Tag Archive for: Backyard Ideas

5 Small Landscaping Upgrades that Produce Luxurious Backyard Feel

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With all the stresses of contemporary life, making your home a comfortable, gracious, and relaxing retreat is a high priority for many people. Luxury landscaping can transform bland outdoor spaces with clever use of garden features. Focal points using high-quality natural materials such as stone and wood can enhance, while colorful, extravagant décor can make a real style statement in tasteful measures. Check out these five small landscaping upgrades that will produce a luxurious backyard feel at your home.

1. Create Clever Garden Focal Points

Taking the drab away from your backyard may be as simple as creating some focal points. Choose plants that have a distinctive shape and attractive foliage. So that they will stand out and attract the eye, you will need to ensure other plants do not crowd them out. You may need to do some clearing of plants and then consider whether other garden items can help enhance the space. For example, you can strategically place seating, pots, and planters nearby to draw the eye to the garden feature.

Another luxury landscaping technique uses a central structure such as a sculpture, garden arch, or fountain. Surrounding the main element with low plantings and cleared space makes an attractive scene.

2. Aim for Lush Greenery and Flowers

One of the relatively easily achieved small landscaping upgrades is to have a garden with the appearance of lush growth. Many suitable plant and flower combinations can bring an opulent feel to your backyard in all but the harshest climate environments.

Healthy, rapidly growing leafy green plants of differing shapes and heights can soon give your backyard that lush effect. Use flowering plants to provide contrast and break up any monotonous green patches. It’s remarkable how a splash of bright color in small doses can enhance your plantings. Round off this scene with one or two eye-striking garden décor pieces for visual impact.

If you lack the green thumb for the project, reach out to your local luxury landscapers who can help with design, planning, planting, and maintenance.

3. Use Paving to Provide a Luxury Landscaping Feel

Whether used undercover in patio spaces, pool surrounds, viewing platforms, or walkways, paving materials make a strong style statement. Large functional pavers make walking safe in uneven landscapes while giving a visual impression of widened space. In addition, your choice of tile color can provide a pleasing neutral effect with soft grays, light browns, or white tones.

Rough textured pavers can impart a rustic feel, while slate shows expensive taste and style. Porcelain pavers are durable and available in many colors and shades. Limestone pavers can provide an elegant bright look.

Add sumptuous-looking outdoor furniture in colors that complement the paving for a stunning finishing effect. Some brightly colored contrast can be achieved with plump cushioning and throws.

4. Create Symmetry for an Elegant Effect

Creating symmetry in your garden gives a classical formal feel to your outdoor spaces. It creates visual balance using mirror imaging of features and geometric shapes. Hedging is one traditional way to assist in creating symmetry. For example, hedging can be planted along both sides of a driveway or a pathway, framing the space and emphasizing existing straight architectural lines.

You can plan garden beds, hedges, garden décor, trees, and shrubberies to achieve symmetry at focal points outdoors. Symmetrical plantings around entertainment areas also enhance the existing paving and structures.

5. Refreshing Water Features and Restful Spaces

Other small landscaping upgrades that can enhance your backyard include restful nooks and crannies. Place benches under trees or near shrubberies to encourage people to sit down, relax and drink in your garden’s color, fragrance, and style. Adding small water features such as ponds, cascading water bowls, small fountains, or even bird baths bring a relaxing feel to the area. Strategically placed in your garden, these little oases of calm can be lit up at night for entertainment and a lovely ambiance. Solar floodlights can be focused on specific garden features, while fairy lights wrapped around trees give a beautiful sparkly effect.

Make Your Outdoor Spaces State of the Art

Some creative thinking, high-quality materials, and the know-how of experienced professional landscapers can transform bland outdoor spaces and backyards with luxurious landscaping techniques. At State of the Art Landscape in Northern Virginia, we can help with any aspect of garden and outdoor design, building, installation, or maintenance you require.

With extensive experience helping homeowners bring out the best in their properties, why not contact us today to discuss enhancing your outdoor living spaces?

Take Your Property Look to a Whole New Level With the Right Turf Solution

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The right turf solution can take an outdoor space to a whole new level. Not only can it elevate a space’s design, but it can improve its functionality all while providing a lower-maintenance alternative to grass.

But, with so many turf options to pick from, how do you know which solution is right for you? That’s where we come in. As outdoor experts, State of the Art knows the ins and outs of turf options.

That’s why we’ve outlined the best solutions below and how they can enhance your property.

1. Gravel

For a fluid and low-maintenance option, gravel is your best bet. Gravel provides owners with a quick and simple tuft solution that’s super easy to install.

Gravel also seamlessly meshes with a bunch of design styles; fitting in easily with both traditional and contemporary looks. However, we recommend it’s best to keep it to small and enclosed areas. That is because large open spaces filled with gravel tend to be boring and impractical.

So, for best results, we recommend using it in smaller garden areas (such as front yards), or areas where mowing can be difficult. We also suggest adding plenty of plants and flowers to the space so there will be some color and interest.

2. Bark

If there are areas of your yard that struggle to get sunlight and end up dry and dying, consider adding bark. That’s because bark won’t die even in the darkest corners of your yard (such as under trees, or in between structures). So, for a natural-looking option, we suggest choosing a natural stripped pine bark and adding as much greenery as possible.

