Backyard Landscaping Designs

Mainly designed for entertainment purposes and for extended living areas, backyard landscaping designs can be as detailed as needed to gain the look desired. Taking time to draw out a design is important. This design should include plans for existing trees and shrubberies, retaining walls, fences and backyard structures. Backyard landscaping designs need to be well thought out and planned. Use and function of the layout should be the first designing step. Privacy issues with neighbors, pet issues, and stray animals need to be addressed when planning the landscape design. Play areas and entertainment areas need to be well planned for.
An ugly fence or chain linked fence can be covered up by a tree line or shrubbery line that will bank against it properly. Use this period of designing to think about planting for noise and privacy reasons. Most landscaping designs flow freely with no set structuring other than being pleasing to the eyes of the beholder. Existing patio areas and pools should be carefully designed around to keep entertainment value high.

 Crowding plants around in haphazard ways is not an option when it comes to seating arrangements. Boxy seating areas are not as pleasing to the eye as those that curve and curl around a seating area on two sides or more. Every corner should be taken into consideration by the height of plants needed for privacy. Proper walking paths can be scattered with pea gravel or set with occasional stepping stones winding through the landscaping design. Pavers are also ideal path material and can be used, as to avoid having to edge the landscaped area with edging material.
Often, a plant or shrub can be safely moved to be incorporated into the design. Large trees may take more planning. Talking with a local nursery about moving larger planted trees, like fruit trees, is recommended. Planning the move for existing plants should be done when they are in their dormant state to avoid any potential re-rooting problems. The design stage should also include a nearby water source for landscape watering, or a water irrigation design should be added. It is recommended that all waterlines, underground cable lines, electric line, phone lines and gas lines be well marked beforehand. Calling the local utility and power company is a good idea before ever digging up a yard.

Once the backyard landscaping designs are drawn and finished, plants, trees, water structures and pavers or stepping stones need to be bought. Plants, trees and shrubbery should be chosen for their beauty as well as their hardiness. Make sure the plants that are bought for the landscaping project are properly zoned for the area. A local nursery or landscaping magazine will have this information. Native plants should be used, not only for the existing wildlife species, but because invasive species tend to become aggressive and quickly take over the design, often killing off native species.
Water fountains and backyard water ponds lend artistic and architectural value to backyard landscaping designs. Plants that are known water species or tolerate wet soil conditions should be easy to find and establish in and around these water features. If fish are added to the water pond, a good investment would be a pond mesh covering to keep birds from fishing in the pond. Additional features to add around ponds and fountains are beautiful riverbed rocks and small landscaping boulders. Lights that light these features up at night can add even more interest to the landscape. Solar light kits are the most popular and most cost-effective to use.

For more backyard landscaping ideas, stop by http://www.BetterBackyards.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Florin_Ciobanu  

See another post

Landscape Design For the Backyard Birdwatcher

Bird watching is a popular hobby and not many people can afford to frequently pursue this hobby in the wild or on a holiday, so they have to resort to what they have: their own backyards. The wonderful thing, however, is that you can now make a mini nature reserve out of your own garden if you plan your design carefully and incorporate elements into your design that will attract a large array of wildlife and bird species. Different types of birds are attracted to different seeds and colours, while others would just like a place to cool off during summer - the trick is to give the birds what they want and soon they will be "knocking" on your door.

 The use of acorns can, for example, attract jays, quails and even woodpeckers. You can incorporate acorns into your landscape design by making an acorn pathway. This will not only attract wildlife, but also will provide a creative alternative to the usual stone or brick walkway. If you make use of millet, you will soon see doves, sparrows and finches. Willows are beautiful in any garden and can make the garden look extremely full and natural. These willows will also ultimately help you attract grosbeaks and redpolls. Another trick that is quite successful in attracting birds, such as ravens and bluebirds, is the use of solidified bacon fat along with other seeds. Put seeds in a tube feeder to make sure you do not waste seeds. You can also incorporate an anthill into your garden to ultimately bring in birds that like insects. Anthills can be great features in backyards.
Hummingbirds and orioles are drawn to aloes, while amaranth attracts juncos and tree sparrows. Bluebirds, catbirds, great crested flycatchers, jays, mockingbirds, tanagers, thrashers, thrushes, and waxwings prefer berries that can make an attractive addition to any yard. Both humans and birds like berries, especially ripening blackberries. The ideal period to offer these in your feeder is when they cannot be found anywhere else: for example, in winter, there is a demand greater than the supply. Strawberries will attract catbirds, crows, quails, robins, and sparrows while raspberries will draw bluebirds, orioles, pigeons, titmice, and waxwings.If you want to draw in cardinals, grosbeaks, nuthatches, or titmice, sunflowers will be very beneficial.

