Every landscape renovation begins with the idea of refreshing and updating the way you use and appreciate the outdoor space. The best inspiration you can get comes from identifying what you and your family want to do the most and adapting your landscape to your needs; and there are some general schemes that can make an incredible impact on your outdoor living. You can create an inspiring outdoor space with these landscaping ideas in Southampton and Port Jefferson, NY.
Related: PLANNING FOR LANDSCAPING CHANGES? HERE ARE 9 LANDSCAPE DESIGN IDEAS TO CONSIDER ON LONG ISLAND, NY
Update to Patio Pavers
Use patio pavers in all your paved areas to improve your outdoor living space. They are durable, low-maintenance, and available in a wide variety of elegant styles to suit your home’s architectural and landscape design whether you want the look of natural stone without the cost; or a fresh, modern style that creates an eye-catching backdrop for outdoor living. Pavers can be rated for pedestrian use only or rated for a variety of uses including your driveway. Ask your landscape contractor for ideas and recommendations.
Create Activity Zones
In redesigning your outdoor living space, the patio will take special priority as the place where most of the activities happen. Declutter your backyard and make the space feel more inviting simply by carving out activity zones - areas where certain activities such as dining, relaxing, and entertaining are compartmentalized into their own spaces - just like individual rooms in your home.
Separate these spaces by adding physical barriers such as living walls made of shrubs or simply a change in patio paver style, pattern, and color. Each zone will have its own character. The resulting appearance will make the whole backyard feel more intentional and welcoming.
Create Lighting Zones
Not all areas of your outdoor living space should receive the same amount of lighting, yet many homes still utilize a single floodlight mounted on the house. This creates overly harsh bright lighting in areas that demand subtlety; and not enough lighting in other areas.
A zoned approach means using a greater quantity of small, low-wattage landscape lights that can be placed strategically in each zone to create the desired atmosphere.
Emphasize Plant Life
The most beautiful landscapes all involve great planting design. Whether you create a lush and dense atmosphere with a mix of trees, shrubs, grasses, flowers, and edible vegetables or a carefully-planned minimalist greenscape, the addition of plants to your landscape will be a wonderful setting for any mood. Look for unused negative space in your landscape to add native plants to make your entire home and landscape feel more vibrant.
Bring nature closer to the patio. Instead of separating the patio from trees, shrubs, and plant beds with a sea of grass, you could flip this around. Bring the more dimensional plants closer to the patio, and the grass beyond it.
Introduce Moving Water
Introducing moving water to your landscape will create an incredible atmosphere that can suit any mood, whether it’s relaxing or exciting. Consider installing a water feature such as a fountain or a waterfall to add this crucial element to your backyard. Fountains can range from a classical design to the endless creativity of modern design. Waterfalls can similarly range from a futuristic feel to the most rugged randomness of a natural arrangement. The addition of these features will do wonders for your landscape.
Related: 9 UNIQUE WAYS TO INCORPORATE MASONRY INTO AN ECO-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPE DESIGN IN LONG ISLAND, NY