Landscaping is a key feature of a home; it’s usually the first thing people notice when they arrive, and well-designed landscaping can make a house inviting and draw people into the homey space. There are so many landscaping options available to homeowners in the Orchard Lake and Beverly Hills, MI area, including different natural and constructed elements to make the outdoor space look and feel part of the overall home.
Decks & Patios
Decks and patios can open up more usable outdoor living space. Today’s outdoor living spaces can include an elevated deck over a paver patio space, for the best of both worlds—a beautiful view of the entire landscape from the deck and a place to step outside the backdoor and relax by the fire pit on the patio.
Outdoor Kitchen
An outdoor kitchen is a popular landscaping feature that brings together the joy of cooking and the beauty of nature. It can be a fully functional kitchen that includes a grill, sink, refrigerator, and countertops. Some outdoor kitchens also include a pizza oven and outdoor bar areas.
Outdoor kitchens make entertaining guests and hosting family gatherings more convenient and enjoyable, by providing a designated space for preparing meals and breathing in the fresh air. It’s a lovely space for those who enjoy cooking and grilling, as an outdoor kitchen provides a way to cook and entertain at the same time.
Fire Features
Fire features can add ambiance and warmth to your outdoor space. Fire pits are a popular choice for those who enjoy entertaining, as they provide a central gathering spot for guests. They can also be used for roasting marshmallows and enjoying s’mores. Outdoor fireplaces tend to be a more stately option, and can be incorporated into a covered patio or outdoor living area. Whether you prefer your fire feature to be prominent, off to the side, gas-fueled or wood-burning, any fire feature can extend the outdoor entertaining season, allowing you to host events outside even when the weather is chilly.
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls are used—in a practical and structural sense—to hold back soil on a slope or hillside. They are typically made from stone or concrete blocks, and are often used to create terraced gardens or to level a sloping yard, prevent erosion, and improve drainage. They can also be used to create visual interest and add texture to your landscaping. Retaining walls can be customized to fit your specific needs and style, and the masonry blocks used to build them can also be used to create built-in seating or planters.
Pergolas & Pavilions
Pergolas and pavilions are popular landscaping features that can provide shade and a relaxing outdoor space. Pergolas are often made from wood and consist of vertical posts or pillars that support a lattice or crossbeam roof. They can be used to create a shaded walkway, a covered outdoor seating area, or as a purely aesthetic architectural feature in your garden.
Pavilions are similar to pergolas but are more substantial in size and feature a solid roof, for complete coverage. They can be used for outdoor entertaining, as a pool house, or as a covered outdoor workspace. Both types of shade structures can add elegance and style to your outdoor space, while also providing a functional, beautiful, and vertical element to the landscape.
Water Features
Water features can add a touch of nature to your home. Water features can be built in a variety of shapes and sizes and include ponds, streams, waterfalls, and water fountains. These features bring a calming presence to any backyard and can also be a great focal point for outdoor gatherings.
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About the Author
With over 27 years serving Southeast Michigan, Teddy’s Lawn & Landscape is a family-owned, award-winning business providing quality workmanship in all that we do, from landscape designs and construction to caring for the outdoor spaces of residences and commercial properties