With elaborate landscaping and outdoor living projects, there are many design decisions that homeowners must tackle. Do we need a covered seating area for relief from the sun? Should we put the outdoor kitchen closer to the pool or the backdoor sliders? Decisions, decisions, exciting decisions!
One of the largest outdoor purchases for Dutchess County, NY homeowners is an inground swimming pool. While the shape and design of the actual pool is certainly important, it's actually the surrounding areas that get homeowners overwhelmed.
It's actually harder than it first may seem to design a swimming pool area that is perfect for your needs. This is because It is very easy to get overwhelmed with all the amazing options and material choices available. Don't lose sight of what really matters in the spaces you are creating for you and your family. It is important to put the time in up front to really and truly understand how the outdoor living space will be enjoyed. Related: Everything You Need to Know About Heated Swimming Pools
Digging down deep with this exercise will result in a better overall project for you to enjoy for years to come. Will the space be used by adults, kids, or both? Do you think you will be spending a lot of evenings and nights by the pool? Do you entertain often and if so, how many people do you usually host? These are the type of questions that are important. For instance, let's look at the daytime or nighttime consideration. If you know that you will be entertaining into the wee hours of the morning than it will be super important to include low voltage landscape lighting around your swimming pool. On the other hand, let's say you work evenings and nights so you are pretty sure you won't be sitting poolside here in the Hudson Valley past 5pm. Now, you can save money by forgoing the landscape lighting and free up room in your budget for something more important like a covered sitting area. After all, you will need a break from the summer sun!
A major benefit of working with a professional landscape designer is that they are trained to solve problems with design solutions. He or she will be well-versed in matching your family's needs with an outdoor space that is a perfect fit. Be prepared for your first meeting with the designer by taking some time and going over the items we covered here. Having a clear vision of how you will use the space will get the project off on the right foot.
