DEFINE YOUR OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE WITH PATIO PAVERS
Today, one of the main techniques of contemporary outdoor living design is to apply the same rules as you would for interior design when creating outdoor rooms. This is becoming more apparent in every element of outdoor living, from furniture design to lighting, and even decorative accents. It’s all part of the effort to create and live in outdoor spaces that are a physical extension of our homes, with the same comfort, style, and ease with which we enjoy our indoor spaces.
When designing an outdoor living space, because there are no “walls” to define your spaces, one idea to consider is using patio pavers in patterns as a way to reinforce and define the “room” concept. This can be accomplished in several creative ways. Think of how you use area rugs to define and accent indoor living areas, then take these same concepts and apply them to your exterior design.
The possibilities are endless, and your only limit is your imagination. When you consider the full range of options for color, texture, sizes, shapes, and patterns, there are literally thousands of different looks you can achieve.
Here are some creative ideas and examples of patio pavers used in a pattern technique.
DEFINING YOUR DESIGN AND MAKING DECISIONS
You probably already have some ideas for colors and textures that you’d love to incorporate into your design. In fact, you’ve probably been inspired by a walkway, patio, or other hardscaping, which is how you decided to improve your property.
The fact is, the actual pattern you choose is the last variable in the process. Some pavers, thanks to their different sizes and shapes, are created to be installed in a specific pattern or design. Defining your patterns relies on several factors. Be aware that if you are looking to incorporate a specific pattern, you might be limited in your paver style choices you can use to create it. Or, your labor costs may increase because you’ll need to make additional cuts.
While color and texture is a personal preference, a good general guideline is that larger spaces look better with larger patio pavers – think pool deck or outdoor kitchen – while smaller areas like walkways or patios, look better with smaller pavers.
CREATING OUTDOOR “ROOMS”
Think about how you’d approach designing a cozy living room in your home. You’d define your space by grouping furniture over an area rug by the fireplace. You can do the same thing outdoors by using varying paver colors, textures, and shapes to integrate a design that mimics the look.
Learn More About Installation of Patio Pavers
Notice how your indoor flooring material or pattern changes from one room to another. For example, your living room hardwood floor may give way to luxurious ceramic tile in the kitchen. Sometimes the same material is used, but the pattern may vary when you cross a threshold. Again, you can use this same approach when designing an outdoor space, giving the illusion of separate rooms.
Use contrasting colors and textures of patio pavers to create the look of a large decorative rug, and turn an open patio into a grand outdoor foyer. Indoors, you’d divide an ample space into smaller, intimate conversation areas with area rugs. The same can be done in an outdoor space by using patio pavers to create a rug to position a seating group. Want a more dramatic look? Place a fire pit in the center of the design to create a beautiful focal point.
Creating contemporary block patterns, arches, swirly designs, or using contrasting colors can emulate the look of designer carpets. Get creative! Incorporate nature by including grassy areas into your hardscape designs to give you the textural look of shag carpeting!
OPTICAL ILLUSIONS TO PROVIDE DIMENSION AND DEPTH!
There are many classic patterns you can use alone or in combination to give you the defined spaces you’re seeking. Running bond, herringbone, “I” patterns and basketweave are just a few classics. Another factor to incorporate into your design is angles. The angle at which you place your pattern alters your space as well. By laying the pattern at a 45-degree angle and will draw attention, while laying the design at a 90-degree angle will blend into the area better.
Mixing and matching patterns can break up large areas into smaller defined spaces for specific use like conversational areas, cooking areas, and dining space. By incorporating border pavers throughout a design, you can create your own uniquely designed areas. You can also use border pavers to outline planting beds to help unify a space and tie the design together. Use contrasting bullnose pavers for coping, step treads, or bordering raised beds to add visual interest.
If you’re working with a larger space, you also can include kits like circles, fan patterns, or even pre-made European architectural elements and medieval family crests to add a dramatic entrance to your entertaining space. Today, you’re indeed only limited by your imagination!
If you’re planning a hardscaping project for your greater San Francisco Bay area home, give the experts at Bayside Pavers a call at (925) 291-9384. Click here to schedule a free estimate, and you’ll get a free design. One of our hardscaping consultants will visit your project site, create a design, and provide you with an estimate.
East Bay and South Bay homeowners visit our location in Concord, CA, at 2455 Bates Ave, Ste K. Our Santa Rosa, CA location at 1619 4th Street, Ste 12 can help you with your North Bay hardscaping projects.