Backyard Landscaping Ideas for a Small Space

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Just because you have a single-family house, condominium, or patio home with a small space in the back does not mean you have to compromise on design. Thanks to experts who provide excellent backyard landscaping solutions, you can turn a tiny area into a gorgeous place to relax with a cup of coffee in the morning or spend time with friends in the evening.

Although you can come up with backyard landscaping ideas yourself and ask the professional for suggestions, you might start by considering some of the ideas listed below.

  • Think Vertical – With limitations, you need to utilize every inch of the space, both horizontally and vertically. Tall, slender trees, trellises, and a pagoda from which you can have plants and flowers are all excellent options. As you scour the space behind your house, look for any opportunity to go vertical.
  • Designated Spaces – For backyard landscaping, another idea involves establishing designated spaces. Using wooden dividers or tall plants, you can create one area where you relax in the morning with a cup of coffee, and where you gather with friends for good conversation, and a place where the children can play safely. When done correctly, creating designated spaces can help make a small backyard appear larger.
  • Contemporary Flair – Even with 1,000 feet of space or less, if you want a modern backyard, start with alternating bands of pebbles and stone paving, followed by placing five shiny silver balls of varying sizes on the surface. The reflection of clouds and light create an illusion of having greater space.
  • Edible Plants – Another excellent option for backyard landscaping consists of using edible plants and flowers in place of more traditional greenery. Not only will the area look gorgeous, but it will also provide you with herbs, vegetables, and edible flowers to enjoy at mealtime.
  • Hammock Haven – If the amount of space is extremely limited, focus more on how you can create an area for relaxation. In this case, you could set up two hammocks that make a V shape. In between the two, place a chimenea, shade tree, or water feature.

Set the Mood With the Right Backyard Lighting

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While backyard lighting enhances both safety and security, it also sets the mood. Whether you want an outdoor space that looks and feels festive, coastal, romantic, sophisticated, or something entirely different, it is essential you have the correct light fixtures installed. For this, you can work with a professional who builds swimming pools and hot tubs, designs landscaping, and installs lights.

  • Cascading Lights – If your goal is to create an intimate space outside, small cascading lights are a perfect choice. The expert can hang these from trees, the edge of the roof, or use a system to suspend them over whatever area you want. Add a hammock and music for a romantic aura. An expert can even create faux waterfalls using cascading lights. Whether hung as a partial or full wall, they look stunning.
  • Upward Lighting – Many people choose upward backyard lighting as a way to highlight a specific tree. However, for a tropical vibe, consider having an oversized Polynesian statue added to a corner of your yard surrounded by banana trees, palms, or other tropical-inspired plants. Not far away, place a water feature or have a Koi pond installed. When illuminated, you will feel as though you are somewhere on an isolated island.
  • Planter Lights – Placing cool-to-the-touch lights inside of containers around your pool or on the patio helps create a relaxing atmosphere. If you enjoy visits by family and friends or like to unwind with a cocktail in hand after a hectic day at work, this is an excellent option.
  • Pops of Color – For a vibrant look, select backyard lighting in bright colors. You can also find some uniquely shaped fixtures designed specifically for outdoor use.

 Homey and Comfortable – You can create a more casual atmosphere with log lights. In this case, the lights set inside of cut tree trunks with splits on the sides. The openings are just big enough to allow rays of light to shine through. For this, you might consider a grouping or use them to light a pathway.

6 Things Every Overland Park, KS, Homeowner Should Know About Pool Construction

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It is true that the builder you hire will handle the majority of the work involved when having a new swimming pool installed in the backyard of your Overland Park, KS, home. However, as a homeowner, there are still a few things you should understand about pool construction. After all, the more knowledge you have, the easier it is to make the right decision based on your specific wants and needs.

 

  1. Pool Type – The level of pool construction involved depends on the type you select. While in the decision-making phase, spend adequate time researching the pros and cons of a vinyl liner, fiberglass, and Gunite pool. That will help you determine which one is right for your family.
  2. Pool Design – The design of your pool includes its shape, size, and any added features. Especially if you want to go all out, make sure you talk to your builder about options and how the money will tack time onto the completion date.
  3. Installation Time – If you are not in a hurry to have the pool completed, you might consider both a vinyl liner and Gunite style. Weather permitting, the builder can have a vinyl liner pool installed in roughly six to eight weeks, whereas, a Gunite pool can take up to a month to complete. The installation of a fiberglass pool is the fastest, taking only two to four weeks.

 

  1. Permits – A professional builder is responsible for obtaining all the required permits to install a swimming pool. However, as the homeowner, you have every right to ask for verification, since a simple oversight could ultimately prove costly.

 

  1. Backyard Mess – During the pool construction process, you will see a lot of activity in your backyard. Along with workers, the builder will bring in equipment to dig a hole. While messy, keep reminding yourself that you and your family will have an incredible pool to enjoy once finished.

 

  1. Landscaping – When discussing pool construction with the builder, make sure you advise him of any landscaping that you want to add afterward. That way, he will do the installation while keeping your preferences in mind.