Designing a Private and Secluded Outdoor Space

With all of the distractions and stresses that come along with working, having a family, and just living everyday life, it’s nice to take some time out for yourself every once in a while. Private alone time is more valuable that people realize, and it’s a thing that many people often take for granted. Don’t allow yourself to be one of those people. Be sure that you take time out to relax and center yourself whenever you need a break. A great place to relax is a secluded outdoor environment. Create an environment like this in your own home with a type of fence or wall, the right outdoor furniture, and a soothing fountain or spillway.

Setting Your Boundaries

To create a place of seclusion and privacy, there must be boundaries. There are several options and styles available for you to keep your scene separate from the outside world. You can choose to have a privacy fence installed if you would like to separate your entire yard. If you are looking to create a small location within the confines of your yard, you can choose to install a few trellises around your space and grow vines on them, making them more like walls. You can even use chain link fence, which is fairly inexpensive, and improve the look with vines.

Outdoor Furniture

A necessary component in your outdoor relaxation space is furniture. After all, how else will you truly be able to relax with nothing on which you can relax? With all of the choices out there, it can be hard to narrow it down. A good place to start is by considering how you’ll be spending your time there. If you’ll be sharing your space with loved ones and close friends, you may opt for outdoor seating and a table to accommodate 2-4 people. If you’re going to be spending time there alone in full relaxation mode, you can even consider installing a hammock in your space.

Fountains and Spillways

One of the best things you can do to create a space that is soothing and secluded is by installing a fountain or other water feature. The right water feature will create a relaxing and steady sound with the flowing of the water. This sound is not only relaxing, but it helps to mitigate unwanted noise surrounding to place of privacy. If you live on a busy street, or in an active neighborhood, this can be a definite life-saver. With all of the many styles of fountains, ponds, and spillways, there is sure to be something to fit perfectly in your scene.

Take some time out  for yourself. Many people miss out on valuable lessons that can only be learned when spending time alone in a calm environment. And, sometimes, you just need to get away. Create a space where you can do just that. With the appropriate boundaries, the right outdoor furniture, and a soothing water feature, you can have the perfect secluded and private outdoor area.

Create a Theme with the Right Garden Fountain

Spring is here, and in full swing, and there’s nothing like taking the time to get outside and tend to your gardening and landscaping. A beautiful fountain or water feature is the perfect addition to any landscape, and there are countless possibilities available for your own backyard. When deciding which elements you would like to implement, be sure to remember that they all fit within a central theme. People often make the mistake of choosing elements that clash, creating an energy that doesn’t flow properly. Begin by deciding if you would like a classic, natural, or contemporary look, and choose a fountain to inspire the style of your space.

Classical

There is no denying the elegance and beauty of a well-designed classic garden. With the right elements, it transports you to a place that feels timeless and soothing. The most appropriate fountains for this type of setting are classic tiered fountains. With their round finials, and simple, but detailed, design, they are capable of evoking an old Roman style. Many options even have sculptures or figurines, such as lions, gargoyles, cherubs, and maidens. Complement this type of fountain with beautiful urns, and stone benches, and your setting will be complete.

Natural

A natural setting is one of the most peaceful and relaxing settings. When designed correctly, the natural setting evokes an old-world feel that reminds you of the true beauty of Mother Nature. If you are looking for a water feature to accent this kind of space, a waterfall installation, or even a small pond is best for adding water into your landscape, rather than on top. Whether you’re planning on relaxing at your pond, or meditating next to your waterfall, your natural scene is sure to be well on its way. Accent this type of scene with simple stone planters, rocks, or stone benches.

Contemporary

We do live in a new millennium, and some people have no problem accepting that. A well-designed contemporary space is a place of simplicity, where less truly is more. One of the best choices of fountains or water features for a more modern space is a new spillway. A spillway pours a smooth sheet of water into a basin below, creating a look that is sleek and stunning. The way that the water flows in such a steady shape creates a look that is simple, yet mesmerizing. Take your contemporary look to the next level by installing LED lights to illuminate your spillway and landscape.

When you are tossing around ideas for design in your head, be sure to remember that theme is crucial. You wouldn’t want to have a scene that evokes all kinds of conflicting feelings, leaving the energy unsettled and confusing. Whether your theme is classical, natural, or contemporary, be sure to stay within the realm you have chosen. Once, your landscape is complete, you’ll see how choosing a theme is what truly created the look.

Set Yourself Up for the Perfect “Stay-cation”

Everyday life can certainly become a burden at times. When all of the stresses from work and family issues begin to build up, it’s important to take some time out to unwind and get away. It is at those times when a good old-fashioned vacation can come in handy. But, sometimes that isn’t your best option. Maybe you don’t have the time or resources to plan and execute a trip, or maybe you just don’t want to experience the stresses and responsibility that come along with traveling. Sometimes, all you need is a little vacation in your home, or a stay-cation, if you will. Prepare for your stay-cation by stocking up on great foods, installing a relaxing water feature at home, and setting out a couple of no-work rules.

Foods

While at home, it is easy to get into the same food routines. We make our eating decisions based on convenience and habit. When you are on vacation, it is totally different. One of the best things to enjoy in a new place is all of the new and different food you might be exposed to. Be sure to keep that spark even in your hometown. Try to find a new restaurant nearby, or look up an exotic new recipe to try out. Make your familiar surroundings seem new and exciting by experiencing new flavors!

