What could be more relaxing than spending time with your family or friends around a cozy fire? It is a great way to socialize outdoors on those cooler evenings. A built-in firepit will offer you that, and is surprisingly easy to install, even in smaller outdoor spaces.

But with any improvements to your outdoor spaces, careful planning is always advised. And this is especially true for an outdoor firepit. So before you go ahead, read our 5 ideas to consider when planning your outdoor firepit.

5 Ideas To Consider When Planning An Outdoor Firepit

1. Firepit vs Fireplace

Backyard fire pits and fireplaces both offer warmth, light, and ambiance that will enhance your outdoor appeal and improve the value of your home. Before you go ahead with your planning, determine which option is right for you. People often think these two are the same, but there are differences.

Advantage Of A Firepit Over A Fireplace

Fire pits are generally smaller and more informal in their design than fireplaces. However, you do want to make sure there is ample space for seating around it. A firepit is great if you love entertaining as everyone can sit around the fire and chat over it.

2. Gas Or Wood

Decide how you will be fuelling your fire. You have two main choices when it comes to your outdoor firepit; gas or wood. There are benefits for both.

Gas

Many fire pits can be designed to run on propane or natural gas. You won’t have to gather wood or clean up ashes afterward like with wood. It is easier to light and turn off. And best of all, it is clean-burning. There’s no smoke polluting the air, and the danger of flying embers catching things alight also falls away.

Wood

Wood is a traditional choice for a fireplace or firepit. There is no doubt that the crackle of a log fire creates mood and ambiance for your outdoor space. With wood, there is no maintenance of gas rings. And a wood-burning fire will also provide more heat than a gas burner – perfect if you’re wanting to keep warm on cooler nights!

3. Flow From Your Patio

Create a seamless transition from your backyard door to your outdoor space by installing a paver patio. The flow from your patio to the firepit will seem more natural and harmonious if you pave the entire area. But that does not mean that you can’t be creative. Patio pavers will offer you fantastic versatility.

There are many patio design options available to you. Introduce different colors, patterns, and textures to build interest while still achieving a cohesive look.

A well-planned and properly laid paver patio, that leads to your firepit, will add further value to your home. And it is not only practical but low-maintenance too.

4. Built-In Seating

It’s great to be able to entertain outdoors, even on cooler nights. This is one of the reasons why every backyard needs a firepit. But this requires adequate seating. The seating around your fire pit should be both practical and comfortable and in harmony with your firepit design.

Seating Designs That Match Your Firepit

Built-in concrete seating is a cost-effective and practical solution. It will also blend in with a paved patio and stone fire pit, beautifully.

For the most comfortable seating around a circular fire pit, choose a curved bench design. For a rectangular or square-shaped fire pit, opt for straight benches to provide symmetry.

Seating Comfort And Safety

Your built-in seating may not be as comfortable as you’d like for extended periods. So for added comfort, add some outdoor cushions. But in the case of a wood-burning fire, ensure that these are made with flame-retardant fabric. This will stop sparks and embers from wood fires from causing any issues.

5. Complement The Surrounding Theme

A firepit that complements the existing entertainment area will further enhance your outdoor spaces and add value to your property.

Select a firepit installation that harmonizes with the hardscaping and theme of your outdoor space. In this way, your firepit becomes part of your decor.

For example, a rustic stone firepit design will complement outdoor spaces that feature cement benches, stone pavers, cacti, and rock art. Or, for a more high-end look to complement a modern outdoor entertaining area, consider a design with straight lines and clean-cut paver stones.

There are a variety of construction materials and styles available, so give it as much consideration as you would any other outdoor installation.

Conclusion

A cozy fire, friends chatting, and kids making smores. We know those are the heartwarming images that spring to mind when you think of an outdoor firepit. And by following our tips above, all of this can be yours. So get in touch with us today, and we will help you to make it a reality.

The post 5 Ideas For Planning Your Outdoor Firepit appeared first on Seattle Outdoor Spaces.

