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Elite Landscaping

Tag: Firepits

01 Jul 2022
By Mike Pasquarello Landscaping , , ,

The Landscape of 2022: Trends in Outdoor Living

Outdoor living continues to be a driving force behind many residential landscape projects and will strengthen throughout 2022. Big box stores and retail giants have embraced this shift over the past few years and have even dedicated portions of their facilities to keep up with the demand. In addition, the interest in innovative landscaping products to create spaces for refuge, relaxation, and entertainment is leading the outdoor living surge.

The top three sought-after landscaping trends are:

“Smart” Landscape

Technology and landscape are terms that evoke more of a feeling of conflict than compliment, but this couldn’t be farther from true. For example, residential irrigation systems can be programmed to operate based on data provided by weather stations to optimize efficiency. Rainfall, humidity, wind speed, and temperature are all accounted for to give just the necessary amount of water. Landscape lighting has the capability to adjust intensity, color, and location at a moment’s preference. Outdoor WIFI audio systems strategically placed within the landscape offer a feeling of absolute emersion in sound. Oh, and by the way, these can all be easily controlled right from the palm of your hand because “there’s an app for that.”

Health and Wellness

Outdoor living and the implementation of outdoor spaces can create areas that encourage relaxation and reduce overall stress. Healing gardens similar to those in health care facilities can be recreated on a residential scale and lead you “well” into absolute Zen. Combining plant materials that appeal to the five senses and soothing audio can evoke restorative experiences. Add to that increased social gatherings within these environments, connecting another dimension to your mental wellness journey.

Extension of the Home

Outdoor living should be a seamless blend of architecture and landscaping, reflecting style and comfort from the interior to the home’s exterior. Integrating elements such as outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and roof structures create additional space for relaxation and entertainment. Maximizing the usage time with these features is essential, especially with our mid-Atlantic region’s drastic seasonal climate changes. With interest in outdoor spaces continuing to rise, some homes for sale are listing both the interior square footage and the size of the exterior areas.

If you want to learn more about the latest landscaping trends and how we can design a beautiful outdoor respite to complement your home, call us at (856) 753.1944.

01 Apr 2022
By Mike Pasquarello Landscaping , , , ,

Striving for Straight F’s: How Can You Achieve the Ultimate in Outdoor Entertainment?

Ever since I can remember, I thought that if I studied hard, paid attention, and tried my best, A’s would come my way. This couldn’t have proven to be more accurate. However, when designing and implementing an outdoor entertainment area, F’s are what we strive for. Food, Fire, and Fluidity are the main elements that deliver the ultimate “staycation” of homeowners’ dreams when brought together.

Food  

Enough said. Nothing brings people together better than an array of delicious food. The home kitchen always seems to be the main gathering area during holidays, birthdays, or parties. Why? Because people love to eat. And there’s no reason why a kitchen with all the same amenities (and more) can’t be created outdoors.

Grills, warmers, side burners, refrigerators, sinks, ice makers, pizza ovens, and even beer meisters can add functionality and fun to your patio space. Most of these kitchen structures come equipped with natural gas, electricity, and plumbing. Granite countertops, stainless steel cabinets, and drawers are also possibilities that provide beauty and convenience to your gourmet cooking experience.

Good food attracts friends and family alike. So put away those frozen hotdogs and hamburgers and prepare a restaurant-worthy spread in your new outdoor kitchen!

Fire  

Since the beginning of time, we have always been captivated and mesmerized by fire. A fireplace is typically the main focal point of a home’s family/living area and has much the same power as the kitchen to bring people together. Roasting marshmallows or huddling and talking around a fireplace hearth can easily be done right out your back door. That’s why incorporating an outdoor fireplace, fire pit, or fire element has become increasingly popular over the past ten years.

Wood, natural gas, or propane can all be used to fuel your inferno. Depending on your preference, these structures are available in kits for ease of installation or can be custom designed to fit specific needs. Natural stone, clay brick, or manufactured block and veneer are all used in construction. Whether it be warmth, utility, or just plain beauty, adding fire to your backyard will entice everyone to your outdoor space.

