Landscape Design Features That Make for a Relaxing Outdoor Space in the Novi and Ann Arbor, MI Area
Comfort and beauty can be the difference-makers in a relaxing outdoor space for your Novi and Ann Arbor, MI area backyard. The right landscape design features can add relaxation and entertainment to your schedule, by turning your outdoor space into a retreat-like environment.
Outdoor Space #1: Patio
An expansive patio can be a foundational element in your backyard landscape. The design and materials selections can set the tone for the rest of the outdoor living features. Whether you want something casual or elegant, planning out a durable, attractive patio can be the start for a landscape design intended for relaxation.
You can choose from an array of patio pavers that mimic natural stone. They are manufactured for superior colorfastness and durability, resist the freeze/thaw cycles of winter, and remain cool to the touch in the hot summer sun.
Planning the patio size and design can be where you express your personality and style. If you love a rustic, earthy look, cobblestone pavers can deliver well on that aesthetic look. Modern home lovers can choose sleek, geometric pavers to add visual interest and patterns to a patio design.
Natural stone can be another excellent choice for a patio as it blends with the natural surroundings for a seamless outdoor space.
Outdoor Addition #2: Retaining Wall
Adding a stone retaining wall can make sense, especially when your patio is higher on one end than the others. This can be true in a backyard that has a slope or where you have chosen to place the patio in a lower area of the backyard away from the back door.
Retaining wall designs are versatile and add more beauty with increased functionality to any patio. You can choose for the wall to go around the entire patio to increase the coziness of the space or a retaining wall can section off a certain space such as a fire pit.
Whether you love a natural stacked stone or the finished look of wall stone, a retaining wall can serve as additional seating for entertaining while giving your patio a definite edge.
Outdoor Addition #3: A Fire Feature
By the lake, beside the pool, or in your backyard, a fire pit or an outdoor fireplace can transform your outdoor space into an inviting, warm spot where you anticipate finishing the night beneath the stars.
An outdoor fireplace can create a vertical focal feature in your patio area, adding warmth and ambient light to your outdoor space. You can create a comfortable seating arrangement in front of the fire with outdoor furniture placed in a “U” shape.
A fire pit can work well when you have limited space. The fire pit is quite versatile, able to look equally amazing recessed into the patio floor where the fire appears to rise from the surface or elevated with custom stone and a glass enclosure on top.
For extra pizzazz, you can have fire bowls added to the retaining wall in certain spots for an elevated aesthetic.
When relaxation is the ultimate goal for your backyard landscape space, there are many outdoor living features that can customize your area into your favorite spot.
About the Author
Troy Clogg Landscape Associates was born in the early ’80s by Troy and friend Greg Counsell. Today, Troy Clogg Landscape Associates is one of the largest and most successful landscape and snow removal companies, offering residential and commercial clients landscape design and construction, as well as snow and ice removal for businesses throughout Southeast Michigan. Our teams bring passion to every project, along with professional service, a large fleet of equipment, cutting-edge products, and out-of-the-box thinking to meet all of your needs.