Drawing Inspiration for your Hardscape Project

Is your style modern or classic? Rustic or contemporary? Do you prefer clean lines or curved? If you’re planning a hardscape project, chances are these are questions you’re asking yourself as you begin to collect inspiration. With the increasing popularity of social media, it feels like there is inspiration around every corner. We’ve rallied a few of our favorite places to draw inspiration for your next outdoor living room, driveway or front entrance project.

Social Media hashtags and home improvement accounts

Take advantage of the vast array of accounts and hashtags that live in places like Instagram and Facebook. #Hardscape #LandscapeDesign #Unilock #Patios #BackyardGoals are just a few of the hashtags that landscape professionals use when sharing photos of their projects. Follow these and save the photos that pique your interest to your favorites. Chances are, the contractor you’re considering for the job also has a Facebook and/or an Instagram business account. These pages are a great way to learn more about your contractor’s style and workmanship.

Neighborhood restaurants, parks and spaces

Recently, our Unilock Photo Crew visited a residential patio project in Wheaton, Illinois with a unique herringbone paving pattern using large scale rectangular pavers. When we asked the homeowner how they came up with that particular design, they said they fell in love with the look at a local park that used a similar pattern. Next time you’re visiting your favorite local restaurant, your local public square or your office building, take a look around at the bathroom floor tiles or kitchen backsplashes and it’s possible you’ll find something that speaks to your style. Snap a picture on your phone for quick reference when meeting with your landscape contractor or designer.

Websites such as Houzz and Pinterest

One of the most popular ways to collect inspiration on just about any home renovation project is Pinterest or Houzz. Set up an “Idea Book” on Houzz or “Board” on Pinterest and begin saving images of outdoor spaces that catch your eye. Pinterest will often link to helpful articles on websites like ours. Be sure to look at manufacturer and landscape designer boards too. Another bonus with Houzz is they often describe or list the specific products used in the photo being featured.

Some keywords we’d recommend searching for are: pool deck, paver patio, fire pit (or fireplace), grill island, seating wall, garden wall and walkway.

Unilock Outdoor Idea Center

To truly appreciate Unilock paver and wall products, we always recommend visiting a Unilock Outdoor Idea Center. Our Outdoor Idea Center features in-ground displays in life-like settings using several different combinations of both our paver and wall products. Visiting us is the best way to see, touch and experience the variety of colors, textures and design combinations we offer. During business hours you can expect to speak with knowledgeable staff who will answer any and all of your project related questions. Added bonus, you can take samples home with you of products you’re considering to hold up against your house or surrounding structures.