4 Top Landscaping Trends to Consider This Fall in Powell and Lewis Center, OH

One of the reasons to renovate a backyard is to blend enjoyment of the great outdoors with the conveniences of modern life. The contemporary outdoor living area employs many different features and designs to suit your lifestyle, unlike the old-fashioned backyard patio that was little more than a slab with a grill and some patio furniture. Today’s patios are sophisticated, and infinitely more enjoyable. When planning your perfect backyard, here are 4 top landscaping trends to consider this fall in Powell and Lewis Center, OH.

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A Multi-Level Patio

The patio is the hub of your backyard activities. But not everyone enjoys the outdoors the same way. One of the ways to accommodate various needs is to embrace multi-level outdoor living. Whether your property is sloped or flat, putting each space on its own horizontal plane will clearly define various activity areas and give them their own flavor. At the same time, the space will still feel cohesive and thoughtfully designed. For example, you could place your seating area prominently a step or two above the outdoor kitchen/dining space, to take advantage of a view. Or, you might consider a sunken outdoor living room area focused around a large fire pit.

Bringing Nature Closer

Because of growing concern for the environment, many homeowners are replacing parts of their thirsty and chemical-intensive lawns with a variety of native plants. At the same time, patio sizes are increasing… which is an opportunity to create stunning outdoor rooms surrounded by natural elements. These “rooms” could be interconnected by short walkways or simply by stepping up or down a level; but the point is to avoid the large slab-like patio and venture outward into the landscape more.

Close to your outdoor kitchen, masonry planters bursting with fresh vegetables and culinary herbs will transform ordinary meals into feasts. If your patio space is small, your culinary garden can be built vertically. A retaining wall, the wall of your home, a privacy fence, or even a trellis alongside a pergola can house a variety of beautiful and delicious plants.

A Custom Outdoor Kitchen

For homeowners who love to cook and entertain, an outdoor kitchen is a must. Today’s outdoor kitchen typically includes a BBQ grill, cooktop, refrigerator, sink, or even a wood-fired pizza oven and dishwasher. If you choose amenities that you actually use, you will be inspired to spend much more time cooking outdoors for your family and friends. In terms of design, an L-shaped outdoor kitchen with bar seating can even replace the traditional dining table and free up more space for comfortable lounge seating or a fire pit area.

Fire and Shelter

The combination of a fire feature and a permanent outdoor shelter is key to extending the seasonal use of your outdoor living space. For shelter from the blazing summer sun, consider a pergola. With its open roof and sides, you’ll enjoy cooling breezes all summer long. For shelter from the rain, consider a pavilion. Like a pergola it has open sides, but a solid roof that will give you the best of both worlds.

Adding a natural gas- or propane fire feature to your outdoor shelter - either within the shelter itself or along one side - will transform the space into a year-round haven. A fire table is a wonderful feature that provides warmth while bringing people together to share a meal. A majestic outdoor fireplace will add a distinctive living room feel. A fire pit adds the timeless nostalgic feel of a campfire.

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