On those crisp fall nights or breezy spring evenings people across the nation are wanting to spend time outside. This trend—referred to as Outdoor Living—is sweeping the country as homeowners create cozy, inviting outdoor rooms. Homeowners are placing a high priority on making their outdoor spaces as beautiful as the inside décor of their home. We have all seen those DIY outdoor spaces that are inviting and make you want to sit for hours and relax. However, the process of designing your own outdoor space can be overwhelming because the possibilities are endless. Whether seeking a casual, informal feel or you prefer to add a contemporary, state-of-the-art outdoor kitchen to your Long Island landscape design you will likely want to plan and do research before beginning the process.
Start with the basics
When you start to think of the design you want for your outdoor living area, one of the first things to consider is the type of flooring, or hardscaping, you will use. This material choice will shape both the aesthetics of the spaces, as well as what is possible with the structural design. For many Long Island, NY homes, natural stone materials such as bluestone and flagstone are great choices. Learn more about how Unilock is changing the natural stone market for the better with their Natural Stone by Unilock product line.
With the paver choice in place, consider whether or not you want to add any retaining walls, features like an outdoor fireplace, or any overhead shelter such as pergolas. To bring all of these possibilities together cohesively, work with a professional landscape contractor in your area. To secure both a product guarantee and an installation guarantee, contact a Unilock Authorized Contractor in the Long Island, NY area.
Color and design
Planning an outdoor space is similar to decorating the interior spaces of your home. Normally each room has a color theme that sets it apart from other spaces in your home; outdoor rooms are no different. Unlike in a home where you would choose paint or wall paper colors, however, outdoor living spaces define color palettes with plants, pavers and walls, and other outdoor décor accessories. Most people create an outdoor living space in Long Island to relax, entertain friends and family, and get away from everyday stresses. It is important to keep this in mind when you are working with the professional you choose.
Set a Budget
Much like with interior renovation projects, the costs involved will depend on the exact amenities you choose to include. Before you begin designing your space, work to determine a budget for your project. This may involve engaging a Unilock Authorized Contractor to get estimates and ball park figures.
Once you have a budget in place, it’s time to look closely and identify the most important features for your lifestyle. Evaluate how you plan to use the space so that you can get exactly what you will need to best use the spaces. At the end of the day, adding a finished outdoor living space to your Long Island is a fantastic way to expand your home’s usable space and take advantage of the wonderful changing seasons the NY climate offers.