3 Ways Landscaping Companies Turn Middletown, RI Backyards Into Extensions of the Home

One way to get everyone outdoors more is to make outdoor spaces more comfortable. People do enjoy the creature comforts and amenities they are used to indoors. Make the most of your landscape with __ ways landscaping companies turn Middletown, RI backyards into extensions of the home.

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What’s Important to You?

Before you start designing an outdoor space, identify how you would like to use the space. Consider everyday activities, not once-in-a-while exceptions. For example, not everyone will want to enjoy the same activities every time the family is outside. Some may prefer to relax with a good book while others are playing. Having the right mix of “active” and “resting” spaces will ensure that nobody feels left out and that everyone’s needs are met. You can segregate activities outdoors just as you do indoors, by creating outdoor “rooms.” These don’t have to have tall walls or barriers that make you feel like you’re indoors; in fact, low shrubs, seat walls, trellises, arbors, and living walls give just enough separation without a boxed-in feeling.

Once you’ve gotten clear on how you want to use the space, the next step is to choose features that will deliver the comforts, conveniences, and usability you want. Some key elements include: a cooking station (this can be as simple as a grill station or as complex as a gourmet outdoor kitchen); dining (this can be a stand-alone table and chairs, or bar seating attached to a grill station or outdoor kitchen); and relaxing (include group seating choices as well as spaces where someone can go for a little alone time).

The Perfect Cooking Space

One of life’s great joys is sharing meals with others. Take note of which appliances you actually use indoors, and mirror that outside. Leave the “occasional appliances” out of your outdoor space; instead, invest in high-quality appliances that will stand up to the elements, and invest in better materials and better finishes. This may mean downsizing your outdoor kitchen; but when you do that, you can add a generous bar where everyone can gather for a meal and be in on the action. Bar seating will also make your patio feel more spacious because it won’t be cluttered by all kinds of furniture.

Shelter

Shelter is the next biggest consideration. If you only enjoy being outdoors in good weather, a simple pergola will offer shade on a hot day. Pergolas can be small enough to shelter a kitchen, dining area, or seating area; or they can be large enough to encompass all three. Likewise, a pavilion (which also has open sides like a pergola, but has a solid roof) can be any size. A pavilion does offer more protection, which means you can also add a TV and more comfortable furnishings to your outdoor experience. Adding a fireplace to a pavilion (either centrally located or on one side) will transform a pavilion into a three-season outdoor room!

Privacy

Just like you don’t want neighbors snooping on what you’re doing at home, you don’t want them snooping on your backyard activities either. A tall privacy fence will make your backyard feel more like a retreat than a fishbowl. A chic teak slat fence can give your backyard a spa-like feel, and living walls (usually cedars) give the barrier a softness that makes the yard feel more spacious. 

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