Tips for Managing Odd or Irregularly Shaped Yards

Are you struggling to add a functional patio space in your odd or irregularly shaped yard? Don’t lament your unusual landscape design – put it to work for you! Learn how to add a focal point, create a feel of symmetry, and downplay unusual yard features with these tips for tackling strange dimensions.

Working with Your Yard

The first step to reinventing your space lies in choosing how to downplay your yard’s unique layout.

●       Downplay Unsightly Features
Draw attention away from features you dislike by adding a focal point. These will vary based on the size and shape of your yard and the location of the feature(s) you want to soften. Great options for drawing attention include a yard sculpture, water feature, fire pit, or unique pergola design that will outshine unsightly elements in your yard.

●       Add the Shape You Want
If you’re yearning for a regularly shaped yard, you can still prevail. Map out an oval or rectangle in the center of your yard, creating your covered patio here. Surround the space with greenery and landscaping that fills in far edges and masks or minimizes the asymmetrical nature of your yard. Lush, dense foliage is an excellent way to fill in odd corners and strange side yards.

●       Create a Natural Flow
Rather than fighting your yard’s shape, consider creating a natural flow with the help of a landscape designer. Ponds, waterfalls, curving streams, and elevation changes in seemingly random locations can transform your yard from a peculiarity to a beautiful work of nature.

Choosing a Patio Shape

Remember, your patio can be any shape you want, including square, rectangle, circular, or oval. Sketching your yard can help you identify where these shapes will naturally fit. Don’t be afraid to get creative, StruXure louvered roof systems can be designed to enhance outdoor spaces of any size or shape. Which is best for your yard?

●       Square
Square shapes are ideal for seating areas, like outdoor living rooms.

●       Rectangular
Rectangles rule for those looking to incorporate chaise lounges, a dining set, or dining/grill combo.

●       Round
Circles and ovals are versatile, but should typically include a statement piece such as a bar table, fire feature, Adirondack conversation set, or cute bistro combo.

●       Combination
Consider a “zoned” setup, featuring distinctly shaped, separate spaces for added functionality, such as a cooking zone on a rectangular patio, connected to a circular dining area.

No matter what layout you choose, sketch your design and furnishings onto graph paper. Ensure clear pathways and sufficient space for safe movement, paying special attention to tricky spots surrounding hot grills, pools/water features, and doors to avoid overcrowding and ensure a functional, enjoyable space.

Go from “weird” to “wow.” Add style and personality to your yard, opening up to new solutions for your space. Schedule a free design consultation with Denver Pergola Systems today.

This article was previously published at: http://www.denverpergolas.com/patio-ideas/tips-for-managing-odd-or-irregularly-shaped-yards

Spruce Up Your Porch for Spring

Are you looking for ways to revive a drab porch? Bring your porch back to life after a rainy, dull winter. Add a pop of lively color for an inviting spring space with these refreshing spring patio ideas.

Set the Stage

A bright, punchy, on-trend chevron print rug designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use is the perfect way to anchor your outdoor living space design.

Invite Guests

Lure your family outdoors with comfortable, versatile furnishings adorned with cushions of bright, cheerful fabric in the season’s most popular colors.

Add a Touch of Flair

Highlight your design with outdoor pillows, throws, and towels that match the shades in your vibrant outdoor area rug.

Get Creative

Design a DIY coffee table or end table, upcycling wooden furniture from your nearby thrift or antique store with a bright, semi-gloss exterior paint-plus-primer that accents your color scheme.

Go Green

Incorporate potted plants and spring flowers in beautifully painted, colorful clay pots. Paint your own containers, or choose your favorite designs from your area garden center.

Warm Things Up

Add the warm glow of a multifunctional gas fire pit table. Portable and pretty, liquid propane fire pit tables make an inviting addition, delivering a slight touch of warmth on chilly spring days. When summer weather moves in, they are easily covered for use as a side table or stored out of sight.

Top Everything Off

The flexible shelter of a StruXure louvered roof system is the perfect finishing touch for any outdoor living design. StruXure adjustable aluminum pergolas help you make the most of your outdoor space through April showers, July sunshine, and the autumn chill. Unlike a fixed roof, this unique pergola design features louvers with 170 degrees of rotational flexibility. Dial-in the perfect amount of sun, shade, or precipitation protection, enjoying your outdoor space year-round.

Create a porch that’s the envy of the neighborhood. Step up your outdoor living space design with a residential pergola from Denver Pergola Systems today.

This article was previously published at: http://www.denverpergolas.com/patio-ideas/spruce-up-your-porch-for-spring

Is Your Outdoor Space Ready for Warmer Spring Weather?

Now is the time to get your porch or patio ready for warmer weather. Tackling a few simple spring tasks will ensure your outdoor space is ready for you and your family to enjoy in the seasons to come.  With a quick spring cleaning, lively greenery, and a few furniture and accessory upgrades, you’ll be properly prepped to enjoy some much-awaited time outdoors.

How to Transition Your Outdoor Space from Winter to Spring

·         Swab the deck.

Before jumping into décor, clean your porch of fallen leaves and debris that have accumulated over the fall and winter season. Clean your gutters as well, flushing them out with a garden hose to avoid rain spillovers later. If your porch or home exterior needs it, now’s the ideal time for a pressure wash or exterior maintenance.

●       Update furnishings.

Upgrade your outdoor furniture to weather-resistant materials that can stand up to the sun, rain, and mildew. If it’s not within your budget to upgrade all of your outdoor furnishings to newer teak, aluminum, or synthetic options, replace a few key pieces instead, topping them with festive and colorful cushions. Begin with the ones you use the most, such as your outdoor sofa or dining set. This investment will greatly improve the looks and function of your patio design.

●       Bring your space to life with greenery.

Add dimension and texture to your space with planters full of lively, colorful plants and flowers. Be sure to choose planters that reflect your design style, from simple, understated clay pots to bright, bold, painted designs.

●       Upgrade outdoor accessories for added functionality.

Ditch the dingy umbrella for the sleek, versatile protection of StruXure louvered roof systems. This unique residential pergola design features an adjustable louvered roof with up to 170-degrees of rotation. Open up louvers fully to bask in the sun, adjust them to the ideal amount of shade protection, or close louvers fully for protection from the rain. StruXure aluminum pergolas allow you to enjoy your porch or patio year-round in any weather, with customizable accessories including:

o   Built-in lighting to extend your outdoor enjoyment well into the evening hours.

o   Incorporated ceiling fans and infrared patio heaters for all-season comfort.

o   Motorized  screens and curtains for privacy and pest protection.

o   Solar, electric, remote control or smart device driven pergola operating technology.

o   Custom pergola colors, faux-wood wrap, corbel ends, or decorative columns to enhance your design.

Spring is the perfect time for new beginnings. Transform your outdoor living space for the coming season with the help of Denver Pergola Systems. Schedule your complimentary consultation today.

This article was previously published at: http://www.denverpergolas.com/patio-ideas/is-your-outdoor-space-ready-for-warmer-spring-weather