If you’re feeling wanderlust as you’re sheltering in place, there are some additions you can make to your landscape that will make it fun to be at home. Here are 5 masonry features that will lure you outdoors more in East Hampton, NY - so you can make the best of the situation and treat yourself to an enjoyable outdoor experience.
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A great landscape design focuses on two things: doing (various activities like entertaining, swimming and games); and being (relaxing, sunbathing, meditating, or reading). If you’re working from home and have the opportunity to be outdoors while working, you can add a third category: working!
Doing: a Better Patio
One of the most important aspects of a landscape you’ll want to spend time in, is a patio that’s spacious enough for everyone to do their thing. Nobody likes to feel crowded; but at the same time, the layout of the patio is often more important than the size.
If your current patio space is “okay” consider adding a small extension that is dedicated to one activity, such as dining or a fire pit area. If you enclose the fire pit area with a seat wall that features a comfortable high back, this will make the new space feel incredibly cozy and because the wall can accommodate more people than individual chairs could, this solution will free up a lot of space on the patio for everyone to comfortably spread out.
Doing: a Game Area
Outdoor activities don’t have to take up the whole backyard. If you have kids and you’re worried about how to keep them entertained, you don’t have to turn the entire backyard into a theme park. Make the most use of a narrow side yard to create a game area! Horseshoes, croquet, bocce, lawn darts, a sandbox, swing set or jungle gym… even a putting green or miniature golf will fit perfectly into most side yards. A seat wall around the game area gives you a comfortable place to watch the kids play without adding the clutter of lawn chairs… and who can resist the fun of walking on the “castle ramparts”?
Being: a Water Feature
Nothing is more soothing than water. A water feature is one of the most delightful and appreciated elements of landscape design. And, it can be any style you like! Use masonry to create a water feature that matches the veneer on your outdoor kitchen. Or, create a stunning focal point by using a completely different material, style, or color. Water features can go anywhere you like: to enhance your front entry for a warm welcome; as part of a little zen nook tucked away in the corner of the backyard; or as a centerpiece on your patio.
Being: a Private Hideaway
A small, private paver patio is a great way to make use of a side yard. Enclosed with a tall privacy fence, this space can be just right for a quiet afternoon spent relaxing in a hammock, comfortable lounge chair or porch swing. On this little mini-patio, use soothing neutral colors and minimal decorations to create a sense of serenity.
Working: Shady Comfort
While it’s great to work outdoors with a laptop, glare from the sun can cause eye strain, and you can’t ever be sure what the weather will do. A pavilion will give you shade and protection from the weather, and you’ll get fresh air and enjoy the cheerful sounds of nature while you’re on the clock! Add a masonry fireplace to your pavilion to create a three-season outdoor getaway your whole family will love!
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