The art of interlocked paving stones dates back to Roman times. But you can recreate this timeless look with our affordable and practical solutions. All it takes is the right contractor and a bit of ingenuity.

You may be familiar with what paving stones are, but do you know how attractive and versatile patio pavers can be? Patio pavers can be used in several exciting layouts to enhance your outdoor spaces and add value to your home.

So if you are looking for some design inspiration for your patio area, keep reading. We have compiled a list of 5 design ideas for large-scale patio pavers just for you.

5 Design Ideas For Large Patio Pavers

Large-scale patio pavers come in various shapes, sizes, colors, and textures. You can even mix and match them with smaller pavers to create a beautiful patio design. Here are some of the best design ideas for large patio pavers.

1. Textured Pavers

Textured concrete pavers can be every bit as attractive as the more expensive stone pavers. They are also available in a variety of different textures and finishes. Textured patio pavers are an affordable, functional, and stylish medium for decorating your outdoor areas.

The key is to determine which design, layout, and color would best suit the look of your home. This is where the skill of an expert landscaper comes to the fore. Textured concrete pavers can be made to resemble brick, natural stone, tile, or even certain types of wood.

While natural stone pavers are very beautiful, they can be expensive. Textured concrete pavers are a much more affordable option that is also very easy to work with. Several faux finishes can be achieved with concrete pavers, employing aggregates, etchings, and carvings.

2. Plank-Style Pavers

Do you have a narrow outdoor space that you want to make the most of? Plank-style pavers offer even more versatility and creativity.

Plank-style paving, or linear paving, uses long and thin paving slabs. Laid lengthways, it gives the illusion of depth. It is an attractive outdoor paving solution, that with good maintenance will look good for many years.

This style of paving will allow you to recreate the look of a spacious wooden deck, where there is none. And the plank-style paving design will make even the most narrow outdoor area appear wider than it is.

3. Patterned Layouts

Arrange your pavers in patterned layouts for a high-style look.

It is possible to create an array of interesting patterns and designs with well-thought-out patio paver placement. Classic patterns such as geometric designs will give your outdoor spaces a touch of timeless elegance.

The traditional stack bond design is very easy to achieve if you use pavers all of one size. But other traditional designs are also easier to create than you think. For example, you can easily create a flagstone patio pattern by adding in some smaller pavers.

4. Mixing Colors

To enhance your home’s exterior, consider mixing the colors and shades of your paving stones. Large paver stones come in a variety of colors to complement your home. Mixing the colors of patio pavers allows you to accent the colors in your garden or outdoor decor.

The simplest design layouts can also be given a new twist with the careful use of different colors. Choose a coordinating color for a border edge to enhance the look.

Alternatively, opt for a two-tone checkerboard design. To achieve this, simply choose 2 colors of paving stones and alternate them in a stack bond design. Or, offset large-scale patio pavers with a contrasting border of smaller stones in between for a simple but high-end look.

5. Shapes For All  Spaces

You are not limited to only square or rectangular shapes either. Paving stones, even large-scale ones, are available in other shapes. Using shaped pavers, you can give your patio area a modern and unique design.

W-block, S-block, and octagonal pavers will add interest to any outdoor space. Hexagonal and interlocking round pavers allow you even more versatility. Artful cutting and placement of pavers will offer you the option of spiraled and whorled patterns.

Different shapes offer you the possibility of demarcating different outdoor areas with different functions. To maximize smaller spaces, create a different look for each zone. Or, stick with one classic pattern for a seamless transition from one area to the next – you can always vary the color instead.

Conclusion

These are our top design ideas for designing a practical yet stylish look for your outdoor spaces with large-scale patio pavers. But there are countless ways that you can create a personalized outdoor environment with paving stones.

All that is required are the services of a professional Seattle patio contractor, top-quality patio pavers, and a little imagination. Contact us today for help with recreating any of the looks above, or any other landscape design with pavers that you desire.

