As things start to slow down into the winter months and we begin to spend much more time indoors, homeowners often divert their intention to indoor projects. While the weather may make some projects difficult, there are many ways to improve an outdoor living space so that it can be comfortably enjoyed throughout the winter. All facets of your landscape can continue to be enjoyable in the winter months with a few modifications. Here are five landscape design ideas for winter-friendly landscaping in Hamptons, NY.
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Fire Is Your Friend
The best way to make sure you and your loved ones are able to enjoy the winter wonderland that is your backyard is to add one of the ancient elements that brings people together: fire. It really comes down to whether you want your outdoor winter warmth to come from the rustic charm of a fire pit or the elegant efficiency of a fireplace. Of course, both are people-magnets. A fire feature built from natural stone masonry or concrete block faced with manufactured stone should be the first decision to make when designing a winter-friendly landscape. With so many wall unit choices available, you can really get creative with artistic expression.
Masonry Seat Walls
Once you’ve got a wonderful gathering place like a fire pit or fireplace, it’s time to think about how your friends and family will experience it best. Permanent high-backed masonry seating is the best bet since it offers a long-lasting addition to your outdoor living space while creating a barrier between chilling winds and your fire area. Underneath the seats is an easy place to install plenty of storage for cushions, blankets, and more. Even more, high-backed masonry seat walls help hold heat in a space, creating a much cozier environment.
Hot. Tub.
Perhaps the pinnacle of home relaxation, a hot tub is the solution to many winter woes. Luckily, hot tubs never take up a large amount of space and can be incorporated into many different types of patios and landscapes. A hot tub can be further decked out with features like a warm waterfall and jets to complete the relaxing experience. Incorporating a hot tub into your outdoor living space will always be worthwhile, and it’ll ensure you get to enjoy your outdoor spaces all year.
Patio Heating Coils
One of the marvels of modern technology is placing a heating element under the surface of a patio or walkway. It’s a safe and effective way to quickly melt snow or prevent it from sticking in the first place. On that frigid jaunt back to the house from the hot tub, your loved ones will thank you for making the experience more pleasurable. You’ll never have to shovel your patio or walkway ever again, which will also help prevent damage to pavers from deicing salts.
Wood-Fired Pizza Oven
Rounding out the list of awesome ideas for your wintery wonderland is the audacious wood-fired pizza oven. Incorporating this idea with a fireplace proves double-duty since it could generate warmth plus some hot and delicious Neapolitan pies from scratch. These features don’t need much. Since they’re fueled by wood, they would need a small storage area underneath or nearby and probably a small workspace next to it – maybe, say, a mini outdoor kitchen? Compiling a fireplace with pizza oven addition, a hot tub, masonry seat walls, and some practical heating elements under your patio will make you and your guests wonder why you’d even go back inside during the winter.
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