Transform your outdoor space

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Homeowners planning a landscape project should carefully consider their lifestyle

This is the second of a two-part series on creating curb appeal.

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From contemporary walkways to sunken seating areas, revitalizing your home’s outdoors spaces is a game changer when it comes to ramping up your home’s curb appeal and maximizing the enjoyment of your home.

“The front property and the house should merge naturally so when you look at the house, you don’t say, ‘What beautiful landscaping.’ You say, ‘What a beautiful home’ because the landscaping complements it and guides you to the front entrance,” says Greg Hogan of Hogan Landscaping Inc. in Stouffville.

“The walkway should move you from one point to the next. Whether it’s through steps or a jogging or straight walkway, your eyes should always wander to the door,” he says. Repeat some of the material used in the home in the landscaping, such as natural stone, if possible.

‘Mega’ slabs or pavers are trending. “In the old days, the material used was three inches by four inches, now we’re using sizes like 16 by 16 and 16 by 22 inches. One option is a random style where you mix three different sizes together. Recently I’ve noticed people are preferring a linear look – maybe one or two sizes of stone run in a straight line as opposed to staggered.”

Hogan often encourages homeowners to frame the house with tall and narrow trees, though there’s not often space to accommodate that for properties located in the city.

Moving to the backyard, Adrian Bartels of Cedar Springs Landscaping in Oakville lists some of the hottest trends:

• Sunken seating areas and fire pits: “These elements create intimate and engaging outdoor spaces, perfect for socializing and extending the usability of the landscape into the cooler evenings,” he says.
• Diverse fire features: “We are seeing increased interest in a variety of fire elements, including fire bowls, torches and dedicated fire pits and fireplaces, adding both ambiance and warmth to outdoor living areas.”
• Varied water features: “From tranquil ponds and elegant fountains to more dynamic waterfalls and streams, water features remain a popular way to introduce soothing sounds and visual interest into the landscape,” Bartels says.
• Louvered pergolas. “These adaptable structures offer a flexible solution for managing sunlight and providing shelter, enhancing the comfort and usability of outdoor seating and dining areas.”
• Covered seating areas: The demand for comfortable, covered spaces that provide protection from the elements is steadily growing, effectively expanding the usable living space of a home.
• Privacy screens. ”With increasing density in urban and suburban areas, homeowners are seeking sophisticated privacy solutions that also contribute to the aesthetic of their landscape.”
• Modern design aesthetics: “We are seeing a strong trend towards clean lines, geometric forms in pools and patios, and the incorporation of flat roof structures, reflecting a contemporary design sensibility,” says Bartels.
• Outdoor kitchens with enhanced amenities: “Outdoor cooking spaces are becoming increasingly elaborate, often featuring high-end appliances such as pizza ovens, smokers and griddles, allowing for a full culinary experience outdoors.”
• High level of refinement: “There is a clear expectation for outdoor finishes, kitchens, and living spaces to align with interior design standards, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living and emphasizing a seamless transition.”

Homeowners planning a landscape project should carefully consider their lifestyle, how they intend to use the space, their budget and the existing architecture of their home to ensure a cohesive and functional design, Bartels advises. “Additionally, thinking about long-term maintenance and the sustainability of their choices is becoming increasingly important.”

When it comes to pools, Hogan agrees clean lines and geometric forms such as rectangles are on trend, along with water features such as sheer descent waterfalls that produce a clear arc of water that projects away from the pool wall. “Unless it’s a huge backyard, the pool is a big part of the space,” he says.

Freestanding water features are also on trend, though you need to pay attention to scale, Hogan advises. Zones remain popular, with a dedicated dining space and a dedicated lounging space with room for deep-seated cushion chairs and possibly a fire table. “Think about the size of furniture you want those spaces to accommodate when designing the backyard,” he says.

“Covered areas, with a pergola or a solid roof structure creates an outdoor room. Outdoor kitchens are also popular but can be expensive as opposed to just a barbecue. An outdoor kitchen is a good opportunity to use a stone that complements the house,” Hogan says.

Finally, composite decking is increasingly popular. Not only is it budget friendly compared to wood, it’s low maintenance and can look very similar to wood.