Make your landscape "bird family friendly" by adding water and food sources, as well as many nooks and crannies for making nests. This will make your garden a haven for these birds and they will not mind bringing their families and other birds to you. However, then you should take care not to let your cats or any other threats near these areas. Birdbaths are practically prerequisites when you want to attract birds to your landscape, because this provides them with something to drink, as well as a place to cool off in summer. Birdbaths are made of rock or stone and can be artworks in themselves. You can slowly teach these birds to even feed out of your very hand!

Are you ready to turn your outdoor space into a natural haven of beauty and tranquility? Do you want to be the envy of the neighbourhood? Download your copy of Landscape Design: The Road to a Beautiful Surroundings now and turn your garden into paradise!
Creative Landscaping Gauteng's Leading Landscaping and Garden Maintenance Professionals.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Schlebusch  

See another post

Backyard Design

Since backyard design takes place behind the house, it may not be obvious as you drive down the street, but there are changes taking place in backyards everywhere. We are spending more time relaxing on our decks and patios after long work weeks. We're leaving the comfort of our air conditioned interiors to entertain and cook outdoors.
This shift is changing the way we approach backyard design. Increasingly, backyards are being compartmentalized, encompassing a wide range of inviting spaces designed for recreation and relaxation.
Technology plays a key role in helping us spend more time with our families, and to make the most of the spaces we have - both inside and outside the house. Advances in outdoor lighting make exterior areas more inviting after dark.

 Heaters and outdoor fireplaces provide greater comfort and extend the outdoor season. Backyard design can now transform your barbeque into an outdoor kitchen, able to provide gourmet meals. Innovations have made pools and hot tubs more affordable.
The development of durable, weather-resistant materials for furniture and fabrics continues to enhance the style and comfort of outdoor furnishings. However, successful backyard design involves more than adding accessories.
Backyard landscaping ideas are best approached as part of the overall home designing process - one that considers the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces. When porches, decks, and patios are planned as integral parts of a new or renovated home, they can be designed to create transitions that are so subtle they blur the line between the house and the landscape.
When planning outdoor spaces, take backyard design hints from your home's indoor rooms. By designing exterior areas with the same attention given to an indoor room, you can create a place to gather with your family, or escape after a long day at work.

These outdoor rooms can have floors, walls, ceilings, comfortable furnishings, and decorative accents, just like your living room. Keep in mind the outdoor elements which will dictate fabric choices, life cycle of your furnishings, and how your backyard design will work with local wildlife.
Throughout your backyard, spaces should vary in shape, size, and character. Relaxing spaces, for instance, should include comfortable seating, while dining areas need sturdy tables and outdoor cooking amenities. Both should be positioned for afternoon shade.
While some areas are for sitting, others should be for standing or strolling, and at least one area should be for activities - especially if you have children. How you divide the overall plot into these spaces will be determined by its general size and shape, how you usually spend your outdoor time, and the composition of your family.
A combination of several cozy areas has a way of feeling larger than a single medium-sized space. If there's no room to divide, lay out paths, patios, or lawns diagonally or along an S-curve. This makes a yard appear bigger by allowing it to unfold gradually rather than in a single glance.

Paying attention to details, such as paving materials or planting zones, also makes a small space seem larger. This is because it takes longer to visually absorb all of the elements.
With larger spaces, you can divide them into smaller, functional spaces, so they appear more inviting and manageable. When you're planning your backyard design, identify areas for cooking, dining, entertaining, gardening, and activities. Determine how much space is needed for each.
Also define areas that you wish to leave natural. I have a natural area at the rear of my plot and it really comes in handy for depositing grass clippings weeds, and other natural debris, while providing a natural barrier between homes.
Regardless of size, backyard spaces should be clearly defined and conveniently connected. This may be as simple as changing the paving materials - like stepping from a stone patio onto a lawn. Building a low step between two such areas will distinguish the spaces while preserving the open feeling.

