More and more homeowners want to spend time outdoors doing things they would typically do indoors previously. For instance, entertaining guests, relaxing, dining, exercising, and playing with their children and pets. This is where blending indoor and outdoor landscape features come into the equation.

Read on to know how you can design outdoor spaces in ways that connect and correlate with the interiors – in terms of both functionality and aesthetics.

Outdoor Patio

An outdoor patio is a perfect space for relaxing, playing, and hosting gatherings. Let’s look at some following benefits of adding an outdoor patio:

• An extension of living space: Outdoor patios can work wonders as extensions of living spaces, depending on the area you’re building it out from. An outdoor patio has multiple uses. You can use the patio area to enjoy a meal or simply lounge outside comfortably.
• It can be enclosed for year-round accessibility: You can explore the option of enclosing an outdoor patio, which would make it accessible throughout the year. Even if it rains or snows, homeowners and their families can use enclosed outdoor patios without any issues regarding the weather.
• Outdoor patios increase property value: Outdoor patios enhance the usability of a property’s outdoor space and also add to its curb appeal. As a result, they enhance the value of properties, which can be beneficial for homeowners who may want to sell their properties in the future.

Now that you know the benefits that outdoor patios have to offer, it’s time to look at the best patio stones and their uses:

• Flagstone: Flagstones (quartzite, limestone, bluestone, sandstone) are natural stones that are available in a variety of colors. These stones typically have 1 – 3 inches (7.62 cm) thickness. It’s best for outdoor patios in places that experience heavy rains, as its surface’s roughness provides traction.
• Interlocking pavers: Interlocking pavers look fantastic, and the best thing about them is that they don’t need mortar or grout to be fitted together. They’re similar to puzzle pieces.
• Pea gravel: Pea gravel isn’t a stone but a loose material that’s witnessing an increase in popularity, particularly in drought-prone regions. It’s a water-wise alternative to thirsty lawns. They’re also affordable and provide ease of use.

Landscape lighting

It’s time to turn our attention towards the landscape lighting now, which highlights a property’s most beautiful areas and also increases its value. Landscape lighting offers the following benefits:

• Improved aesthetics: Well-thought-out lighting ideas can accentuate a front and backyard’s best aspects. This will make a home feel more inviting to both guests and household members.
• Enhanced safety: Lack of exterior lighting can make a property prone to thefts. However, sufficient lighting acts as a deterrent for criminals. Even if an intruder sneaks through your property, neighbors, and passers-by are likely to notice.
• Increased property value: Even the most modest properties can be given a facelift through landscape lighting. This facelift can make properties more appealing for potential buyers and raise their respective values in the real estate market.
• Greater outdoor accessibility: Without landscape lighting, it’s next to impossible to use the outdoors for recreation after sunset. However, lighting makes those post-sunset party plans possible.

Adding outdoor patios and landscape lighting are some of the best ways to blend the indoors with the outdoors. Of course, it’s important for homeowners across the colder regions to add warmth to the exterior through a fireplace. Integrate what works best for the homeowner and keep their lifestyle in mind. For all your landscaping needs, contact FSI Landscape Supply today!