Fluidity  

The sound of flowing water has a calming effect which can be a tranquil addition to any area. Waterfalls, fountains, and ponds each have unique attributes in providing a soothing atmosphere. Waterfalls can be even be incorporated into swimming pools and ponds to drown out nearby vehicular traffic or an overly noisy neighbor.

Ponds can bring an entire mini living ecosystem to your property by including aquatic life and plants. Many homeowners looking for low-maintenance structures have pondless water features. These range from boulder/stone waterfalls to decorative bubbling urns spilling into underground collection basins with recirculation pumps.

Water has even made its way into built-in patio misters to keep your guests cool on those hot summer days. The introduction of moving water can transform an average outdoor space into a dynamic, relaxing environment.

A well-thought-out plan, qualified contractor, and flexible budget (of course) can blend all three of these elements. Now is the perfect time to plan your spring/summer outdoor projects and get ahead of the rush. Forget the travel agent. Create a private resort oasis and create new memories right in your own backyard instead by incorporating the 3 F’s. Give us a call to learn more at 856-753-1944.

01 Dec 2021
What are the Best Ways to Bring Warmth to Your Outdoor Entertainment Space?
By Mike Pasquarello Firepits , ,

What are the Best Ways to Bring Warmth to Your Outdoor Entertainment Space?

As we’re preparing for the holidays and the cold weather to set in, it’s a great time to start thinking about your outdoor space again. Though the summer barbecues, family parties, and relaxing sunsets are now all just a fond memory, your outdoor entertainment area doesn’t have to be left vacant during the winter months. And we have some great ideas to help you with this. You may even want to add one to your holiday wish list.

As you turn up the thermostat inside with the plummeting temps, warmth can also be brought outside to make your patio enjoyable and functional with the use of FIRE.  It’s no secret that fire has been warming souls and bringing people together since the beginning of time. However, today’s applications and uses make this ancient element easy to add to any outdoor environment.

Fireplaces

By far, the stateliest way to incorporate a warm glow is a fireplace. They are typically the main focal point of a home’s family/living area and bring that similar aesthetic value to an outdoor patio space.  These structures are available in kits for ease of installation or custom-designed to fit specific needs.  Natural stone, clay brick, or manufactured block and veneer are all available options for constructing these features.  Incorporating solid stone mantels and hearths (as of their interior counterparts) even adds to their beauty and functionality. Imagine pulling the patio chairs up close and enjoying a hot cup of coffee or your favorite cigar while enjoying your outdoor fireplace.

Firepit

The firepit is where it all began and has evolved from the metal bowls on legs (which usually rusted out after a few years) to the permanent works of art built directly into the patio itself.  They can be constructed from all the same materials/kits as mentioned above with the fireplaces.  Circles, squares, rectangles, and hexagons are amongst the geometric shapes these firepits can take.  A few advantages of a firepit vs. fireplace are a 360-degree viewing and warming angle, not to mention taking up far less space.  And the price tag is only about 20% of a fireplace!  Though they may not possess the grandeur of a fireplace, there is nothing better than gathering around a firepit with your children and grandchildren, roasting marshmallows, and telling stories.

Infrared Heaters

Now more than ever, businesses (restaurants, bars, event venues) are using infrared heaters outdoors to increase their space due to COVID challenges. There are now so many options available on a residential scale for homeowners.  Compact and engineered to fit into virtually any area, they provide warmth where it is needed most. This is key in today’s efforts to conserve energy and reduce your carbon footprint. Although some of these heaters are typically mounted above, the heat originates below the floor zone and then rises.  Much the same way the infrared rays emitted by the sun work as they are reflected off of Earth’s surface.  It only seems right to heat your patio area the same way the sun has been doing it for the past 4.6 billion years.

Whether you choose wood-burning, natural gas, or propane to fuel your inferno, careful planning is a must before implementing any of these, as many construction codes and permits apply to their location and use. A licensed contractor with experience in their design and installation is essential.

If you’re interested in adding heat to your outdoor entertaining space, give us a call today at (856) 753.1944, or check out the various fireplace and firepit designs we’ve created and installed for our customers here.