Having a Madison, WI, outdoor living space that features clear zones can make your backyard more functional and easy to use. Here is how to get the most out of your landscape design with outdoor living features that are appealing and inviting.
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Two-Level Patio
If your landscape designer starts the plan with a two-level patio, each space can have a clear function. The patio nearest the backdoor can be the outdoor living space where comfortable furniture is placed in convenient settings for intimate conversation.
When you include a careful selection of patio pavers in your outdoor living project, you could have a patio that is durable and easy to care for many years of enjoyment. With contrasting accent borders, the separation between activity areas will be clearly designated.
The second level of the patio can be where you have an outdoor fireplace to add ambiance and warmth to any gathering. Joined by wide stone steps, the two levels of the patio can form a true outdoor living space that adds square footage to your home.
Outdoor Fireplace
If you are torn between a fire pit and an outdoor fireplace, do give consideration to the fact that you are likely going to be surprised at how often you will head outside to spend time by the fire. There might be no other place that matches the calm beauty you experience by the outdoor fire beneath the stars.
An outdoor fireplace can closely match or at least complement your patio pavers to create a seamless outdoor space. With wall stone in the same tone as the pavers, an outdoor fireplace can add more seating with a deep, wide hearth that extends past the fireplace edges. Topped with slate, the hearth will likely become the most popular seating place on your patio.
When you plan your outdoor fireplace, consider adding custom details such as a copper chimney, a steel topper, a reclaimed wood mantle, or an oversize firebox. You can choose rustic stone or sleek, modern tile.
Some Shady Space
Shade is another important consideration for an outdoor living space. While that sun feels good in the fall, the summer sun can get too hot and make you feel uncomfortable. This can be where a shade covering offers the relief you need at times, while allowing you to continue spending quality moments outside.
Dappled shade can come in the form of a pergola that brings dappled shade beneath while letting the breezes flow through. You might want to add a full roof over the outdoor fireplace area to increase the intimate feel of your fire feature.
When you incorporate one of these shade structures, this can give you a place to add fun, decorative lighting pendants and fixtures as well as ceiling fans to keep the air cooling.
Small Outdoor Kitchen
When space permits, having your landscape professionals add a small outdoor kitchen to either level of the patio can let you have a sink, refrigerator, and other appliances within easy reach. This can keep you from having to go in and out of the house to retrieve drinks and appetizers for an impromptu cocktail hour or to feed the group during a big sporting event you want to watch outside together.
Outdoor living areas are quickly becoming the most added features to homes since they increase the comfort and beauty for entertaining and relaxing together whenever you wish.
