12 Awesome #HardscapeIdeas

hardscapeideas

Making a statement in your yard is easy with a hardscape, or any solid landscaping surface or structure. Here are some examples of hardscapes to choose for your landscaping project.

Driveways

Driveways are difficult to design aesthetically, but their size makes them important for curb appeal. Make your driveway more appealing with interesting materials like stained concrete, cobblestone or concrete pavers. The HGTV Green Home 2008 features a double-ribbon driveway with concrete pavers — a permeable option that filters rainwater.

Walkways

There are many different surface choices for walkways and paths, including pavers, brick, stone, concrete, terrazzo and glass pebbles. Be sure to choose an option that fits your garden and complements your home. This simple brick path works with the warm colors of the summer flowers and gives the garden structure in the winter.

Gravel Paths

One of the easiest and least expensive landscaping projects, gravel paths offer flexibility in shape and design. This simple gravel path is accentuated by a border of moss.

Fences

Fences can give your home a sense of privacy and security. Picket or narrow slats provide a psychological barrier, while taller, more solid fence walls shut out the world. This aesthetically interesting fence, with its horizontal planks, is the perfect height for privacy.

Walls and Wall Materials

Whether installed for privacy, stability or function, walls are a lasting design statement. Choose wall materials according to the architecture and the region of the house. Rate My Remodel user twd33 turned an unsightly wall into an artistic masterpiece by adding some color and plantings.

Patios

When constructing a patio, be sure to include enough room for lounge chairs, cocktail tables, a bar and plenty of space to move around. Patios can be constructed from many materials, including flagstone, brick, stamped concrete and concrete pavers. This picturesque patio features a dining area and a barbecue island.

Decks

Decks are made of wood or low-maintenance composite material. Just like patios, decks should be large enough to accommodate dining, sunbathing and other activities. This deck design features clean white railings that beautifully complement the lightly stained wood. Design by Peter Langham

Stairs for Your Landscape

Keep the topography in mind when planning stairs for your landscape. If you have a steep slope, break up stairs in sets of steps with landings, turns or switchbacks. Here, fragrant thyme accentuates the gentle curve of these stairs and ties them to the larger landscape. Photo courtesy of John Feldman

Built-In Furniture

Furniture in the garden is both functional and visually appealing. The architecture of your home should influence your garden furniture style. Hugged by morning glories, this handpainted bench invites you to sit at the edge of the lawn. Design by Dan Berger

Pergolas

An architectural focal point, pergolas provide shade and extra curb appeal. They can be freestanding or cantilevered from your house, and can be built from many different types of materials. Pergolas can be made from wood or vinyl with fiberglass columns, stone piers or metal framing. They can also be wired for electricity. This pergola offers a beautiful view and comfortable, shaded seating. Design by Scott Cohen

Similar to a pergola, a ramada is a hardscape structure built in a yard to provide shade. It is completely covered by a roof and often complements the home’s style. This ramada is all about comfort and style, with plush wicker furniture and warm copper and stone accents. It also has curtains to completely block out the hot summer sun. Design by Morgan Holt

Arbors

A beautiful addition to a landscape, an arbor turns an ordinary walkway, gate or patio into a focal point. Arbors are functional as well, providing treillage for plants. Surrounded by a mix of perennials and shrubs, this trellis serves as an entrance to a small birch grove accessorized with a bench. Design by Barbara Paul

Gazebos

Freestanding gazebos are extremely popular in landscaping projects. Before you drop one into your yard, be sure it has a purpose. Whether it’s a satellite patio, a spa enclosure or a sheltered play area for your kids, decide what you want the structure to be used for.

4 Tips For #AtticFinishing

atticfinishing

Figure you’ll need to beef up the floor, insulate—and more. Here’s a look at some building-code basics when it comes to turning attic space into living space.

Access and egress
Code generally requires a full-size staircase with a minimum 6-foot 8-inch clearance above it. For fire safety, there must be two ways out—a second staircase, for example, or a window.

Ceiling height
Any living space requires at least 7 feet of headroom over a floor area of at least 70 square feet, measuring at least 7 feet in each direction. At the Lyons’ house, this meant that only a portion of the attic was usable, though some of the low-clearance area was tapped for storage.

Floor support
Attic floors generally need to be reinforced with additional joists and a subfloor. The Lyons used a web of 16-inch-deep engineered trusses to accommodate wiring, plumbing, and ductwork, then topped the plywood subfloor with oak or tile. (Keep in mind that deep trusses will cut into headroom.) “Houses built before 1950, and some built after, may also need foundation work,” says architect Stewart Davis, especially if the project involves raising the roof, as the Lyons’ did.

Ventilation and insulation
Heat and moisture rise. This often means having to add air-conditioning, ceiling or window fans, and/or windows. The Lyons installed windows at each end of the roof to promote cross-ventilation. A layer of spray foam insulation under the roof and in the walls will help cut their heating and cooling costs.

12 Ways To Invite A #WellTraveledLook Into your Home

…without boarding a plane. Bring a collected-over-time look to your home with handmade pieces of various styles and textures. The best part? You don’t even even have to leave your sofa.

Collected Decor Creates a Cool, Global Look

This classic midcentury modern home is decorated floor to ceiling with handmade objects and artisanal details. From textured art to woven jute rugs, organic elements add depth and character throughout the home.

Applique Peacock Mirror

Bring a touch of ’70s style to your home with an applique peacock mirror. These mirrors are known for their rich textures and layers of different materials.

Sculpted Wood Console

When choosing console tables for your home, there are three main categories: practical, industrial or sculptural. For an artisanal touch, stick with hand-carved woods that create an extra surface to display items and also serve double duty as sculptural art.

Hand-Spun Ceramics

Add a potter’s touch inside and outside by placing low-maintenance plants into hand-spun ceramic pots. The imperfections and gradation in the clay add to the organic appeal of these creations.

Handwoven Jute Rug

Add rich, organic texture into any room with handwoven jute rugs. Available in a wide range of colors and patterns, jute rugs work beautifully with virtually any design style.

Shell Mosaic

Add a touch of Palm Beach style to your room with mosaic shell planters. Get the look by layering different types of shells onto a solid surface, then add in your favorite springtime florals.

Punched Tin

Add Eastern charm to your home with punched tin elements created by hand-punching through thin sheets of metal with a stenciled pattern. Here, a letter initial personalizes a wall and also adds a metallic touch to the space.

Hand-Stitched Beading

Common with Moroccan-style interiors, stitched bead detail adds an extra layer of visual interest to simple accessories such as pillows or lampshades.

Linen + Nail Heads

Pack a room with texture by adding linen upholstered case goods layered with orange nail-head detail. This wooden chest was covered with cut sheets of linen, then bronze nail heads were applied along the drawer fronts with a mallet.

Personalized Embroidery

Monogramming and embroidery are two traditional methods for personalizing soft goods such as pillows, robes, cloth napkins or bed linens.

String Art

Create your own handmade masterpiece with string, brass tacks and plywood.

Cast Ceramics

Cast ceramics are created from molds that allow clay or plaster to dry into a specific shape. Once dry, they are often given faux finishes for practical uses as storage bowls or vases.