No matter what kind of home you live in, having access to outdoor space is a luxury. As an extension of your home, a beautiful outdoor living space makes for a warm-weather destination for entertaining friends and family. It also provides a private oasis for you to relax after a long day at the office. [bctt tweet=”Have you been dreaming of a backyard fit for relaxation and entertaining? Here’s a guide to make that dream a reality!” username=”AquascapesPool”]
Creating Your Dream Outdoor Space
Ask yourself some basic questions before you seek out pool and landscape designers. What do you want out of the yard? A pool for the kids, a cozy retreat for mom and dad, or maybe an entertaining patio? What materials do you like? Once you have a rough idea of what you want, it’s time to move forward with a professional.
The Plan
A comprehensive plan provides a birds-eye view of your overall project, which can be implemented in logical steps. Your steps will eliminate the need to do it all at once. You’ll be able to work on one area at a time, but always thinking ahead. For example, if you’re redoing your patio and think you may eventually want to add an outdoor kitchen, don’t wait to install the gas hookup. It’s more cost-effective to do ti when the ground is already dug up.
Pro Tip: Consider future additions when designing a pool or patio, so that your designer can install hookups for an outdoor kitchen, or space for a pergola.
The Patio
The right patio design can provide a lot of room for living and dining areas. The trick is creating a flexible layout with places to eat and relax that’s also an extension of the yard. Try to maintain an open area in the center of the patio to encourage safe traffic flow. Avoid heavy furniture that can’t be easily moved around to accommodate different sized crowds. If you spend a lot of time entertaining outdoors, you may want to consider a covered patio extension or an outdoor kitchen, to maximize the time you can spend outdoors.
The Pool
Your swimming pool area should marry fun and function, so make it a welcoming and whimsical space that remains highly functional for outdoor entertaining. Custom pool features like slides, waterfalls and fire pits can be added to your pool for an extra dose of drama. Go big with accessories, with substantial chaises for poolside lounging and a hefty table for alfresco dining. Remember that your poolside and patio furnishings should express the same style as the rest of your home.
Look at the Big Picture
Could your backyard use a facelift? Don’t make the mistake of slapping a cement patio down as time and adding to it slowly. Instead, consider the space from a big picture stance, from how you want to use the yard to how much time you spend there. Often you’ll find that a short-term investment can pay off in long-term enjoyment, use and improved home value.
Contact Us to learn more about designing the backyard of your dreams before next summer. Browse our gallery of outdoor designs in Houston and the surrounding areas to inspire you!