From rustic to ultra-modern, current hardscape trends cover a wide range of styles and aesthetics. Thanks to the wide variety of textures and colors available from manufactured stone suppliers like Unilock and Techo-Bloc, the possibilities in outdoor design today are nearly endless!
Smaller gathering spaces within a large outdoor entertainment area provide intimate conversation zones for smaller get-togethers and expandability for large gatherings.
Multi-Functional, Scalable, Outdoor Spaces
This beautifully designed backyard entertainment space is created with various Unilock products, all working together to create a visually striking, yet functional space for the whole family to enjoy.
The careful design, selection, and placement of specific hardscape elements allow a space to comfortably host a variety of outdoor activities – including a shaded pergola over a dining area; an outdoor kitchen with bar seating that allows the homeowner/grill-master to be part of the conversation; and two different gathering spaces for conversation, including a sunken patio with a custom-built natural-gas-fueled fire feature for cozy evenings and another seating area conveniently placed closer to the home.
In addition to the horizontal Unilock manufactured stone patio areas, there are multiple vertical elements that add depth and dimension to the space – including a shade-providing wood pergola over the outdoor dining space, a low-profile seat-wall with under-ledge lighting, and the custom bar/seating area that wraps around the outdoor kitchen.
This patio features Unilock Bristol Valley pavers, Artline pavers, Ledgestone coping, Lineo Dimensional Stones, and Town Hall permeable pavers.
Bold contrasting borders further emphasize the sleek, modern aesthetic of this patio.
Sleek and Contemporary
This modern and clutter-free backyard space’s sleek and clean look is provided via a custom, minimalist design featuring Unilock manufactured stone products. Recent trends toward minimalism in homes have also led to a rise in the popularity of clean, streamlined outdoor spaces, such as this project. Although the space looks clean and simple, on closer inspection there is also a fair amount of dramatic flair.
The outdoor entertainment space initially appears to be just square and flat. However, it is actually elevated nearly a foot above the yard, giving the patio a stage-like presence. This wide open – yet quite dramatic patio – both contrasts and complements the large green space that surrounds it. Built-in garden beds with low shrubs form natural borders and privacy while also serving as a transition to the nature that surrounds.
Thanks to Unilock’s wide selection of manufactured stone products, outdoor hardscape areas can be perfectly coordinated to match or contrast with a home’s style and color palette. This particular patio space features Unilock Lineo Dimensional Stones and Beacon Hill Smooth pavers.
The Blu Grande Pavers from Techo-Bloc look especially striking when bordered with contrasting pavers or river rock.
New Paver Choices – Wide Slabs
When it comes to choosing pavers, more and more homeowners are opting for luxuriously wide slabs in light hues. These are excellent for creating sleek, clutter-free spaces that are modern and minimal. This style has consistently been on the rise within interior design circles, so it’s no surprise it is spreading to outdoor spaces as well.
Techo-Bloc’s Blu Grande Smooth pavers are one the best wide slab manufactured stone options on the market. Their pristine appearance is perfect for creating clean, linear designs.
Rustic Comfort
On the flip side of the contemporary hardscape design movement, many homeowners are drawn to a more rustic, natural look. For those looking to create an outdoor space reminiscent of the landscape of a mountain cabin or lakeshore cottage, either look can be achieved by opting for products that have deeper surface texture and bolder colors.
The patio’s natural look is provided through the use of a wide variety of hardscape materials, a fire pit, and rustic outdoor furnishings.
By avoiding ultra-clean lines and utilizing a variety of materials in multiple different colors, an outdoor space tends to read as more natural, and even more comfortable. Homeowners can further enhance the rustic vibe of an outdoor space with oversized outdoor furniture and extra-comfy and extra-thick cushions and pillows – perfect to sink into while conversing around an evening fire.
No matter the style or look you’re trying to achieve with your outdoor living space, Heinen’s hardscape professionals are here to help transform your backyard into the entertainment space that best achieves your version of the great outdoors! And since the Heinen team only works with the best-of-the-best materials manufacturers, you’ll not only have plenty of options to personalize your space, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing the materials used in your project will look and perform great for years and years to come!
