Meeting with your hardscape consultant to begin planning your outdoor space is an exciting time, but it can be a bit overwhelming too. There are so many choices to make. Relax. CKC Landscaping is a professional design/install company who will help guide you through the important decisions, but to get the most out of your consultation, you should be as prepared as possible. This means setting some goals for your outdoor space and doing some homework.
What do you hope to accomplish with your project?
This may sound like a strange question but think about what you want the space to accomplish. Do you want it to enhance the curb appeal of your home? Do you want it to create a boundary between your yard and your neighbor’s property? Do you entertain a lot? How do you entertain? Be honest and share these goals for yourself with us. After all it is our job to help you make your new outdoor space work for you.
How will you use the space?
Explain to us how you envision using your new outdoor living space. Perhaps you want to create separate areas for the adults and children. Maybe you hope to transform your outdoor living space into an inviting spot for formal entertaining. Or it could be that you want a place for your children or pets to play. How you plan to utilize the space impacts the design of the garden space. You may also have a small space to work with, see some of our ideas here.
Pool Patio using EP Henry Bristol pavers installed by CKC Landscaping
What patio paver or stone styles are your favorites?
This is where you need to do some homework. Narrow down your favorite patio paver or natural stone styles by first familiarizing yourself with the different types available. Look through magazines, such as Better Homes and Gardens or House & Home and clip out photographs of gardens that appeal to you. You could also search on Houzz or Pinterest for ideas or check out our online portfolio. You can also go directly to EP Henry, Techo Bloc, Belgard, and CST web sites. Share your favorites with us during your initial meeting so we have a starting point for your personalized outdoor living space design.
Another factor to consider regarding patio styles is the architectural style of your home. For a cohesive and harmonious look, you may want to match your patio design to your home’s style. If your home is a sleek, modern, industrial house, you may want to opt for a modern or Japanese garden style. But if your home is a quaint, old Victorian-style house, a cottage garden or English garden may be the best choice. If you have natural stone or brick, you may wish to check out EP Henry’s Cast Stone Wall.
Roof covered patio plus a sperate cooking area installed by CKC Landscaping
What are your favorite colors?
As you search through patio design magazines or websites, notice what colors and borders draw you in. Do you like a patio with an abundance of color or a more monochromatic look? You can make areas “pop” by using a different color on the decorative border (soldier course) paver so that stands out from the main area color. What specific shrubs or flowers do you like? Roses, lilies, lavender, daisies, poppies, larkspurs, peonies…the choices of flowers are nearly endless. Mixing in some planting beds can “soften” the hardscape area up and provide a better balance for your outdoor space. And let’s not forget about landscape lighting, this can really add another level of enjoyment to your outdoor space.
What is your budget?
During your initial landscape consultation, be open and honest with us about your budget. This can be an awkward but necessary conversation. It is important that we know early on what your desired price range is so they can create a design to accommodate your budget and you save both time and money. If you have never built an outdoor living space before, you may not be aware of the average costs. Share this with us and keep the financial conversation open during the entire landscaping process, it is our job to provide you with the most “bang for buck”. If you are outside our area and need some tips on finding someone good, feel free to check out this article on "Tips for Choosing a Hardscape Contractor".
For more resources, check our Outdoor Living Spaces and click here to schedule your free consultation today.
