4 Landscape Design Ideas to Inspire Time Spent Outdoors in the Novi and Grosse Pointe, MI, Area

If your goal for this coming summer is to spend more time outdoors, these landscape design ideas can give you multiple ways to enjoy your Novi and Grosse Pointe, MI, area property. From a cool water feature to an outdoor fireplace, when you work with a reliable landscape contractor, they can create your dream space that fulfills all your needs.

Related: Create New Memories All Centered Around an Outdoor Fireplace or Fire Pit in the Bloomfield Township and Ann Arbor, MI Areas

Idea #1: Let a Pool Form the Anchor Feature 

When you know you want to add a swimming pool to your backyard for family swimming days and opportunities to entertain friends, starting with the pool design and placement can be the focal feature that anchors the rest of the outdoor features. 

Many pools are rectangular because this shape can work in almost any backyard, but you could also choose a round or Grecian-inspired design. A landscape contractor can recommend a custom pool design that is perfectly suited to your space and how you plan to use your pool. 

They may suggest including a wide and deep pool deck so you have ample space for multiple loungers and a place for a fun slide for the kids where they won’t get in the way as they climb up and slide down. 

Idea #2: Include a Water Feature 

Adding a low retaining wall on one side of the swimming pool can be the ideal place to add twin water spouts that spill into the pool. Not only can these water features make the pool space more fun but they function as soothing sensory sounds when no one is swimming. 

This can be a wonderful inclusion when you host an outdoor cocktail or dinner around the pool and your guests can hear the spilling water as part of the atmosphere. Along with some low music, this can transform your outdoor area into a peak entertainment spot. 

Idea #3: Consider a Fire Feature 

Water and fire just seem to belong together so adding a fire pit or an outdoor fireplace can up the elegance and appeal of your backyard outdoor space. A fire pit can be situated at one end of the pool deck so your guests can watch the swimmers as they relax by the fire.

Another option can be to add an outdoor fireplace with a roof that can allow you to treat this space as a true outdoor room. The weather won’t stop you from enjoying your time by the fire when a landscape professional plans a roof supported by stacked stone pillars. 

When you opt to have the same stacked stone from the pillars as part of the retaining wall, the repeated stone can unify the appearance of the pool space. 

Idea #4: Make Room for an Outdoor Kitchen 

Whether it’s a big barbeque of burgers and hotdogs and all the trimmings or a catered meal you need to keep warm until serving, adding an outdoor kitchen can complete this versatile outdoor space. The last place you probably want to be when everyone is enjoying the pool and other outdoor spaces is inside cooking. 

An outdoor kitchen can let you keep the preparation and cooking right in the heart of the fun. You can opt to add an outdoor dining space or simply let your guests find a seat in one of the outdoor living areas for a casual meal. 

Related: The Many Ways Masonry Contractors Can Fully Transform Your Outdoor Space in Ann Arbor and SE Michigan