Written by Jason Plett Published on September 8th, 2017
There are many ways to express your own personal style when designing a new Barkman patio. You get to choose where it will go, how it will look, and what purpose it will serve. Whatever you decide, a new patio should reflect your character. Here are a few tips to help get your ideas flowing.
Style Tip: Create a Space with Purpose
Patios are an outdoor extension of your house or cottage. Like any good room, it should serve a function. It’s essential to give your patio a purpose so that you have an idea to build around. Envisioning your space as an outdoor dining room versus an outdoor living room will drastically change how you approach your design.
Style Tip: Work With Your Surroundings
Sometimes it’s better to work with the surrounding landscape and not against it. Yards are wild after all, so why not embrace it. Here’s a perfect example of a patio that works seamlessly with its environment. Bridgewood slab is used for the patio and walkway and is nicely accented by the large boulders, trees and plants surrounding it. It’s perfect for a night around the bonfire with family.
Style Tip: Create Contrast
Mixing colour and shapes can add a lot of visual interest to a backyard that doesn’t have many existing elements. In this example, light slabs are contrasted against dark landscaping rock. The look is further accentuated by the wide spacing between each slab. The addition of deep green plants, boulders, and wood beam benches add comfort and warmth to a space that might otherwise feel too clinical. Lexington and Brookside Slab are ideal for this type of application, but Broadway 65mm or 100mm can work as well.
Style Tip: Create Multi-Level Spaces
Adding visual variety to your patio helps a space feel dynamic. This patio uses grade changes and flowing curves to draw the eye down to the primary seating area at the bottom of the hill. The curving, irregular shape of Mesa Flagstone pavers surrounding the fire pit complement the rough, quarried look of the Roman blocks used for the walkway. These qualities make the patio visually engaging and also help separate the yard into usable spaces.