Landscaping Trends for 2008

In the past few years we have seen the growth of the outdoor kitchen and patio accessories as the trend in landscaping. Not entirely a “patio” the area merged plant and garden options with the outdoor space.

Great Room Gets Greater

1. Space: For 2008 the home has incorporated the living room, kitchen and dining room into an exterior area. The outdoor space that had previously included just a cooking area now encompasses a grand living space that resembles a second home without the roof, expanding the home from 3000 square feet to over 4000 square feet without moving a wall.
2. Fireplaces: An interior pariah for so many years, these are now the focal points of these grand areas and are sometimes built with broad chimneys soaring higher than the home.
3. Furniture: Outdoor furniture has been getting more plush as people spend more time outdoors. For 2008 the style emulates the interior models with, of course, waterproof cushions.

Gardens and Lawn

Due to watering restrictions and the awareness of the harm that fertilizers and pesticide runoff has on the environment residential and some commercial lawns are being phased out.

• Gardens: With more baby-boomers retiring the thought of spending time out in a garden is not as offensive as it was when they were scrambling to get kids up and through college. Working a large garden not only has a soothing factor to the gardener but its own rewards in organic vegetables and beautiful shrubs and flowers.
• Native Shrubs: For those who want to travel – or find working in a garden a waste of time – there is a trend to go back to the flora and fauna of the original landscape. Shrubs such as wild blueberries and blackberries growing amidst walkways ways of stone do not require watering or weeding and reward the owner with an annual crop of desert toppings.
• Patio Landscape: This is for those who definitely want areas of the yard that require no maintenance whatsoever. Flagstone pavers, pea gravel, water fountain, lava rock and adornments can transform a dandelion-ridden lawn into a clean, remarkable space.

Water: The Disappearing Element

• Rain: In many part of the country water from aquifers is becoming scarce and many counties are beginning to outlaw watering lawns for much of the summer. However, even in the driest parts of the country there is a modest amount of rainfall. With a proper “rain barrel” system water can be stored and meted out in “weeping” systems to keep a small garden going.
• Gray Water: This is the water from showers and sinks that can go directly into the garden or lawn. There are many plumbing and sprinkler services which offer wastewater management systems.

For more information on landscaping and to get help from landscaping professionals go to Renovation Experts

Tips For Hiring A Contractor

For tips on how to hire a contractor go to Remodeling.

Lighting Is Personal

Everywhere you go you are inundated with track-lighting and recessed pots. Why? because it’s very utility-oriented and gets light directly where you need it. But it is not very subtle in living and recreational rooms and hard to blend in with your own personal styles. Being practical is one thing but sacrificing personal taste for a sterile, but efficient light sourcing is a lot more than many homeowners are willing to go.

Today’s home has the look of subdued luxury, that is,  upscale-looking fixtures that create a warm, relaxed environment. The stainless steel and brushed-metal look are too cold for today’s rooms which are now leaning toward the traditional look of a mild glow.

Layered Lighting

When planning the lighting for a room size is one of the biggest determining factor. Smaller rooms can be well-lit with sconce lighting controlled by rheostats. However, larger rooms have to be lit from differing fixtures placed in a variety of locations in order to strike a balance. Kitchens and bathrooms still require task lighting whether it be pots or track lighting. As well, small lighting fixtures focused in cupboards and over working areas can get you away from the obscene tracks overhead. Then, for ambiance, larger light fixtures can be used, onces which suit the style of the kitchen and dining room. As part of the equation, sconces can be added to the walls in the dining.

Green Lighting

With energy conservation on the minds of homeowners these daysmany are switching to light dimmers and “smart-control” systems for the entire home. New low-energy bulbs such as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are now adding stylish warmth to the home.

Whatever look you are trying to achieve a qualified light expert can help out. they are schooled in creating the most positive atmosphere for your home and actually save you time and money over many do-it-yourself options. For up to four (4) free lighting estimates go to Renovation Experts.