Your outdoor living experience centers on your patio, which will always be the anchor for your backyard and a place to have fun or relax. As you plan your upgrades, make sure to consider what you and your family like to do the most in your backyard. These needs will drive the design, so you can revamp your landscaping with these amazing patio ideas in East Hampton and Westhampton, NY.
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The Patio: Design and Materials
The shape and materials of your patio are the biggest choices to make. The shape will enable you to have distinct activity zones, which could be delineated by the use of different paving materials or even elevation changes (it’s amazing how much more elegant a patio looks with one or two steps up or down to different outdoor “rooms”).
A modern trend is toward large format pavers which help even modestly sized patios feel much larger and less visually cluttered. You could also take an eco-friendly approach by using permeable pavers. This paver style enhances safety and appeal by allowing water to seep between the pavers instead of letting it collect on the surface. This will reduce slipping hazards and help prevent damage during the freeze-thaw cycle, all the while returning rain runoff and snowmelt to the groundwater. Permeable pavers can be used in all applications so they’re a great consideration for your driveway, walkway, and pool surround.
In continuing the conversation about how you and your loved ones prefer to spend time in your backyard the most, choose the most important activities for your family. Then, imagine the available space for your patio and draw out up to four sections: one for a cooking/dining area and at least one other activity zone such as a seating area. You may need additional space for kids to have a play area, or you may wish to have several seating areas each with their own character.
The Right Fire Feature
Of all the patio amenities you could add, a fire feature is perhaps the one that will yield the highest return on your investment simply by making it more comfortable and enjoyable to be outdoors, even in the colder months.
The human relationship with controlled fire is something special and it’s something that has translated to luxurious outdoor spaces.
The three types of typical landscape fire features are the fire pit, the fire table, and the outdoor fireplace, ranging from most basic to most exquisite. Fire pits can burn wood, but can also be fueled by natural gas: it all depends on the atmosphere you want to create. Fire tables are fueled by natural gas and elegantly bridge the gap between dining and lounging around a fire: this addition to your dining space can elevate it to the level of an entertaining paradise. Outdoor fireplaces are the grandest fire feature, which can make an outdoor living space feel almost as cozy as an indoor space.
Prioritize Plant Life
The most beautiful patios are adorned with an array of vivacious plants. Plants could be the ideal situation for any negative space on your patio. Another approach is to take the multi-level living concept to the next level with a series of interconnected outdoor “rooms” that are surrounded on three sides with plant life. This effectively moves you closer to nature while still giving you plenty of room for your patio-centered activities.
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