Outdoor living is popular because homeowners want to connect to nature and find more opportunities to entertain family and guests outside.1 Creating a beautiful outdoor living room can capture the best of both worlds.
First, build a patio or hardscape to serve as the foundation for your outdoor space. When done by an experienced contractor, this can increase your property value and turn your backyard into an extension of your home. For patios and decks, consider wood, concrete, natural stone or pavers, depending on your budget.2
Some homeowners want their outdoor space to match the comfort and look of their home's interior, creating a smooth transition between the indoors and outdoors.1 You can also mix in some native plants to create an eco-friendly, natural aesthetic.2 Adding fireplaces, fire pits or outdoor kitchens can make outdoor living rooms more functional.1
If you have a smaller space to work with outside, consider creating a vertical garden. This utilizes vertical structures to create green walls of foliage that take up less space than a traditional garden.3
The structure underlying your vertical garden can be anything stable and tall, like a trellis attached to the ground; a wall-mounted planter; or a small wall built from metal framing, screens and plastic shelves. Add hanging baskets, climbing roses or vines, fruiting vines, tall vegetable plants like tomatoes or pole beans, and tall herbs. You might even incorporate an irrigation system to ensure the plants stay well-watered.3
Water features can create a serene backyard oasis. But exactly which type you want to hire your contractor to build will depend on the space you have available and the overall vibe you're seeking. Some ideas include:4
- A beautiful fountain that serves as the focal point for your backyard getaway.
- A vertical waterfall, which can be soothing even if you have less space.
- A pool or hot tub surrounded by green plants for an outdoor spa.
- An in-ground pond filled with koi and water lilies for a natural oasis, or an above-ground pond tucked into a corner of your yard.
When creating your backyard space, consider eco-friendly, sustainable landscaping. You can lower your carbon footprint and help the environment, while also creating a serene place to relax. Consider these ideas:5
- Native plants need less water, fertilizers and pesticides. They also attract pollinators and birds.
- Rain gardens and French drains can offer erosion control to help you preserve soil integrity and maintain the natural habitat.
- Drip irrigation helps your plants stay healthier while using less water.6
- Large trees and bushes can help keep your house cooler naturally.6
Integrating edible plants into your landscape can help you create a beautiful yard that's also practical.7 These gardens may require the help of a professional landscaper or contractor. You might need a professional to install raised beds or dig up the backyard to make space for your garden.
Professionals can also assess the land where you want to plant trees to ensure they're in a place that is optimal for growing and won't hit any gas lines.
Whether you're creating an edible garden that borders your backyard or a garden that serves as the central focal point, here are some ideas to help you and your landscaper get started:7
- Apples, blueberries, peaches, pears and cherries are low-maintenance fruit choices.
- Perennials will grow back every year. Start with asparagus, rhubarb, Ceylon and New Zealand spinach, artichokes, sorrel, chives and watercress.8
- Consider edible flowers like roses for syrup or jam, hibiscus for tea, sunflowers for seeds, jasmine for tea or dessert, or squash blossoms for salads.
- Tasty vegetables include lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers and more.
- Grow herbs like basil, rosemary, thyme, sage or mint to start.
If this all sounds a little overwhelming, you can hire a professional garden consultant to help you choose which edible plants are the best choice for your soil and climate. They can provide a detailed plan to help guide you from planting to harvest.9
Lighting can enhance your landscape design. Consider a combination of features, starting with wall lighting and spotlights for ambiance, plus lights that accentuate paths, steps and fences for safety. You might also want lighting that pulls attention to certain focal points, like a fountain or trees.10
LED lights with a warm white glow are a wise choice because they're efficient and last longer than halogen lights. Solar-powered lights are also a great way to achieve efficiency.10
Finally, incorporating a smart lighting system can make life easier for you. It can be programmed to change intensity or color based on the season or mood.11 The system can also be automated to turn on at specific times.12 Whichever features you choose, use a professional installer to ensure it's set up correctly.
Themed landscaping can upgrade your outdoor space from a simple relaxation spot to a stunning escape. Choose a theme that not only reflects your personal style and interests, but also enhances your property's overall appeal.
For example, if you want a Japanese garden, you can incorporate elements like a bamboo fence entrance, a winding path, evergreen conifers, moss walkways, pagoda-shaped lanterns and a private pavilion.13
For a Mediterranean-themed garden, you could hire a landscaper to work in some native plants that fit the mood, or hire a professional contractor to install a soothing water feature.14
Creative landscaping has the power to transform your yard into an oasis retreat. The key is to incorporate your own personal creative elements into a beautiful theme. Feel free to experiment with one or more of these ideas until you create the ambiance that's just right for you.
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