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Landscape Design and Construction Hardscape Considerations for Outdoor Rooms A Customization Work with your client to determine what paver styles and colors will work best in their new space. Whether your client's style is classic, natural or transitional, here are a few tips to help them find the perfect pavers for their outdoor room: • For structures with straight lines and little ornamentation, pavers with interesting shapes installed in a simple geometric pattern work nicely. • For ornate Victorian-style houses, repeated curves of arched windows and doors can be echoed through the design of curved edges. • For rectangular, colonial styles, repeat the shape by using brick-shaped pavers. • The patterns you choose will help create the unique look you're after. Narrow spaces such as paths and alleys can be designed to appear wider simply by laying the pavers on a diagonal or in rows running across the area. • Wide spaces can seem narrower by running rectangular pavers the length of the area. Large expanses require greater visual interest, so consider the possibilities available. • Select hues that work in harmony with the home environment: pavers a few shades lighter than the color of the house won't compete for attention; gray-toned pavers used with brick houses eliminate the urge to match everything; and brick-colored pavers add warmth to wood or stone houses. • Choose pavers with similar tones for a coordinated effect. Light colors reflect the light and open up an area, whereas darker tones absorb light and make areas appear smaller. 8 Landscape and Irrigation April 2013 • A multicolor blend is a paver with more than one color. It can be a blend of two or more colors. Multicolored pavers blend better with their surroundings. Most minor stains are thoroughly camouflaged in the multitude of hues and tones. Layout and design Every project is different, and that's why it's important for homeowners to have a trusted professional help them decide on the best design and layout for their outdoor space. However, clients can often have a difficult timing envisioning how a finished project will look. Belgard Hardscapes is laying down the groundwork for landscape contractors to eliminate this obstacle with its 3-D Belgard Design Studio, available at belgarddesignstudio.com. "The Belgard Design Studio helps contractors save time and sell more by allowing their clients to get a real vision of how their outdoor room will look," said Ken O'Neill, vice president of marketing for Belgard Hardscapes. "Two-dimensional drawings really only show specs, they are flat and lifeless. Three-dimensional renderings and animation allow the homeowner to visually walk through the space and account for traffic flow, outdoor furnishings, landscaping, lighting, colors and more." Amenities Once the general layout is in place, work with your client to decide what amenities they want for their outdoor room to truly make it a space that fits their lifestyle. The appeal of outdoor rooms is that all of the modern conveniences of the indoors can now be taken outdoors for a space that is perfect for entertaining. Among these modern conveniences are outdoor kitchens, televisions, wet bars, fire features, comfortable furniture, and more. Many of these features can be integrated by the contractor at the time the paver order is placed. Modular pieces from the Belgard Elements Collection, prebuilt modular hardscape elements that can be installed quickly or in phases, are easily accessible. With the Elements Collection, homeowners have the option of adding such amenities such as fireplaces, fire pits, fire tables, grill stations, bars, Chicago Brick Oven stations and more. The appeal of outdoor rooms is that all of the modern conveniences of the indoors can now be taken outdoors for a space that is perfect for entertaining. www.landscapeirrigation.com All photos provided by Belgard Hardscapes n outdoor oasis. A relaxing retreat. Party central. A man cave. Whatever you may call it, outdoor rooms continue to be a key element in landscape designs for homeowners looking to make their outdoor space an extension of their home. Many contractors are finding that their clients want to design patios that fit their lifestyles and that they can enjoy for years to come. Rather than spending money on vacations or other luxury goods, home renovations are investment projects that not only increase home value, but also create spaces that homeowners can enjoy longer than any vacation. A natural addition to landscaping, patios and other hardscape installations create additional living space for a home. When it comes to helping your clients create the outdoor room of their dreams, consider customization, layout and design, amenities, and added value you can offer homeowners through financing options.