Current trends are making a splash in outdoor spaces, elevating the concept of outdoor living to an entirely new level. As outdoor furnishings and entertainment options become more mainstream, they also become more affordable and offer a greater amount of variety. While once upon a time, a changing cabana may have had to be custom ordered, you can now order one from a variety of retailers to match precisely with your chosen design scheme. Just like interior design, your outdoor space will start taking shape when you carefully consider some key characteristics.
Consider your backyard a work of art with your swimming pool as the central focal point. You’ll want to visually frame it with the kinds of landscaping, deck, and color palette that will contribute to the overall ambiance you’re after. You want every detail, from textiles and colors to materials and their arrangement, to contribute to the overall effect.
Start with Landscaping
Natural elements in the form of flowering plants and greenery can offer an amazing amount of texture at multiple heights and depths. Of course, plants come in quite a variety and can be arranged in an infinite number of ways. Themes ranging from an Asian Zen Garden or Old World Mediterranean to a Modern Geometric Design can be the start of a cohesive and unique look.
The Asian Zen Garden would start with concrete pavers and tiny flower beds, incorporating clean lines and symmetry. The Old World Mediterranean motif offers a more low-maintenance, rustic appeal, including a courtyard-type design. The Modern Geometric Design could incorporate sod beneath stepping stones laid out in a checkerboard design with narrow grassy areas providing an outline for each stone.
If none of those themes quite suit your style, you can check out a dozen more in this post.
Add Some Hardscaping
Less commonly used than “landscaping,” the term “hardscaping” refers to the use of non-living elements. With the right design, they can combine with your landscaping to create a poolscape that’s attractive, functional, and cohesive. Elements can include stone edgers, walls, walkways, and more. The key is to make the arrangement appear natural and effortless. Well-arranged hardscaping can help you draw attention to areas you want to be the visual focal point of your yard and combine with plants and structures to add dimension and enhance both the functionality and the visual appeal of your space.
While landscaping may be easy to DIY, you’ll probably want to hire out the hardscaping. From heavy equipment to transport stone to specialty tools to cut it, you’ll probably really appreciate the time and energy you’ll save by hiring a pro.
A third foundational element, when it comes to designing the back yard of your dreams, is decking. We’ll discuss that one in detail in our next post.
Read More
• The Good, The Bad, and The Green About Natural Swimming Pools
• The ABCs of Pool Safety
Lyon Financial
Since 1979 Lyon Financial has made the backyard resort dream come true for over 500,000 families across the U.S. Through our solid relationships with more than 3,000 pool contractors and our continued commitment to putting our clients first, we have built a reputation as the first choice in providing pool financing solutions. For more information, visit lyonfinancial.net or call (877) 754-5966 today.
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