Merging a Patio With Surrounding Nature in Sun Prairie and Fitchburg WI Areas

We all intuitively know that nature is good for us. Merging a patio with surrounding nature in Sun Prairie and Fitchburg, WI, areas makes your outdoor space feel like a true sanctuary. Creating an artful blend of hardscapes and softscapes can create outdoor living spaces that are even more functional and aesthetically pleasing -- where you can truly let go and relax.

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Patio Materials

Choose patio materials that harmonize with the surroundings. Whether you choose natural paving stones such as bluestone or concrete pavers, you could ask yourself whether the materials you choose could have been picked from the landscape. Historic homes near you all used whatever materials were found nearby. Patios, walkways, and walls all look like they belong. Choosing paving stones that look like they belong is the first step to an outdoor living space that blends in with nature.

Keep your patio design and material choices simple. You don’t need fancy touches like contrasting borders and inlays on your patio when the focus is on natural beauty.  

Should you choose natural stone or concrete pavers? The choice is really up to you. Natural stone, especially if you choose a type of stone found in the area, will give you unparalleled character, since each stone is completely unique. However, you are limited by color and availability, and depending on the complexity of your patio, the installation costs could be higher.

Concrete pavers have come a long way in recent years. Today, you can find concrete pavers that mimic the look of stone, but in expanded color choices that let you find a perfect match for your home. You will also find greater choices in shapes, colors, textures, and finishes. 

Seat Walls and Retaining Walls

Stone walls offer an opportunity to create more functional spaces and give your patio a cozy feeling. To visually merge a wall with its surroundings, think about natural forms. Nature doesn’t have many straight lines. Curves that mimic the natural undulations of the landscape feel more natural than runway-straight walls.

As with your patio materials, choose natural stone or manufactured stone that looks like it belongs. For example, a very light wall could stick out too much in a lush green landscape; a better option could be mid-tone greys that echo stones naturally found in the area.

You can soften the look of a seat wall or retaining wall with plants. Ornamental grasses provide a beautiful contrast to the hardness of a wall, with their softly swaying heads. If your property is sloped, the top part of a retaining wall could feature plants that drape over the edge. 

Walkways

A stepping stone walkway is the most natural-looking, but this style is better suited for a relaxed backyard. In the front of the home, you want a more even walkway for guests who may have impaired mobility. Concrete pavers could be the best option for an entry walkway. Quality concrete pavers often feature a non-slip texture for safety. They are also available in a wide range of styles to complement your home’s decor. To blend your walkway into its surroundings, choose mid-tone colors that complement both the home and the landscape.

Private Spaces

Everyone needs some “me time” and nothing is more delightful than having your own private hideaway in an otherwise unused corner of your backyard. A gently meandering stepping stone walkway could lead to a small patio with a comfortable bench or hammock, where you can lose yourself in a good book or nap in comfort.

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