The post Design Ideas For Large Scale Patio Pavers appeared first on Seattle Outdoor Spaces.

Are you stuck for ideas to improve your outdoor spaces? One of the most important areas to keep updated is your outdoor kitchen.

This is where you enjoy quality time with family and friends, and you want to keep it fresh and welcoming. So to inspire you, here are our 6 top ideas to level up your outdoor kitchen and entertainment area.

6 Ideas To Level Up Your Outdoor Kitchen

Add A Patio Cover

There are several covered patio construction options available to you. And the one you choose will be largely dependent on your budget and personal style.

Whichever design or material you choose, there are undeniable benefits to having a covered patio. This will allow you to dine outdoors in different weather conditions.

A patio cover will let you enjoy your outdoor kitchen all year around. From protecting you from the sun in summer to providing a cozy shelter from the rain, covering your outdoor kitchen is a must. No more sitting indoors when you yearn to gather outdoors, just because the weather has changed.

Some materials are more weather resistant and easier to maintain than others, so it’s best to consult the professionals.

Enhance The Space With Lighting

Nothing enhances your outdoor kitchen like outdoor lighting. It is essential for safely navigating your way around this area at night, and can enhance the mood, too. But it offers more than just illumination and ambiance. It is also essential for your safety and security.

There are all kinds of options when it comes to lighting for your outdoor kitchen. As you will not be in your outdoor kitchen all the time, lights equipped with motion sensors are a practical, cost-effective solution. Solar-powered lights are also becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable way to light up outdoor spaces.

Add A Storage Area

Any outdoor kitchen, no matter the size or style, will benefit from a storage area. If you use your outdoor kitchen a lot, you don’t want to constantly go back and forth from your indoor kitchen to fetch utensils and cooking tools.

Rather incorporate a storage area into your outdoor kitchen. This way, you can keep all your outdoor cooking utensils and cutlery in one place where they are protected from the elements. And, it makes everything super accessible when you’re entertaining and cooking for your guests outdoors.

Add New Furnishings

One of the quickest and easiest ways to kick things up a notch in your outdoor kitchen is to introduce new outdoor furniture. Is your seating looking a bit worn? Are your chairs comfortable? Do you need additional seating for entertaining larger groups that can be safely stowed away when not in use?

Re-cover worn upholstery or add new colorful cushions to benches and patio chairs. Invest in stackable plastic stools for those occasional larger gatherings. These are lightweight and can be conveniently stored in a corner of your shed when not in use.

Just as you would put care and thought into your indoor kitchen and dining areas, do the same for your outdoor kitchen. It will make it more pleasant to spend time there and can be coordinated with your existing decor style.

Upgrade The Grill Area

Because summertime is outdoor fireplace time, you may need to update your outdoor grill area. Look at what your needs are and how you can streamline your grill area for greater efficiency.

Add a stainless steel prep zone to make your grill area more functional. Stainless steel can handle high temperatures and, because of its corrosion resistance, it is perfect for food preparation. It also looks very attractive when set against wood or stone and a matching grill!

Consider a mini-fridge or bar counter for your covered patio grill area. These changes save you a lot of time and effort when grilling in your outdoor kitchen. And the more practical your grill area is, the more you will love to spend your time cooking there.

Incorporate A Firepit

Listening to the sound of a crackling fire is a wonderful way to relax and unwind at the end of the day. But if you don’t have a fireplace indoors, don’t despair. You can always have one outdoors.

Incorporate a fire pit into your outdoor kitchen and entertainment area if you have the space. Having a picnic or barbecue outdoors may appeal in the summer. But there’s nothing quite as enjoyable as cocoa or smores on cooler evenings.

People have loved to sit around a fire all through the ages. And the joy of gathering around a warm, open fire can be yours with a well-built outdoor firepit. It also adds much-needed warmth and light to your late-night get-togethers.

