Gardening with Complete Solutions

HOW’S YOUR

PATIO LIFE...

by PJ Kratohvil, Owner of Complete Solutions

When people call in looking to create an outdoor space, we ask them what they envision or are looking for in the new space. Some will already have plans and know exactly what they want. Others have no idea. The next question a lot of times will be, “What do you like and dislike about your current space?” This will often give the clueless client a chance not to be overwhelmed by the possibilities and allows them to focus on specifics based on what they already have.

Don’t let the details overwhelm and keep you from moving forward.

Sometimes, calling to consult with a designer or seeking out a company that specializes in the design aspect as well as the construction of the project is the best option.

Your patio space should be an extension of the house – furnished and functional. More than anything, it should be a space that’s designed to fit your needs. This allows you to effortlessly get out and enjoy the outdoors. Having a cover over your space really allows for more usable time throughout the year no matter the weather conditions and gives you the opportunity to truly make it feel as if it’s just another room in the home. Sometimes a good balance of covered as well as uncovered patio space is the answer – just ensure you’re investing in a vision that’s going to fit your family’s needs the best. Having the ability and an adequate amount of counter space to grill during the week or entertain on the weekends can greatly enhance your outdoor experience. Putting in a side burner, extra storage, or even a fridge can add to the usability and convenience of the space. You don’t have to go huge, super luxurious, or over the top with it – just build to suit your needs, and, most importantly, make it functional for you.

With our economy continuing to boom and seeing no end in sight for the growing construction industry, creating privacy is and should be at the top of our lists. Whether it be some taller landscape that creates a screen wall, a simple curtain and rod set up that you can pull back-and-forth as needed, or remote solar screens that offer UV as well as bug control, creating that element of privacy and really finishing the space off can make all the difference when your home and trying to unplug.

EXTERIOR: 214.735.1363 | COMPLETESOLUTIONSDFW.COM

Fireplaces, fountains, fire pits, and other features won’t only set your space apart from others but will also provide some function to your outdoor living. Whether it’s that focal point that a fireplace offers, a relaxing sound you get off of a water feature or fountain, or being able to gather around the fire pit on a cool night. Adding features to your patio space not only creates interesting destinations but also brings people together enabling you to enjoy the space that much more.

Once you’ve gotten your patio footprint together, it’s always important to balance your hard space with a combination of turf and landscape areas. Much like the patio itself, landscaping could definitely be a do it yourself task. But sometimes, design and installation are better left to be thought through by a local professional. We get calls and visit homes on a daily basis where people have put together a space only to find out it’s not large enough. It doesn’t offer the function or privacy they had envisioned, or better yet, they have given their ideas to a “patio builder” who doesn’t necessarily specialize in layout and design. Now, they need to manipulate what they’ve already paid for into something more usable.