To install, simply spread eight to ten centimeters over the soil. But, keep in mind that bark does require regular maintenance as it will likely need a topping up every year.

3. Artificial Grass

Artificial grass is a favorite when it comes to a turf solution. That’s because this option provides a natural look without all the hassle that comes along with maintaining real grass.

Just remember that all varieties of artificial grass aren’t made the same. So, be sure to shop around for color and style that works for your space as the shades can vary.

It might also be a good idea to consider what the space will be used for and how much direct contact you might have with it as many find it less comfortable underfoot.

If you do decide to proceed with the installation, it’s important to note that the larger the space the more likely you will need to hire professionals to help. That’s because bigger spaces require the ground to be leveled and paved.

4. Smart Paving

Another turf solution that owners may want to consider when redoing their space is smart paving. Materials like stone, brick, or even concrete make a great alternative when it comes to traditional grass. That’s because these alternatives can make a great base for a courtyard. In turn, drastically changing the space to be more functional by being able to put down more seating areas, gathering spaces and dinner tables.

Given how many paving options there are, owners can match the building material to their unique sense of style; choosing a design that works for them. For traditional patios we suggest opting for more natural textures like sandstone or limestone. Whereas more modern properties can experiment with different styles by using things such as concrete and quartz.

Regardless of what you end up choosing, we always suggest avoiding the use of multiple materials in a single space. Otherwise, it can end up looking busy and cluttered.

5. Decking

The final tuft solution to consider is decking. Not only is decking a great way to define a space and create a more livable area but it is actually a perfect solution for sloping or awkwardly shaped lawns. That’s because it can help to level out an area without all the hassle and money it takes to do it to the ground.

Instead, installing a deck is a cost-effective and quick way to create a usable surface that’s perfect for dining, lounging, or gathering. Plus, there are plenty of decking materials that owners can choose from ranging from hardwoods to no-maintenance composite lookalikes.

Ultimately, whatever turf option you decide to opt for, it’s guaranteed to transform your space. If you’re an owner and are considering upgrading your space, speak with a member of our team today by calling 703-421-3666 or emailing admin@stateoftheartlandscape.com.

The Ultimate Guide to Perfectly Designed Pergolas & Pavilions

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Whether it’s to host events, get some quiet, or BBQ a pergola is a great addition to any space. These features offer owners an extension of livable space that can be fully customized to suit unique needs and style preferences. 

But, there are some key things to consider before installing. That’s exactly why we’ve come up with the ultimate guide to designing one below.

The Position

 It might seem obvious, but choosing a position for a pergola or pavilion is critical to its function. This is especially true if it will be added to a feature already in the yard (like a pool, dining area, outdoor kitchen).

Also, consider things such as privacy, and what the position means for it. For example, if you are looking for a space to get away, consider moving it further from the home.

Otherwise, installing the feature without thinking of its position can ruin the entire function of the backyard.

Building Materials

 There are a number of building materials that pergolas and pavilions can be built with. From something modern and sleek like aluminum to timeless and natural like timber; the material can have a serious impact on its appearance and longevity.

When picking a material, we always suggest figuring out the budget, intent of use, and weather concerns. All of these factors will likely have an impact on what material is chosen. For example, places with harsh winters and strong winds will likely need a more durable material to withstand the elements.

Lighting

 A feature of pergolas and pavilions that is often overlooked is the lighting. But, lighting can make a space seem more inviting, safer, and usable. So, consider adding features like the ground or overhead lights. These simple upgrades will really amplify the space and make it usable regardless of the time of day.

Roof Options

It’s not only the building material that you’ll need to think of when designing a pergola or pavilion but the roof of it as well. The roof is a key part of its design that cannot be overlooked. After all, roofs for these features come in all types of designs and styles.

For example, owners can pick a simple flat roof for a timeless aesthetic. Or, they can opt for a pitched roof with a more decorative and custom-edge to it. If neither of these seems like a good option, owners can even choose a retractable or fully open roof. That way, sunshine, and natural light can be enjoyed all year round.

Regardless, it’s best for owners to explore the many options that are available to them when it comes to the roof. Otherwise, agreeing to a design before scoping your options can leave you with serious buyers’ remorse.

Layout

One of the first things to do before selecting a pergola or pavilion is to think of what you want to use it for. For example, it might be intended as a dining area and used to host guests. Or, you might want to use it as a place to get some quiet and privacy.

Regardless of what you want it for, the intended use will likely alter the size and layout of the design. For hosting parties and dinners, it will need to be big enough to fit tables and chairs. Plus, you may even want to take it a step further by adding a BBQ or kitchen element to it. Whereas a pergola meant for privacy will likely be smaller in size with enclosed walls and a roof that is big enough to fit a single lounge chair and table.

Permits for Pergolas and Pavillions

The final thing owners should think of before installing anything on their property is if it is permitted. This means owners should be checking with their local building authorities to ensure that what they intend to build on their property meets the code. Otherwise, it could be in violation of local bylaws. This is especially true for owners who are installing a structure with electricity as these typically require a special permit. So, be sure to contact your local board to confirm if the pergola you want is allowed.

But, if you don’t want to go through the trouble of contacting the board on your own, consider partnering with a professional like us at State of the Art Landscaping. We can assess, customize, and build you the pergola or pavilion of your dreams.

If you’re interested in seeing how your property can benefit from one of our designs, consider getting in touch by contacting us today.