Conclusion

With these top ideas for leveling up your outdoor kitchen, we know you may want to get started straight away. And we are just a call away from the outdoor kitchen of your dreams. So contact us for the best expertise in outdoor kitchen upgrades.

The post Level Up Your Outdoor Kitchen appeared first on Seattle Outdoor Spaces.

You may be sitting outside, enjoying a cool glass of lemonade and thinking your backyard looks messy. Or something doesn’t seem quite right. Don’t panic!  Ninety percent of the time, it simply has to do with the design and flow of your garden. And getting the backyard of your dreams is as easy as pie!

It is not simply about good design. It’s about understanding the flow and unified character of your backyard. In order to achieve this, most use the principles of backyard landscape design as guidelines. They help shape vague concepts and intuitive knowledge into more specific and actionable landscaping choices.

7 Principles Of Design To Follow For A Beautiful Backyard

Simplicity

The minimalists have got it right. Simplicity is key – especially if your garden feels messy and disorganized. In this case, you may be missing two things: simplicity and repetition.

By repeating features or plants throughout your garden, you can create the illusion of simplicity while still maintaining flow. Instead of having many features and varieties of plants, hunker down to a few specific ones.

A simple garden defines the design while allowing you to enjoy it. Plus, it’s easy to maintain!

Variety

Just because you’re opting for simplicity, doesn’t mean you can’t have some variety. In fact, by making use of some diversity, you can create a visually stunning garden. Variety within simplicity is making use of unique shapes, sizes, and forms in order to create depth.

When brainstorming how to bring this design element into your backyard, do your research beforehand. This helps you understand exactly what you want to do in your garden and you will be able to visualize better.

Balance

Although this may be considered one of the more challenging design elements to perfect, balance is so important. Balance brings a certain level of sophistication to a garden.

When putting together your garden, each element carries a visual weight. There are two ways of achieving balance. Formal and informal.

Formal balance is when both sides of your garden mirror each other. This could be a very fun design to put together, it is also timeless in its classic, symmetrical style.

Informal balance is when the visual weight of your backyard is evened out with various different unmatching elements. Although this may take a bit more time, and a keener key, the results are beautiful and more organic.

Emphasis

Emphasis is like the punctuation of a garden – absolutely vital for a well-rounded off sentence. Another way of looking at emphasis is focal points.

By incorporating focal points in your garden, like a water feature or a fire pit, you give space for people’s eyes to rest. Moreover, these points can enhance the rest of the backyard by providing elements that the rest of your yard can be shaped around.

However, you don’t want to have too many points of focus, as this can create a cluttered and chaotic space.

Sequence

Sequence refers to how one element in your garden flows to the next. In architecture, they call this the regulating line. It is the existence of imaginary lines that connect and organize a design.

A line of sequence creates a sense of unity within a garden that allows all the other design principles to flow better. If you want to achieve flow in your garden, this is key to your initial design plan.

Abrupt changes in your garden will undoubtedly make it feel unbalanced. For example, growing small shrubs next to tall plants creates an abrupt change in flow and sequence.

Slowly transitioning from small plants to tall ones, on the other hand, gives a sense of satisfying flow.

Proportion

Proportion and balance lie very close to one another. Balance focuses on the size and weight of visual elements. Proportion focuses on the visual relationships between the sizes of different elements and how they fit into the landscape.

For instance, when planning out the sequence within your garden, you want to ensure the proportions are planned and balanced. Awkward proportioning will undoubtedly break the flow of your garden. For instance, you don’t want one huge tree in the middle of a flat garden with short shrubbery.

Unity

At the end of the day, unity ties up all the principles under one roof.

As visually interesting and well-thought-out your backyard is, you know you’re doing right when it appears unified. There is a sense of togetherness throughout your garden that wasn’t there before.

To help connect everything together, you can use walkways, retaining walls, or repetitive elements.

Conclusion

The seven backyard landscape design principles give you the perfect guidelines on how to create a beautiful backyard landscape. However, it may still be daunting. It’s always useful to call in a professional for a second opinion. And then? Enjoy a cool fresh glass of lemonade in your picture-perfect garden!

