Local expert, Visionscapes, shares the latest trends to turn your backyard into an at-home oasis.
Images courtesy of Visionscapes Land Design Inc.
It goes without saying that we’ve certainly been spending a lot of time at home, particularly in the chilly winter months. The warmer spring weather invites you to return to your beloved outdoor spaces.
Backyards serve as multipurpose settings designed for relaxing, entertaining, and spending time with family and friends. Ahead of the spring and summer seasons, take some time to evaluate if your backyard and outdoor space meets your current needs.
“Homeowners are looking to create spaces that lead to experiences and memories,” says Shawn Anderson, owner and president of Visionscapes Land Design Inc. “Clients have been gearing their designs toward features they would love to have if they are ever stuck at home again.”
Visionscapes Land Design Inc. shares the latest trends that will transform your backyard from basic to your personal staycation retreat.
Expanding Your Outdoor Entertainment Space
The experts at Visionscapes say the number one landscaping request they’ve received is upgrades to outdoor living and entertainment areas. With everyone staying home more, homeowners have a desire for the ideal alfresco area to unwind after a long day or relax on the weekends. Outdoor kitchen and dining areas, firepits and shade structures have been popular requests.
“Your outdoor living space should be a good mix of your favorite resort and your family room,” Anderson explains. “Possibilities are endless with an outdoor kitchen, fire feature, pool, seating area, a putting green or a combination.”
Create a Poolside Paradise
Plan ahead for summer by upgrading your pool in spring. A thoughtfully designed pool can give your backyard a resort-like feel. Visionscapes notes a rise in the popularity of tanning ledges, also known as sun shelves, baja ledges, wading areas and splash areas. These are about 14-inches deep and provide a surface to relax in shallow water or an area for small children to safely play in the pool.
Lavish Landscape Lighting
Enjoy your backyard and outdoor space after dark with landscape lighting. Landscape lighting is designed to light your outdoor space without being seen. The experts at Visionscapes recommend using LED landscape lighting, as opposed to incandescent bulbs. They can also use a 3.8 watt bulb to achieve the same look as a 50 watt bulb. Visionscapes can even install astronomical timers that adjust themselves daily based on the sunset.
“Think of your outdoor lighting as showcasing your favorite pieces of art,” says Anderson. “We strategically place uplighting and other lighting types, like path lights, to illuminate what makes your landscaping unique. Landscape lighting also extends the use of your outdoor living space well after dark!”
Exercise Your Green Thumb
Home gardening is the perfect hobby for getting outside and giving your backyard a little DIY attention. Many Visionscapes customers have requested raised planters for either gardening or planting their own flowers. These planters are completely customizable using wood, concrete block that looks like wood or a retaining wall block. Working in your own yard, beneath the sunshine, can be an excellent stress reliever. Plus, it’s the perfect activity for the whole family.
For more information about Visionscapes Land Design Inc., visit VisionscapesLandDesign.com.
