Fresh Concept
Dreamscape Your Hardscape Yard Transformations By Janette Calabro
Outdoor living is trending in 2021 as millions of Americans place more importance on leisure time outside. Backyards are morphing into living rooms and kitchens, and creating luxurious, fresh-air living space is definitely having a moment. Outdoor kitchens are in high demand. More spacious patios and decks, bigger firepit areas, and enhanced outdoor seating are also popular. To achieve that airy, alfresco living space, homeowners’ expectations go far beyond the norm this year—loftier changes equal greater transformation. Think pool houses, cabanas, pergolas, outdoor televisions, and patio bars, among other creature comforts. Let’s take a closer look at the old, the new, and the latest outdoor hardscape ideas, along with who can help you achieve your outdoor dream space. Time spent in isolation indoors is driving us to an outdoor refuge away from the world, and the desire for private space is increasing. Homebuyers in 2021 are looking for bigger backyards with more personal space. Backyard cottages are a hot commodity this year. They don’t have to be big or expensive—there are options for the smallest of structures in smaller spaces, depending on what local building codes will allow. A bigger cottage can add a work-from-home office space or a spare bedroom and bath for guests. A smaller cottage can be a place to meditate, a small space to get in a daily yoga class, or a hideaway to cuddle up with a good book in the rain. The options are endless. While you’re planning your space, consider the benefits of hiring a professional landscaper or designer. These pros can save you time and money by taking away your worry about what materials to buy, how to install them, and what plan works best for your outdoor space. Leave the logistics to them! The polish of a landscaper will leave you with a dream escape in your own backyard, increase your home’s value, and add curb appeal. Landscapers are lifesavers when it comes to maintaining the beauty and function of your dreamscape, too. They have the experience, the tools, and the knowledge to get the job done right and keep it looking great. Maybe your focus is on upgrading your patio. Backyard patios as we know them grew in popularity after World War II. While the smell of barbecue and mesquite wafted among family and friends, the suburban outdoor living space changed our lives. Though backyard patios are still popular, we’re no longer satisfied with a plain concrete slab. Irregularly shaped flagstone is popular this year, as are easy-to-maintain brick pavers. Another idea is to dress your patio space with Ashlar sandstone pavers, which can also neatly define your garden’s borders. Modernize your patio space for 2021 with colored gravel and pebbles in large decorative planters. Landscapers and designers can help match the gravel with specific plants that complement your patio pavers. Newer this year is a refreshing take on outdoor seating— natural stone furniture. Natural stone slabs give elevated 20
April 2021
chairs the feel of sitting on a tree trunk, and they’ll stand up to bursts of rain or snow. To soften stone benches and patio furniture, toss in cushions, pillows, and warm throws. Pathways often bring a whimsical vibe, and the right decorative walkway will beckon you and your guests to follow wherever it leads. Creating that walkway can be challenging, and it’s a job often best left to the experts. Ask your landscaper for advice when adding natural stone pavers among the garden’s blooms. There are many ways to dress up an existing pathway. Stepping stones along a white pebbled path with stone or concrete borders is a look that’s somewhat new for 2021. Narrow walkways that lead to a rounded patio bring a touch of elegance. Flagstone walks are popular this year, too—add a path straight toward the patio firepit for warmth on a cool night or have the path lead to your new pergola or raised garden beds. A minimalist wood pathway is earthy and traditional, and aged wood pairs well with stone for romantic flair. Add playful wave patterns using an ombre stone pattern or line your path with fanciful Scandinavian-inspired stones of irregular shapes for a simple but catchy look. For a clean and simple path, there’s always semi-crushed gravel. Choose traditional red brick for a modern design with a twist of Old World flair. If you’re looking for a showstopper, try a stone mosaic walkway. Beautiful and dramatic mosaic designs are likely to leave your guests speechless. What about outdoor showers? This luxe option is especially convenient for rinsing off after a dip in the pool. From modern to rustic, your private outdoor shower will change your life during the warmer months of the year. You can even lay a tile pathway from home to shower and hang up wall hooks for towels, bathrobe, or clothing. Life is good! Retaining walls and garden borders help define your space. Tiered levels of stone or wooden retaining walls add interest and work nicely to raise flowerbeds. Use stacked stones to create sitting walls so you can enjoy the calm inside your garden landscape or set seated walls around a natural stone firepit for mood and atmosphere. Modernize your
