6 Contemporary Landscaping Ideas for Dublin and Powell, OH Areas

As more and more homeowners are embracing outdoor living that is much more than a couple of patio chairs and a grill - with gorgeous outdoor “rooms” that draw everyone outside - it’s nice to know what the trends are, and how your landscape can become the perfect sanctuary for your family. Here are 6 contemporary landscaping ideas for Dublin and Powell, OH areas. Related: 7 Landscape Design Ideas for Homeowners With Kids in Dublin, OH

Eco-Friendly Design

Xeriscaping, permeable surfaces, and pollinator gardens are just three ways you can reduce your environmental footprint while still enjoying a stunning landscape.Xeriscaping has a bad rap: it’s often thought of as a collection of rocks and spiky desert plants, but nothing could be further from the truth. It’s simply a choice of water-wise and hardy native plants over fussy and thirsty non-natives (exotics). When you replace a portion of your lawn with xeriscaping, you still get to enjoy usable space while reducing your impact on the environment. For example, you could leave your backyard as primarily lawn and patio, and transform your front and side yards into lush landscapes that highlight the beauty and diversity of local plants.Another eco-friendly design involves using permeable pavers on your patio, walkways, and driveways. Permeable surfaces allow rain and snowmelt to percolate through to the ground, reducing runoff and puddling. There’s a wide selection of concrete pavers that can be used in permeable applications, so you still get the style you want while helping Nature.

Quiet Spaces

One of the most important aspects of a backyard retreat is just that: a retreat from the world’s chaos and your worries. An important trend in landscape design involves creating tranquil spaces. You can achieve this look by adding wood or living privacy fencing; adding a water feature or two to mask the sounds of civilization; minimalist design; shelter such as a pergola or pavilion; cool colors; a comfortable place to relax (whether it’s a comfortable couch or hammock) and serene monochromatic plantings. Essentially, create an enclosed space where the outside world just doesn’t matter. 

Sophisticated Outdoor Lighting

Remember the days of a single high-watt bulb that lit up your patio like a sports stadium? Today, outdoor lighting has become a wonderful mix of sophistication, ambience and function. Techniques such as silhouetting, washing, and moonlighting transform your landscape into a work of art while keeping everyone safe.

A Conversation Space

For millennia, people have been gathering around the fire to share stories and companionship. Nothing has changed! A fire pit, fireplace, or fire table give you the opportunity to gather with family and friends in a cozy gathering place that extends the outdoor season well into the cooler months. For the most year-round use, consider surrounding your fire feature with masonry seating with high backrests. This will help hold the heat in the space (but without being uncomfortably hot in summer), and also minimizes clutter on the patio.

Cooking: Still the Heart of Outdoor Living

As much of a draw as fire is, nothing beats the cooking-dining area to bring people together. Whether you’re a serious cook who needs a full outdoor kitchen; a grill master content with a simple grill station; or someone who’d like a little of both, an outdoor cooking space upgrade can make all the difference in encouraging people to live outdoors. A hot trend is to add a peninsula bar to a grill station: this is a smaller space than a full outdoor kitchen, but it also doubles the workspace and gives diners a place to sit and enjoy your company while you cook.

Shelter

Don’t let the whims of Nature send you indoors when you’d rather be out! A pergola creates a stylish and cool space to enjoy relaxing, cooking, or even napping. A pavilion has more of a detached covered porch vibe, with solid roofing to protect you from the elements while allowing the cool breezes to circulate through. A pavilion (especially if one side features a fireplace) can become a multi-season relaxing and entertaining space. Pavilions, pergolas, or even a cute gazebo will add value and practicality to your backyard! Related: Creating Patios Perfect for Staying Home in Dublin OH