The post 7 Principles of Backyard Landscape Design appeared first on Seattle Outdoor Spaces.

It may be that time of the year when you look at your outdoor living space and know it needs a few touch-ups. So you’re looking at both pergolas and gazebos, but which one works for you?

That is entirely dependent on you, your home, and your needs. Of course, taste plays a big role in it, but practically also presents itself.

But before we get carried away, let’s start at the beginning. What is the difference between pergolas and a gazebos?

Pergola Vs Gazebo: What’s The Difference?

To be quite honest, no one would blame you for confusing pergolas and gazebos.

At the end of the day, both these structures are built to provide shade. However, the biggest difference between pergolas and gazebos is how they provide shade.

Pergolas make use of crisscrossed wooden roofing, offering dappled sunlight shade. On the other hand, gazebos are often elaborately designed, with a closed roof to provide full protection.

Pergolas can be built as an extension of a wall or a roof, adding a visual character to your garden. Gazebos are free-standing and make a statement wherever they are. They are meant to be a focal point or a visual sort of centerpiece.

Everything To Know About Pergolas

Simply put, a pergola is a framework created to provide shade. But they are so much more than that and can add great value to your home.

Pergolas are an extension of your home to create an ideal area for entertaining – especially in the summer months. They use a much more elegant and simplistic design than gazebos to add some visual interest to your garden.

The latticed structure of pergolas offers an opportunity for you to spruce up your outdoor living space. This can be done by letting vined plants run up the beams or hanging plants from the roof.

Plus, your pergola can even become a fantastic entertaining area in the evenings. You can hang lanterns from the roof, creating a beautiful area for entertaining.

The beauty of a pergola is that its build is not set in stone. In fact, some of the more modern pergolas make use of retractable roofs. This means you can build and create a pergola that perfectly suits your home and outdoor living space.

All About Gazebos

Gazebos have been around a lot longer than pergolas. Some of the earliest gazebos have been found in Egypt in 1400 BC. However, it was really the Victorian age that popularized these structures.

Gazebos are freestanding structures that offer protection against the sun, wind, rain, and any other elements. Usually circular or a polygon, these structures make a statement in an outdoor living space.

Depending on the size of your gazebo it can host any number of people – not to mention an elegant dance number or two (who can forget the iconic scene from Sound of Music).

Gazebos can be built in any number of designs and styles – from simple and modern to more detailed and extravagant. So, you’re bound to find one that complements your outdoor living space well.

Gazebo Vs Pergola – Which Is Right For You?

You may still be wondering, which is the one for your home.

Well, perhaps it is best to start with the size of your garden. Even a small gazebo may look out of place in a smaller outdoor living space. In this case, consider making use of a pergola. The flexibility of design allows you to link the pergola to your house. Or, perhaps consider building it into a nook in your garden to create a unique entertaining area.

If you would like to create a sheltered area in your backyard, away from the house, then a gazebo is a great option. You could even install a walkway or stepping stone path leading up to it.

Consider the design of your home. Is it more traditional? Is it more modern? Do you mainly make use of straight lines and minimalist shapes? Or do you opt for elaborate architectural points? Your outdoor living space is an extension of your home. When incorporating visual elements into your outdoor living space, make sure it complements your home.

You may even want to keep the weather in mind. Gazebos are better protected from the elements than a pergola as they have a solid roof. However, if you would love to enjoy the warm weather with dappled sunlight on your patio, then a pergola is your best bet.

Conclusion

Creating a visually interesting outdoor living space is such a big adventure. However, it may be daunting as well.

You may find your garden is small but your home makes use of traditional architecture. Or, maybe you’re simply stuck on deciding between a pergola and gazebo.

The best is to get a professional opinion on the matter. At Seattle Outdoor Spaces, we can help you decide as well as give you tips on how to increase your home value.