It takes time to implement the plans for a backyard design. Take it slow and tackle one area at a time. Don't be surprised if it takes longer than you expected.
You will probably change plants and make improvements over several years. Start with areas closest to the house because you can see them from the indoors and because they will be used most. And finally, address any urgent outdoor needs up front - such as storage needs or play areas for children.
With a good backyard design, you will enhance your outdoor experiences for many years to come. ENJOY!

Charles Gueli invites you to ask questions about backyard design, and take advantage of the resources on http://www.continuous-home-improvement-help.com, where guidance, information and support are always available.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charles_Gueli 

See another post 

Pergola Pictures - Backyard Design Help

Using Pergola Pictures to Help Improve Your Yard
A pergola, a simple structure built to define a space, can be a passageway or an arbor of columns that supports a trelliswork roof on which climbing plants and vines are grown. It can be located against a building or a wall or it can be built to stand alone. Pergolas can be unbelievably beautiful and adaptable, so it is not surprising that pergola pictures are found in many upscale magazines featuring beautiful gardens.
Pictures of these back yard structures are very helpful for people who want to find ways to upgrade and beautify their gardens or are looking for ways to decorate a pergola they already have. Because pergolas come in various shapes, you will find pictures of them which may be triangular, square or rectangular.

 Many emphasize special features like pillars or beams that are fashioned or styled in ways that can create a special ambiance in an outdoor garden or space. Viewers may also like to see pergola pictures divided into themes like those that are inspired by nature or ones that are relaxed, sporty, or romantic.
It is also very important that these pictures clearly demonstrate that pergolas are durable. The angle from which the pictures are taken is one way to show their quality and durability. Pictures should also be taken close enough for the quality of the materials in the pergola to be verified, and also far enough away so that the viewer can see the entire pergola structure. Needless to say the image should be one that invites and entices viewers to imagine what a pergola would look like on their chosen site.

Pergola pictures can also demonstrate how these garden structures work wonders. Quite often they will make over and dramatically change yards, decks, porches and patios into incredible living spaces from which people can enjoy the ever-changing beauty around them. Pictures of ancient pergolas also indicate that for centuries these functional decorations have been creating their magic in gardens around the world including ancient Rome and Egypt.

If you're looking for the best variety of pergola pictures, please visit our site, where you will find a large selection of pergola pictures and much more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harry_Bernstein 

See another post 

Embellish Fabrics

10 Ways to Embellish Fabric

1. Opt for a contrasting welt on upholstery.
2. Add nail heads in a shiny or antiqued finish to chairs, ottomans, or sofas.
3. Personalize pillows, linens, and chair backs with a monogram.
4. Line the skirt of a chair with fringe.
5. Contrast basic fabric with colorful thread or twine in the seams.
6. Use metal grommets as curtain rings.
7. Glue or sew ribbon as a border for a decorative touch.
8. Make a pillow with fine fabric on one side and basic fabric on the other.
9. Stencil numbers or initials on curtains, pillows, or throws with fabric paint.
10. Don't do a thing―let the natural beauty of the material speak for itself.

Notice the Details

Formal dining room chairs have a more relaxed feel with neutral linen slipcovers. The half skirt still reveals each chair's turned legs, while simple ties add a custom dressmaker detail.

Learn to Love Burlap ...

Give burlap a chance, and you'll see why this often underrated fabric is a design favorite. No longer reserved for potato sacks, burlap packs intense texture at a gentle price.
Because it holds its shape well, it makes great curtains. Mixed with bright white walls and traditional antiques, it's an unexpected element that adds an organic touch.



Muslin

Hang a breezy fabric like muslin or gauze over a bed for an ultraromantic canopy. When hung directly from the ceiling, the fabric creates the illusion of more height and is a fresh, modern take on the traditional mosquito net.

Loosen Up

Make furniture stylish and family friendly with loose skirts or slipcovers. The beauty of this treatment lies in its simplicity: The chair or sofa can show off its silhouette and looks best when loosely covered in plain, unfussy fabric such as linen, cotton, or canvas. Plus, slipcovers can easily be removed and laundered.

Monogram It

Use monograms to turn basic linen or cotton fabrics into heirlooms. While initials are customary, you can use letters or names―or try something new: We've seen addresses, street names, and design motifs adorning everything from porch furniture to table linens.

