture and character, or your ideal patio is made using modern oversized porcelain tiles. You may love the timeless look of a pergola, or prefer the coziness of a small gazebo. Or perhaps you love stacked flagstone walls, or maybe structured masonry is more your style.
Your outdoor space is a reflection of you: how you live, and what you like. Take the time to clearly define your vision, with the help of your landscape designer. When you do, you’re more likely to end up with a space you will be happy to use every day.
Paying Attention to the Details
Once you have the basics of what you want, you can start refining them and choosing materials based on your needs, aesthetics, and budget. But the process doesn’t end there.
Your landscapers will also consider all-important matters like traffic flow, especially if the space is small. You don’t want to end up with a patio that is barely big enough to house your must-haves but at the cost of people tripping over furniture as they move about.
The number of amenities is also important. More isn’t necessarily better, if the space becomes cluttered with things that rarely get used. It’s often better to pare down the wish list to “must-haves” that really matter to you. For example, you might decide that a simple fire pit can take the place of an elaborate outdoor fireplace. Or a grill station with a bar could better serve your needs than a full outdoor kitchen with all the bells and whistles.
Narrowing your must-haves could enable you to invest more in quality materials. Then you never have to compromise on quality for the sake of having it all. A good landscape design will give you the feel you want, even if it doesn’t necessarily contain every single item you have on your wish list.
