8 Tips for Designing Patios and Decks

A deck or patio is what makes a house a home. It frees up inside space that may be cramped with the addition of children or that home office and gives a delightful place to play, socialize, relax, throw parties and generally have great fun.

In years gone by, decks were just a basic small rectangle with a chair or two and a pot plant. These days they have been upgraded from Cinderella to the beautiful princess. Decks these days provide an extra room to the home where any number of activities can take place. They are rainproof and may contain cooking facilities, a water feature, outdoor heating, lighting along with comfortable seating and dining facilities.

When you design your deck or patio, do so with your lifestyle in mind. A patio or deck addition will increase the value of your home to a greater extent than nearly any other improvement. The return on your investment can be up to 90%, even if your deck is only mid-sized.

The trend in decks these days is to make the floor size almost as large as the home itself. They can have multi levels, walls and pergolas that offer a modicum of privacy and built-ins that offer extra storage and seating combined. Building a deck is certainly a great way to cut out on that mowing chore, too. The more space you use up in a deck or patio the less you have for growing a lawn.

With the addition of an outdoor fireplace, the deck in a cold climate will get even more use. Add some decent lighting and you’ll find that time spent on the deck outdoors is even longer.

The deck is an ideal place for the children to play and let off steam. Make sure there are safety walls to stop them riding those trikes over the edges, or falling over themselves if they are toddlers. You’ll need to get council permission for any additions that have foundations, and there will be safety specifications to adhere to. It’s worth it for the benefit you’ll get in that extra space, value for your home and sheer pleasure of use.

Before you design your patio or deck, decide just where it will go. It can be an addition to the house or a freestanding structure. It may have foundations and a timber floor or the flooring can be pavers and sand. Can it be on the south side, where it will be warmer? You may decide on solid walls, or clear, roll-down blinds that let in the view. Let your imagination soar to create a stunning masterpiece - or stick to the predictable and useful rectangle. Ultimately the decision of shape may depend on your home and situation.

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 Select Plants with Double DutyIncorporating

Opt for plants that deliver on both aesthetic and functional fronts, such as lavender or nasturtiums. The lavender adds purple hues and a delightful fragrance, while nasturtiums are not only colorful but also offer edible blossoms. These types of flora epitomize the essence of an edible, functional garden.

Embrace the Art of Design

Incorporating the art of design into your edible landscape allows for a visually rich and practical garden. Experimenting with diverse elements, such as contrasting the fine leaves of dill against the broad foliage of kale, creates an eye-catching tableau that is also ripe for harvesting. With this artistic approach, your edible landscape becomes not just a source of food but a feast for the eyes as well.

Show Off Your Work

Once you’ve crafted your edible landscape, why not show it off? Especially if others are interested in learning more about what you do, hosting a get-together could be a great idea to share information and foster a deeper sense of community. You can even take things up a notch by sending out invitations; use this free invitation maker to stand out and make everyone feel welcome!Thoughtful Clusterings

Adopt a methodical approach to your edible landscape by clustering plants based on their requirements for water and sunlight. Basil and tomatoes are a good pair to grow together, as both thrive in sunnier spots. Through such thoughtful clusterings, each plant enjoys its optimal environment, contributing to a garden that is both lush and fruitful.

Share and Profit from Your Experience

Launching a YouTube channel to share your edible landscaping journey can be both educational for others and profitable for you. Consider making your venture more official by registering an LLC in your respective state. The benefits of establishing an LLC for your venture are manifold. Limited liability shields your personal assets, tax advantages can be substantial, there's generally less paperwork involved compared to other structures, and the operational flexibility allows you to adapt as your business grows. This confluence of benefits makes an LLC an ideal option for turning your passion into a thriving enterprise.

A Space for Mindful Livingfunctional furniture like a bench or hammock takes your edible landscape from merely practical to invitingly livable. These additions offer a place for you to unwind, turning your garden into a tranquil oasis for mindful living. Beyond enhancing your immediate experience, this strategy also adds tangible value to your property. Ultimately, it transforms your edible landscape into both a sanctuary for personal rejuvenation and a wise financial investment.

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