If you’re like most people, you’ve put a lot of effort into getting your home just right — on the inside. You’ve probably chosen everything from wall color to decor, and now it’s time to start thinking about the outside of your home. If your backyard is basic and your landscape is lacking, you’re missing out on a whole range of opportunities that come when you build a dynamite patio space. Creating a special outdoor room provides extra space for casual cookouts with the family or big parties with all your friends — not to mention adding property value to your home.
Three Important Landscape Patio Design Features
What types of landscape patio designs work best for entertaining? In central New Jersey, you want to consider seasonal changes in weather, as well as personal preferences about the types of materials that will blend well with the existing architecture of your home. To get inspired, consider adding these features to your landscape.
1. Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor kitchens have been popular for years, but you may be surprised to learn that you don’t need to live in the desert to enjoy one. This compact kitchen features a grill, ample storage areas, garbage pullout, small refrigerator and a cooking surface — The durable stainless steel complements the muted tones of the stone and the natural pavers. The pergola adds a crisp and eye-catching level of dimension to the scene, as well as shade for guests seated at the kitchen counter area. This outdoor kitchen and patio design is a great example of landscape patio design work that blends a home’s exterior to its landscaping for a seamless look.
2. Outdoor Fireplaces
To get the most out of your patio for entertaining, it’s crucial to plan for the shoulder seasons: those times in early spring or late fall when cool temperatures would ordinarily send you scurrying inside. Adding a fire pit or outdoor fireplace allows you to keep warm and cozy while sipping a glass of wine or toasting marshmallows. This design incorporates natural stone veneers to coordinate with the blue stone patio, making this a focal point in the landscape. The seating wall encompasses the area around the firepit, making this feature perfect for entertaining.
3. Overhead Protection
3. Overhead ProtectionAnother way to make sure you can use your patio for entertaining despite the weather is to add a roof or pergola for protection from the elements. A substantial roof will provide shade, cover from the rain or snow, house recessed lighting, heaters, fans and televisions. It’s also a great way to connect an outdoor room to the rest of the home if you choose similar materials. Note that this deck features a cozy seating area, tied together with an ample roof. This design works well to break up an expansive space.
Benefits of Excellent Patio Designs
Because every home is unique, there’s no one-size-fits-all design that will work for every landscape. A great design will work with your home’s existing footprint and the layout of your property to make the most of your space. When you commit to building an outdoor patio for entertaining, you can significantly increase your capacity for hosting guests and improve the flow of foot traffic in and around your home.
You’ll also be able to provide an incredible setting for a variety of get-togethers, whether it be a child’s birthday party or a full-scale gala — even a garden wedding is within reach when you work with a professional to make the most of your patio design. An optimal landscape patio design is also a major investment in your home. By choosing the right materials and layout, you’ll increase your usable space and add a luxurious look to your property as a whole — one that will pay you back as your home’s value rises.
Working With a Professional
Of course, none of the wonderful examples of truly successful patio designs featured here were DIY projects. Working with a professional designer will get you the results that you’re looking for. A pro will help you assess your needs — both current and future — to create a wishlist of features for the perfect patio. They’ll also take a careful look at the land, including your soil type, slope and the general shape of your property, to determine the best use of space on your property. An experienced designer will optimize space so you get the most out of your new patio and they’ll help you choose the right materials to get a look that integrates with your neighborhood and with the exterior finish of your home.
That’s a tall order and it’s difficult for a homeowner to manage on their own. In addition to making sure the design functions well and looks great, a professional designer will provide you with a timetable and a plan for how to proceed with construction. Communication is key, so look for someone who listens to your goals as much as they talk about solutions to make the most of your property’s shortcomings.
When it comes to landscape patio designs, there are lots of great features and ideas out there to inspire you and these three features can help you make the most of your New Jersey home. With the help of a professional, you’re sure to get just the right look and years of quality time entertaining your family and friends.
