For most homeowners in Oakland Township and Bloomfield Hills, MI, the home is where they spend more time than anywhere else. It is a place to spend time with loved ones, relax, and showcase their unique style. These tips from a landscape architect can help you find ways to add character to your space so that it becomes a true reflection of you.
Fire Features
Fire features are the epitome of both function and beauty. They can serve as a great focal point for your backyard and a lovely gathering space for your next social function—or a perfect space to spend a quiet evening alone with a glass of wine and the sounds of nature. They’re also a great opportunity to add a bit of character.
Both fire pits and outdoor fireplaces can be custom designed and built. You can add a traditional round or square element or have it designed to be truly unique. You can opt for natural stone in varying hues and textures or choose a style of masonry block that looks just like the real thing. Once the fire feature is designed and built, depending on the fuel option you chose, you will be free to start a roaring wood-burning fire or flick a switch to get the gas-powered fire started.
Water Features
Adding a water feature is one of the biggest ways to maximize the “wow factor” in your backyard. This could be anything from a waterfall spilling into your inground pool to a standalone water fountain by your paver patio. Water features offer a sense of serenity, calming sounds, and a gorgeous sight to behold.
Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting serves many functions and should not be overlooked as an important aspect of significant landscape changes. At its base level, landscape lighting makes it easy to navigate at night, fully lighting walkways and patios, so you don’t have to worry about tripping and falling. However, it also adds layers of ambiance when carried out strategically. In addition to lighting along your paver patio, you can have spotlights that highlight your favorite features—perhaps your new water feature or fire pit.
You can add lights built into structural elements, such as retaining walls or the paver patio itself. Choose LED lights to save energy and have them set up so you can control the brightness via an app on your phone or tablet. You can change the color of the lights, dim them down or bring the brightness up, or turn them off and on altogether. With so much control over how your landscape is lit, you can add and adjust the characterful nature of your landscape design at will.
Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor kitchens are very functional and help you spend less time in the house and more time with friends and family at your next outdoor gathering—but they’re also a great landscape feature for adding some character, depending on the materials you choose. You may want a modern style of wall blocks if you’ll be having an outdoor pizza oven built. At the same time, you could have an outdoor dining area built so you can take your time to enjoy your cooking amid the fresh air, and consider incorporating some colors or salvaged finds from your past vacations.
