The best outdoor living spaces are designed to anticipate the needs of the homeowner. The space is a more casual extension of the vibe inside the home, but the space also needs to seamlessly expand or contract based on the size of the outdoor gathering. A successful outdoor living area is more than placing the right furniture on the patio. It requires careful planning, intentional layout, and feature placement that anticipates the various future uses of the space.
Attention to detail allows the professional hardscape designers at Heinen to create spaces that are not only visually appealing but also practical, comfortable, and adaptable for a variety of uses in a variety of seasons.
Techo Bloc Travertina wall, slab, and cap used to create a cohesive fire feature and seat wall gathering area.
Heinen’s expertise in hardscape design spans three decades. The team has helped hundreds of homeowners transform tired backyards into stunning outdoor living spaces. From expert design and installation, to top-quality material selection, Heinen’s hardscape specialists create outdoor living spaces and gathering areas that families can use year-round – while increasing the home’s long-term value.
Purpose and Function
Heinen’s first step in any hardscape project is meeting with the homeowners to gain a thorough understanding of what purposes the space will serve. Outdoor living spaces are more successful when the homeowner’s lifestyle and priorities are incorporated into a design – on the path to creating an environment that is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional.
Outdoor spaces can serve multiple functions:
- Relaxation: Enjoying outdoor spaces daily means prioritizing comfort and ease of use.
- Entertainment: Areas intended for socializing require careful planning so they can accommodate a varied number of guests.
- Multi-Functional Spaces: Versatility is essential for nearly all homeowners, as most expect to both peacefully relax and also socially entertain guests in their outdoor living spaces.
Seating Design
Seating arrangement has a direct impact on a space’s functionality and flow. Seat walls in particular are a versatile addition to outdoor patio spaces, serving three main functions:
Seat walls bring both enclosed intimacy and added flexible seating to outdoor living spaces – while also aiding with rainwater management.
1. Seat walls may also serve as invisible retaining walls, seamlessly assisting in mitigating elevation changes and preventing future erosion problems. This dual-purpose solution ensures both human comfort and landscape drainage utility.
2. Framing seating areas with short walls helps create a polished, more intimate conversation area.
3. Adding a cap to the wall instantly transforms it into extra overflow seating. Below the edge of the cap, lighting can be installed to add subtle ambiance to the space and make the space safer for foot traffic after dark.
Seat walls reduce clutter in an outdoor space, help define zones, and create natural boundaries. Custom-built seat walls made of stone, brick, or even concrete integrate seamlessly with other hardscape elements, such as patios and walkways. They allow spaces to easily accommodate both small and large groups without sacrificing comfort or accessibility. Carefully planning the placement, scale, and configuration of seat walls with other hardscape elements allows designers to establish aesthetic harmony throughout the space.
Fire Feature Selection
Fire features provide warmth, light, and a welcoming focal point to gather around.
Adding a custom fire feature turns any outdoor space into a natural gathering spot for friends and family after the sun sets and temperatures drop. They provide ambience and give the space a sense of purpose, instantly transforming a patio into a relaxing and intimate spot for an evening retreat.
Design options for custom fire features are almost endless and can be incorporated to fit most any outdoor space and configured to suit a wide variety of design aesthetics. Fire features can be created in a variety of shapes and may be placed above a patio surface or even recessed into the ground. The type of fire feature is often determined by how the space will ultimately be used.
A wood-burning fire pit creates a rustic, campfire feel, ideal for the family to roast hot dogs and marshmallows. Gas fire features offer ease of use, with the ability to flip a switch and have a roaring fire in seconds. As a low-smoke and clean-burning natural gas option, they make them an excellent choice for those desiring a spontaneous night by the fire.
Heinen’s Hardscape Specialists
Before you start your next outdoor project, talk to the hardscape pros at Heinen!
When you’re serious about your own backyard living area, look no further than Kansas City’s premier outdoor living specialists at Heinen to craft the backyard escape you’ve always envisioned! Whether considering a cozy patio to spend evenings with the family or a larger entertainment-ready space for gatherings of all sizes, the Heinen team brings both thoughtful design and expert installation to ensure your new outdoor living space is both functional and inviting!