Bathroom Toilets Design

Since bathrooms are places where people go in order to refresh themselves after hard-working day, it is normal that they want bathrooms to look nice, clean and trendy. Toilet designs have become popular lately because bathrooms are slowly but safely becoming a focal point of lots of designers.
Prior to making any purchase, you need to do brainstorming. Just write down few things that should characterize your bathroom toilets. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, but it should give you some general guidelines so you know at least what type of bathroom toilet you want.

 You need to take into consideration various things while choosing the best bathroom toilet. For example: space, bathroom utilities, accessories, furniture, electrical installations, air ventilation, maintenance... There is more things, but these are just to give you general idea. So as you can see, choosing your own unique bathroom toilet is rather hard and tedious task - it's not just choosing color and design.
You can increase the space by using specially designed furniture that doesn't take up too much space and is functional as well. That would drawer units, sink vanity units, cabinets etc. All those things that can be mounted on the wall.
Also, while you are making any purchases, you should bear in mind that everything should be compatible in order to avoid cluttered look. You should match toilet fittings with bathroom fittings. Mirrors placement should also be taken care of. Usually, mirror should be placed in a position where it can reflect as much light as possible.

Bathroom materials are another important point. I won't go deep into it. However, I'll list few characteristics of modern bathroom materials: water resistance, chemical resistance, durability, good surface soundness... For material suggestions check out internet websites.
And in the end, if you are buying bathroom toilets, you should understand that that is not an easy task so if you got any problems, try to contact professionals - they will definitely do their job correctly.

I enjoy writing in my free time. My latest article was about Modern Window Treatments and Window Treatments Ideas

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elena_Bullock  

See another post

Three Great Design Tips For Bathroom Remodeling!

One of the most often home improvements is bathroom remodeling by most homeowners because it can help make life more enjoyable and it can also improve the value of your home if you are considering putting it on the market soon.
It does not make must difference what state you may live in or the reasons you want to remodel your bathrooms. But you do need to know the most popular and best bathroom remodeling colors and designs to make your project successful.

You will have many options to research for the different types of designs and numerous colors for your bathroom remodeling project. You have to balance out your personal taste with your family lifestyle as well. You will certainly need a functional layout with whatever design and colors you may choose. In order to get the proper layout, the correct design and colors you will need to consider just how and who uses the bathroom.
Moving the plumbing in your bathroom remodeling will be much more costly, but you will gain a great deal of flexibility and it will open up all kinds of design options. But most of us may not have an unlimited budget so we will have to make do with the existing plumbing drains and hook-ups. You will just have to work with the current design.
Whatever design you choose, whether you kept the current layout or go for a new one, you will have to make sure you are aware of the local and state building codes. The following 3 bathroom design tips and color schemes should be helpful to you to make your bathroom remodeling a success.

1. You should if all possible use universal or standard design such as curb less showers, make you doorways wider, increase your floor plan to make it more spacious, and also installing taller toilets will help. It is best to use neutral colors if you are going to go with a universal design. The type of design has and will continue to stand the test of time in the future.
By using the universal design you will not have to worry about remodeling your bathroom for a long time and this will of course save you money in the long run.
2. Another popular design is the vintage style. This type of design will remind us of the great craftsmanship of yesteryear that was popular way back in the early 1900's. The vintage style of bathroom remodeling will use vanities, bathtubs, and sinks to create a focus point in the bathroom.
Another one of the most often used design options is patterned wallpaper. Two of the classical vintage looks are white and black and also wood items with the distressed look.
You will also find period and muted shades in the color choices of the vintage style of design.
3. A modern day style of bathroom remodeling is the contemporary style. This style will use the combination of simple, clean lines, the integration of current technology and high quality materials.
With the contemporary style you will find neutral colors for bathroom fixtures and the tile, but you will find much bolder colors for other items in the bathroom.
Bathroom remolding can be an enjoyable and a great return on your investment and your time but you do have to do the necessary research. The best place to start your research is the Internet. You will find numerous websites that will help you to find the right designs and colors for your bathroom to make it the showpiece of your home!

You can start your research on the Internet at Antique Copper Faucet and also you can get more information on copper faucets at Copper Bathroom Faucets.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Al_Hardy 

See another post