We’ve jumped headfirst into the world of hardscaping, and it’s been a thrill to share what we at Paramount Greens do for our clients.

Now who’s ready for some inspo?

Hardscaping, like we’ve talked about, consists of features that use natural or man-made elements. If you’re looking to increase your property value while upping the visual appeal of your outdoor living spaces, these options are great ways to get started.

#1 Gathering Space

Enjoying the outdoors with your guests comes in handy. Developing an outdoor gathering space can include a patio, porch, and much more. According to Better Homes & Gardens, a focal point is a build off of one element -

“Well-designed indoor rooms typically build off one element -- a sofa or piece of art, for example -- which gives the eye something to land on; the rest of the furnishings and accents support that piece. That same principle applies to outdoor living spaces.”

Backyard not big enough to make a creative area? Have you considered your side yard? Utilizing the side yard is the most overlooked and underrated way to maximize your space and switches “out of sight, out of mind” on its head.

Placing a stone path, gravel, and pavers with easy to maintain plants can really give your unused space the makeover it deserves!

#2 Walkways

Versatile options for walkways are a dime a dozen, and paving stones can include brick, pavers, stepping stones, and gravel.

When deciding on the materials you want to use, think of traffic that it’ll endure, is it in the front or backyard, and will it be in a high maintenance area of the yard.

Borst Landscape and Design touches on this in one of their blogs, “How your walkway will be used is important to selecting the right outdoor walkway materials. Take a look at your choice of materials, along with the benefits or disadvantages they provide.”

Adding walkways give depth to a yard while providing for easy accessibility.

#3 Pops of Color

Let’s talk about plants in your outdoor space. Trees and greenery really bring areas together, but what about some color? According to RisMedia, color is how you make it all pop!

“An easy way to make your landscape pop is to plant new colors in your garden. Plant large flowers, but also include some smaller blooms in pots near the entryway or walkway.”

If you’re trying to stay within a certain color group, head to your local nursery and have a talk with the employees there to find your perfect match. Bushes with blooms, like Azaleas, have beautiful blooms with various colors with white and pink being the most popular.

#4 Raised Garden Beds

Into gardening? Have you thought about adding raised garden beds to your outdoor projects? These easy to implement beds can be either a focal point of the yard or be pushed in corners or near fences if you want them more out of the way.

These gardens can be made with stone and gravel or wood to name a few. You can do a line of several and have each box designated to veggies, fruits, or just beautiful flowers.

“The benefits of raised garden beds include defining your garden area, making your yard more functional, and making gardening more convenient,” mentions Install It Direct in their blog.

#5 Fire Pits

Creating a “warm” meeting area has never been easier than with a fire pit. Whether you want stone, brick, square, or round pits, sometimes simple is just the best.

Options are endless (that seems to be the trend doesn’t it?) Some fire pits are designed as flush with the ground while others are raised. Also keep in mind that there are wood fire pits and gas fire pits!

#6 Sitting/Retaining Wall

While it might not come into your head when you first think of creating beauty, a retaining wall can not only increase your outdoor seating options, but it also designates specific areas of your yard that you want guests to move towards.

Additionally, these walls can provide powerful help against erosion in your landscape or to create flat and usable land. It can divert rainwater from water runoffs. These functional pieces of hardscaping can be made with wood, stone, or concrete. Consider the cost, aesthetics, and the proper materials suitable for the job. Don’t forget you can even plant some fun flowers or bushes on the top side of the wall if you’re able to!

#7 Pergola/Arbor

And finally, pergolas or arbors add a woodland vibe to your front or backyard. Gardenista clears up the confusion between pergolas or arbors in this portion of their blog:

“A pergola, consisting of anchored posts that support cross beams, can be used as a walkway or more commonly as a seating area. Different from a gazebo, a pergola’s roof is open, not peaked, and has no walls. A pergola can also be confused with an arbor, which is usually a wooden bench seat with a lattice-style roof.”

These can easily create a living room feel for the outdoors that you and your guests can use all year round. Add the fire pit we mentioned above and you have the perfect space to enjoy for years to come!

Your creative ideas and yard are yours to transform into something beautiful. Have some hardscaping inspiration of your own but not sure how to make it a reality? Let’s talk about it!

7 Ideas to Make Your Hardscaping POP