How about a ceiling for your outdoor space?

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What room doesn't have a ceiling?! Outdoor rooms are officially arriving to Dutchess and Orange County here in the Hudson Valley. Some folks, however, still tend to look at the outdoor spaces of their homes differently than the interior ones. The fact is, it just doesn't matter where the "room" is—it can be a bedroom, living room, or an outdoor room. The key components that make these spaces feel warm, cozy, and inviting are the same. 

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But, really? A ceiling? Yes! Few things in the design of your landscape can offer more of a dramatic impact then overhead structures—second only to, perhaps, walls. Just like retaining walls come in many shapes, sizes, and materials ( ie. landscaping walls, seat walls, etc)  so do outdoor "ceilings."

Pergolas are a very hot item in the Hudson Valley region of NY, especially in the landscape designs of Orange County and Dutchess County homes. Available in pressure treated wood, composites, and even sleek-lined metal, pergolas are awesome for creating filtered sunlight over an outdoor dining area. 

More permanent overhead structures like the one shown above offer more shelter from the elements, but also come with increased cost. Fully roofed cabanas and pavilions are gaining popularity, and while they were traditionally found poolside, these options are popping up in different locations throughout landscape design in the Hudson Valley as well. Pavilions can of course be built custom, but are also available today in modular kits. These kits can greatly reduce installation time and therefore lower costs to the homeowner. 

Whichever route you decide to choose, Harmony Hill Landscaping has you covered (get it?). Including some type of ceiling or shade structure in your Hudson Valley landscape design will bring your outdoor living space to the next level for sure. Here's to enjoying your home's outdoor rooms free from the sun!  

Outdoor Living and Landscaping in Beacon, NY

Photo by JasonParis

The landscape design/build team at Harmony Hill Landscaping travels to quite a few backyards across the Hudson Valley each season. This year, we have grown quite found of the homeowners in the Beacon, NY area. Rich with culture, style, vibrance, and renewal, Beacon, NY is an amazing community. 

Many of our employees spend personal time in Beacon—Harmony Hill does call Dutchess County our home after all—so we are thrilled to be building outdoor living spaces and landscapes there as well. This year, with many new folks moving to the area, we have had the pleasure of meeting new clients for which we are honored to extend their homes to the great Hudson Valley outdoors. 

So if you are new to the Beacon area, or if you are looking to add a new outdoor living space to your home, please give us a ring. We would love the opportunity to show you some of the work we’ve designed and installed including features like outdoor kitchens, patios, walkways, pergolas, outdoor rooms, landscape lighting, and more. Look for the Harmony Hill Landscaping team at a nearby Beacon home soon!

Outdoor living spaces get a bit of the 'Destination Vacation' touch

Traditional Landscape by Alpharetta Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers Outside Landscape Group

Picture this…. You have a beautiful back paver patio with all the luxuries of home. Your children play on the lawn while you happily grill up some dinner on your outdoor kitchen. But just off in the distance a bit, there’s a meandering path lined with wildflowers and meadow plantings that’s every so slightly visible from the back door sliders. While walking along the naturalistic walkway, you see butterflies hover alongside happily buzzing bumblebees and the occasional hummingbird passes by. As you become more relaxed, the path opens up into a small, secluded little seating area with a wrought iron couch, colorful pillows, and a mosaic outdoor coffee table. How’s that sound for a quiet spot to read on a lazy Sunday afternoon?

Mediterranean Landscape by Culver City Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers Mayita Dinos Garden Design

There’s a trend in outdoor living and landscaping here in the Hudson Valley and it involves creating just such relaxing spaces. Secret gardens, or destination gardens, are growing in popularity as people continue to make their homes more resort-like and decrease the need for traveling in search of relaxation. 

Do you have a spot on your property where a little piece of paradise could be build? Have the folks at Harmony Hill Landscaping in Fishkill, NY show you their vision for the complete outdoor living space of your dreams. 

Creating warmth and comfort in your outdoor living spaces

One of the major advantages that indoor spaces have over their outdoor counterparts is the intimacy and warmth created by walls and ceilings. Walls form a backdrop that is sometimes hard to due without when designing outdoor rooms and landscapes here in Orange County, NY. Wide open backyards are wonderful for designing landscapes for the whole family to enjoy, but keep in mind that creating spaces with cozy vibes is important for balance. 

Image by www.outdeco.com

Enter garden screens.

Not used much at all in the Hudson Valley area of NY, these screens—or ‘outdoor walls’—are truly awesome for defining spaces. Integrated with plantings, patios and pathways made of pavers and bluestone, and soft landscape lighting, these garden screens can make all the difference in bringing the wow factor to your landscape design. They are available in ready-made panels with many different material and pattern options to choose from. Custom options are also available for more specific needs and that one-of-a-kind uniqueness that high-end landscapes demand.

Outdoor rooms are growing quickly in popularity in areas across the Hudson Valley like Beacon, Hopewell Junction, and Lagrangeville, NY. The talented landscape design and construction team at Harmony Hill Landscaping in Fishkill, NY specializes in just such creations. Give us a call today to transform your outdoor space into a backyard retreat with all the comforts of indoor living.

Amazing outdoor spaces . . . It's all in the details.

Homeowners in Dutchess and Orange County here in the Hudson Valley area are really desiring  outdoor living spaces that are truly special. And while of course the landscape design, proper installation of elements like patio pavers, and the choice of materials all play a role, sometimes the things that make a space feel inviting and warm are the little things.

So when beginning to plan out your patios, outdoor kitchens, and overall landscape design,(or when looking to bring new life to already existing spaces) be sure to pay attention to the little things. The little meandering light strings, the fence that uses horizontal slats instead of vertical, the extra detail in the pergola post...these are the details that add up to be that magical touch within an outdoor space. 

Happy Outdoor Living!