More often homeowners are looking at their outside spaces as extensions to their indoor living. And like your indoor space, your outdoor space can also be divided into individual rooms – all with their own unique purpose and design. The right design will ensure that you are able to get the most enjoyment from your time outside.

Not only are fences and walls ideal for creating privacy, defining the boundaries of your landscape, and providing safety for insurance purposes, they can be beautiful assets to your outside space. There are many different styles and materials to choose from. There is the traditional white picket fence all the way to impactful stone walls.

In the world of outdoor design, both patios and decks are used to define outside spaces and areas for activity and can often be confused with one another.

Walkways help direct both physical and visual direction in your outdoor space. On their own, walkways offer their own visual value and set a mood in your outside space through color, texture, and path. Consider the difference between a walkway which creates an efficient and direct path from one area to another and a walkway that turns and curves along landscape features.

Considering adding an additional structure to your outdoor space? There are several options with each providing its own function and style.

Arbors have both functional and decorative qualities. Built from wrought iron or wood, arbors are constructed of simple slatted roofs which are supported by two or four posts. Positioned over a path, they direct traffic. By supporting vining plants through an open framework, they provide shade and privacy.

Throughout history, a fire has been at the center of gathering and fellowship. Both a source of light and warmth, bringing a fire into a space creates evening appeal and a way to stay outside during colder evenings. A permanently structured pit of brick, stone, or concrete can blend in seamlessly with other elements.

Another element to consider including in your outdoor space: water. When seeking to create an area conducive to meditation and relaxation, a water feature is an almost essential the can add both ambiance and help block busy street noise. With this feature, there are many options to choose from.

With our hot spring and summers, our climate gives us every reason to install a pool. While a pool can be refreshing on a hot summer day, a spa or hot tub can warm winter nights. Not only can a pool set a mood and become the focal point in a yard, it can enhance your existing lifestyle. If you enjoy entertaining, a pool will give you a reason to do it more and is a sure way to draw in people to your space, especially when temperatures soar. Some smaller pool models are simply built to be enjoyed and looked at.

Any beautifully designed hardscape can still appear stark without including plants as living elements. Following the completion of your hardscaping elements, you can add color, texture, shape, and fragrance with an endless combination of trees, shrubs, and blossoming flowers. The options can be endless so deciding which plants to use can be a challenge. Beyond what plants you consider to be the most attractive, there are a number of factors to take into consideration.

To prevent your well-planned outdoor space from disappearing when night falls, lighting you newly designed space is a must. Consider how lighting will affect your view from both inside and outside your home.