Water Features

If you have a little time to plan for this stay-cation, a great thing you can do is to schedule your time off with a fresh new change in your surroundings. You won’t have to travel far to experience to steady and relaxing effects of flowing water. You can have fountains, spillways, or waterfalls installed right in your home. Choose the perfect water feature for your setting, and your home will be more like a resort when you’re done. You can spend hours of your stay-cation relaxing next to a waterfall or reading next to a soothing fountain. There will be no need to endure the road trip or plane rides.

Absolutely No Work

Executing the perfect stay-cation can be a tricky endeavor. One of the easiest mistakes to make is to fall back into your hard-working habits. During your time off it is important to remember that it is just that: time off. If you need to, create a few ground rules to keep your behavior in order. Sign out of your email accounts, put time limits phone and computer use, and turn off the cell phones for most of the day. Remember to seek out new or relaxing experiences and remember that the work can wait.

Take some time off, and make sure you make the most of it. You don’t have to travel far to have a good time. Sometimes, the best way you can enjoy your time off is by staying at home. With the right foods, the right atmosphere, and the lack of work, you’ll be stay-cationing in no time! You’ll never want to go home again, until you realize you never left.

Create a Contemporary Outdoor Scene

The 21st century is upon us, and while some people enjoy the feelings of tradition and nostalgia, some of us are ready to take on the future with new styles and new habits. These ideas are present even when designing your landscape and installing a water feature. There are a wide range of styles, designs, and materials that evoke feelings of the old world, the new world, and the natural world. If you are one of the people who embrace contemporary styles, there are a few elements that would definitely come in handy for your outdoor design. The best water feature options are spillways and contemporary standalone fountains, and you can accent your scene with LED lighting and simple stone planters.

Water Feature Options

If you’re going after a modern look, the two main types of water features for you are spillways and contemporary statuary fountains. Spillways create a sleek and smooth sheet of water that flows into a basin below. The shapes created by the water are perfect for the simple, modern scene. There are also many styles of statuary fountains that evoke a similar feel. They come in a wide range of unique designs that must be seen to be fully comprehended. They take a more artistic approach to the contemporary setting, and serve as the perfect new age accent.

LED Lighting

A great way to enhance the look and feel of a modern outdoor environment is by installing LED lighting in your water features and landscape. There are lights that can illuminate the sheet of water flowing from your spillways, giving them an even more stunning effect. You can also use small lights to brighten stairs, walkways, and to accent the texture of walls. There are many different colors of lights, and some are even color changing. With these lights you can create the perfect modern nighttime scene.

Stone Planters

Something that is not often brought in a conversation of modern styles is the presence of plant life. But, we are discussing the plans for an outdoor scene, after all. Your scene doesn’t have to be overgrown with plants and greenery, but a few lively accents can add the perfect touch. The best way to make these accents is with the use of simple stone planters. Choose designs that are smooth and simple, that won’t take away from your contemporary style. Put in basic plants, that are mainly green and not too colorful. The essence of modern style is simplicity.

Embrace the times as they change, and be willing to change along with them. Create a scene in your landscape that evokes the feeling of the current age. With sleek spillways or contemporary fountains, LED lighting, and simple plant accents, your outdoor space will be the perfect example of natural progression.

 

Simple Outdoor Enhancements with Grand Results

Has the time come for you to redesign your backyard or patio space? There are endless possibilities that are available to you. But, when you are making your design choices, remember the old phrase, “less is more.” You definitely don’t want to go overboard in with your renovation. Don’t forget to allow your space to speak for itself by installing simple accents and enhancements that will lead to noticeable results. The perfect placement of planters and greenery, the installation of a sleek spillway, and the presence of a little landscape and water lighting can transform your space into the perfect backyard oasis.

Planters and Greenery

A great place to start when deciding what to do is considering the installation of a few planters and some of your favorite flowers or greenery to accent the scene. There are a wide range of colors, styles, and designs of planters available. There is something for every type of outdoor setting. This type of installation is the perfect accent; it fits so naturally with an outdoor setting that it is nearly unnoticeable, yet, without it, your space can feel dull and lifeless with no explanation.

Sleek Spillways

A more obvious accent that you can consider is a simple spillway in your patio space. Spillways produce a constant smooth sheet of water that gently flows into a basin below. They are a great way of adding an extra element of life and energy to your outdoor scene. With proper placement, your spillway will look as if it belongs in your patio space. It will contribute to a soothing atmosphere with its steady, soothing flowing sounds, but is calm enough to not be too overwhelming.

LED Light Accents

A great, and often overlooked, accent that you can utilize in your outdoor space is LED lighting. Light is such a simple thing that there are times when people don’t even give it a thought. But, with the right installation, some simple lighting choices can completely transform a scene. You can enhance your whole outdoor scene with illuminated walls, stairs, and pathways. You can even install  lighting in your spillway for an even more stunning effect. There are many colors of lights, and even color changing options to help you get your scene just right.

Your patio space can be the perfect outdoor oasis, and you don’t have to make huge changes to accomplish this. With the installation of a few planters and greenery, a sleek spillway, and a few LED lighting accents, you can easily transform your scene. Make the simple steps to complete your scene!