As warmer weather approaches, both your front spaces and backyard will become an extension of your living space. Whether it’s for a family barbecue, large cocktail party, or just a quiet evening out by the pool with a loved one, the environment in which you relax needs to look the part. And from pristinely mowed lawns to beautifully landscaped backyards, we all have a unique picture of what this space should look like. Incorporating natural stone is one of the best ways to ensure that your outdoor spaces look beautiful and unique – and may even add usable space. Here are some ways to add natural stone to your outdoor spaces.
Natural stone patio
This is the most common way to integrate natural stone in your outdoor spaces. Use different sizes and colors and make sure that the overall design matches your other outdoor areas. Some of the most popular choices include: limestone, bluestone, slate, and sometimes even, quartzite.
Outdoor steps
To create cohesion among the various separate spaces that aren’t all leveled, outdoor steps are perfect. Most natural stone options can help blend the steps into the surroundings – to make the steps feel as though they always existed there. If you want them to stand out, there are few options with colors, shapes and sizes. If you have a hillside property, read this related article.
Water feature
Adding a water feature to your backyard gives it a serene and natural feel. Not only does running water provide much needed soothing water sounds, but it goes a long way to encouraging life (think butterflies and birds). Whether it's a small pond or a waterfall, natural stone is the perfect hardscaping solution since it easily blends in.
Garden statues
For beauty but not so much function (unless its part of a water feature), garden ornaments (or statues) add interest and aesthetic value to your outdoor spaces (kind of like a painting in your living room). Use one as the spotlight or several that are different shapes and sizes for an eclectic feel. Natural stone garden ornaments are generally resistant to the elements, durable, and easy to maintain.
Fire pit or fireplace
For the days or evenings that aren't very warm, a fire pit made out of natural stone is a gorgeous and safe way to warm up those chilly nights as you gaze up at the stars. Using natural stones could help provide a rustic style. Most importantly, natural stone is amongst the safest materials for a fire pit. Get more inspiration on an outdoor place in this related article: Warm up your landscape design with an outdoor fireplace.