The post What’s The Difference Between Pergolas And Gazebos? appeared first on Seattle Outdoor Spaces.

And there are so many exciting ways to use it, as you will see in our list of 5 artificial turf landscaping ideas, below.

5 Artificial Turf Ideas To Enhance Your Landscaping.

Pair It With A Paver Patio

When your outdoor space consists of little more than a patio area, what do you do? Update your patio with a fresh new look that’s high on style but low on maintenance.

The contrast between the neutral tones of patio pavers and the lush green of artificial turf is always a winning combination. This offers contrasting colors as well as textures, for more visual interest.

Alternate patches of artificial turf, with concrete pavers. In this way, your patio becomes your own private little garden, but with all the functionality you need. Outdoor entertaining never looked so good.

Design A Simple Modern Space

A simple space doesn’t have to mean boring.

Your outdoor spaces should be an extension of your indoor spaces. And like your interior decor, it should reflect your sense of style. If you have a modern, minimalist-styled home, you may not want a traditional outdoor space. But you can have a minimalist design without sacrificing greenery.

Artificial turf is incredibly versatile and can be used anywhere and anyhow you like without the bother of trying to grow a lawn in difficult spaces.

Artificial turf is incredibly long-lasting (about 10-25 years). And without the care required by real grass, there is zero maintenance. Now that’s sustainable and minimalist living for you!

Consider using shapes and stepping stones to create a minimalist, modern outdoor space with artificial turf. It will keep your backyard looking neat and tidy and suit your modern style perfectly.

Get Creative With Walkways

Who says walkways are purely functional? We certainly don’t.

A paved walkway with a verdant green lawn on either side is a dream of many homeowners. But it can be difficult to achieve. More often than not, you end up with brown, patchy areas of lawn, and weeds popping up along the path.

But you don’t need to worry about fertilizers, pesticides, weeding, or watering, ever again. With artificial turf, these issues have become obsolete. And what’s more, it can turn your walkway into a statement piece.

Here’s how to turn your walkway into a work of art. Expose strips of artificial turf to create a narrow border between paving stones on a paved walkway.

This will give an ordinary paved walkway a sleek and modern twist. And it can prevent the inevitable weeds that would ordinarily sprout up.

Complement It With A Water Feature

For a sophisticated look, nothing beats a well-manicured lawn and a stunning water feature. And aside from aesthetics, there are several benefits to introducing a water feature to your outdoor spaces.

But if you think this is out of your reach, think again. This look can be easily yet stylishly recreated with an affordable water feature and some artificial turf.

Do not be discouraged if you live in a water-scarce environment. There are a wide array of water features available and many can be used to recycle water so that your garden is both attractive and eco-friendly. You’ll have that high-end manor look in no time.

The key is to enlist the services of a reliable and trustworthy landscaper. A knowledgeable landscaping professional will assess your outdoor spaces and determine how best to achieve this for you.

Highlight Your Flowerbeds

If a more traditional look is what you crave, say no more.

We understand how much love, care, and patience go into creating a beautiful garden. Your hard work pays off when you welcome your well-earned spring blooms into your home. But if you’re having trouble with your lawn, your lovely flowers will not be showcased as they deserve to be.

Artificial turf looks just as good bordering your flower beds. It is also a much more economical choice than a real lawn. It takes a lot of work to keep a lawn looking as vibrant and green as artificial turf. Save time, effort, and most importantly, water by using this practical and attractive alternative.

The bold green provides the perfect complement to rows of colorful blooms. Whether arranged as a border along the length of the garden, or in strategic positions amid an expanse of turf.

Your flowers will never have looked better.

In Conclusion

The advantages of artificial turf are numerous. The design possibilities are endless. And we are sure that the above ideas have inspired you to get creative with artificial turf in your garden, yard, or patio.

Give us a call today for help with creating your own unique outdoor spaces.

The post 5 Artificial Turf Landscaping Ideas appeared first on Seattle Outdoor Spaces.