If you want your landscape to be a show-stopper, start with masonry. It’s the most versatile and durable material, and it stands the test of time. Here you’ll find some great ideas on how to add drama with masonry in Briarcliff Manor and Croton, NY, areas.
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Patio Materials
Natural stone, concrete pavers and porcelain pavers can be show-stoppers.
Natural stone features uniqueness and character. Each stone is one-of-a-kind so no two patios will ever be the same. Granite, limestone, sandstone, flagstone and bluestone each have their own wonderful properties.
To create a glamorous and sophisticated space, use granite or limestone in cool colors. The warm colors of sandstone and flagstone are better suited for casual spaces - but their distinctive veining and patterning make them unforgettable.
Arguably the most dramatic natural stone to use in hardscapes is bluestone. This distinctive slate-blue stone actually comes with amazing variations that include shades of rust, green, tan, or gray. On its own, each stone is beautiful: but when you combine hundreds of them on a patio or walkway, the result is stunning.
Manufactured stone, or concrete pavers, don’t have the completely unique and random characteristics of natural stone but offer many more colors, textures, finishes, and sizes. Concrete pavers can look like stone, or something completely fresh and modern.
Porcelain pavers create a chic and extremely durable surface. Most commonly used in high-end modern homes, porcelain pavers come in a huge array of patterns and styles, including wood grain.
One hot trend to create drama is to use pavers in oversized squares or large plank shapes. This highlights the individual characteristics of each paver, and it creates a sleeker, uncluttered space due to fewer joint lines.
Retaining Walls, Pillars, and Other Verticals
Natural stone walls give your home a wonderful sense of presence and even history. Well-built stone walls can last centuries. Curved walls are dramatic. Add elegant wrought-iron gates and dramatic light fixtures to create memorable entryways, courtyards, and outdoor living spaces.
Decorative concrete wall units are used as veneers rather than structural elements (the structural part is an undecorated concrete block). With veneers, you have so many choices from wall units that mimic hand-hewn stone to sleek minimalist surfaces. For the most dramatic look, you could mix several styles and finishes.
Walls are the perfect solution for incorporating built-in landscape light fixtures. The subtle light offers just enough illumination for safety, while adding to the ambience. Of course, uplighting and spotlighting is a great way to accentuate the textures of your vertical elements for a dramatic look after dark!
Pergolas
The most time-honored and dramatic solution for shade is the pergola. When installed atop masonry pillars, the pergola ties in with your patio and walls, and gives it a “been there forever” look.
Shelter from the elements is crucial to outdoor living. Give them a luxurious touch by having them installed on top of masonry pillars for that “been there forever” look, and adding built-in light fixtures for subtle light.
Focal Points
Every outdoor space needs a focal point to draw the eye, whether it’s a natural focal point like a beautiful view or a man-made focal point like an outdoor fireplace. Add drama to either with the combination of fire and water. You could frame a gorgeous view with twin pillars topped with a copper fountain with a fire spout in the middle. Or, you could install a water wall directly beside a fireplace to give you the wonderful contrast between fire and water.
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