The Perfect Patio

Early last year a sign appeared on a neighborhood house stating that the owners were asking for permission to demolish. Since we live in an “historic" neighborhood, many of the properties are protected. The house appeared to be in good condition, so we assumed that any demolition was for the ramshackle garage out back. We were flabbergasted this spring when the entire house as well as the falling down garage were removed. We were even more shocked when the neighborhood’s first — and hopefully last —McMansion was erected. What’s truly disappointing however, at least from my point of view, is the fact that the huge house is almost entirely surrounded by an ocean of stark white concrete. 

There is an enormous concrete driveway that tightly butts up to the neighbor’s existing driveway. There are concrete sidewalks up to and around the house. They’ve poured a generous concrete patio, which immediately blends into a massive concrete deck around the inground pool. 

For decades, a flat surfaced poured concrete pad, usually rectangular or square, was the only option for a backyard patio. Today, although flat poured concrete is still a choice, many homeowners are looking for other options, especially ones that are more ecologically friendly as well as more suited to today’s lifestyles. Working with both residential and commercial customers, the design staff at Embassy has identified five trends in hardscaping that their clients are asking for this season. 

Sustainable Hardscaping

Clients are becoming aware of their environmental footprints, and seem to be especially concerned about water related issues. Switching from flat poured concrete patios to those constructed from permeable pavers set into gravel bases is an excellent way to offset the negative impacts of runoff water. Instead of allowing rainwater to flow into storm drains, permeable pavers are designed with spacer bars that create small openings that permit water to slowly soak into the subsoil, nourishing surrounding vegetation.

Biophilic Design

Over the last decade or so, the innate connection between man and nature, the biophilic connection, has become an important consideration in both commercial and residential design. Numerous studies have linked physical and emotional wellness to time spent in nature. Adding lush greenery, earthy colors and shapes found in nature to patios enhances the connections and adds even more benefits to the outdoor experience.

Coherence Throughout the Landscape

Creating a sense of cohesion is high on clients’ wish lists today. Using materials with similar colors, textures and layouts for patios, walls, steps and even driveways help to give a sense of calmness and unity to the landscape, avoiding the chaos of clashing colors or the busyness of a mixture of styles.

Earthy Colors

For the past few years, grey tones have been the favored color choice for hardscapes. Although grey is still popular, warm, earthy hues are beginning to dominate. The red browns of sandstone, the rich shades of terra cotta and taupes that reflect bodies of water all give a sense of harmony with the natural environment and help to create a place that becomes the perfect personal retreat. 

Organic Shapes

Today’s patio designs have broken free of the mold of the 10 x 12 concrete rectangle stuck to the back of the house, allowing homeowners to have outdoor spaces that fit their unique tastes and lifestyles. Designs often feature graceful, curving lines that mimic the physical features found in nature. 

With the wide range of materials available now, exchanging a commonplace concrete patio for an extraordinary outdoor experience is an affordable luxury well worth pursuing. Depending on the complexity of the project, average costs for an upgrade or an installation have a range of $4000 to $24,000. However, in many parts of the country, outdoor living spaces, especially patios and decks, give an 80 to !00% percent return on investment at the time of sale. An outdoor space with three season use adds even more value to a home. Rental properties with luxurious outdoor living spaces —  whether short term vacation rentals or long term leases  —  command higher prices than those without. In short, adding well-designed and well-implemented outdoor living spaces is worth the time, effort and expense. 

If a new, updated patio is in your future, give the design staff at Embassy Landscape Group a call.  They can help you achieve the space you've been dreaming of!