If you’re looking for ideas on how to enhance your outdoor living spaces this summer, don’t overlook the beauty and practicality of masonry. Even one masonry feature can completely transform your space. Here are a few ideas for functional masonry for outdoor living spaces that are as useful as they are beautiful in Port Washington, NY.
Related: CREATING FOCAL FEATURES USING MASONRY IN HUNTINGTON, NY
Privacy
Your home is your castle, so to speak. It’s your sanctuary from the chaos of the world around you, where you can relax completely—unless, that is, your yard feels like a fish bowl! There are several ways you can use masonry features to add privacy.
The first is to use masonry pillars to support wooden privacy fencing. This gives an ordinary wood privacy wall a more substantial and sophisticated feel, and it’s a way to tie the privacy fence in with the rest of your hardscape. Consider adding a few sconces and climbing vines for an upscale spa-like look. Vertical wood slats could provide a more traditional look, or horizontal slats could lead to a fresh and modern look.
Another option is to create a stunning privacy wall that is visually lighter and dynamic while still preserving solitude—with the addition of a water wall. Imagine a smooth pane of opaque glass supported by masonry pillars, with a continuous sheet of water cascading down the front. Not only do you get the musical element of water, you also get a constant soothing visual experience as well as privacy. It’s a chic and unexpected way to enclose a patio or dining area.
Add a Bar
For some homeowners who love to cook under the open sky, a full outdoor kitchen would be more than they need but a simple grill station does not offer enough culinary inspiration. Create a wonderful in-between by adding a seating bar to your grill station, at a 90 degree angle. This allows you to keep your grill station where it is while giving diners a place to enjoy the cook’s company. It also provides you with more storage and a larger work surface.
A complementary stone veneer to your grill station could make a dramatic statement that still looks like it was one on purpose. For example, you can orient the new wall veneer vertically instead of horizontally, or choose a contrasting texture. Your new bar area will have a fresh new feel while still tying in with what’s already there.
Seat Walls
If you don’t relish the idea of enclosing even part of your patio space with a privacy wall, consider a seat wall. This may not give you privacy, but it does make the space feel cozier. It can also be extremely practical for entertaining by providing your guests with overflow seating, while also giving you another option for seasonal potted plants—and an extra pop of color. Even better, you can incorporate landscape lighting into the masonry itself.
Up-Leveled Shelter
A pergola or pavilion is a must-have feature if you enjoy being outdoors. A permanent shelter will keep you outside when the sun is blazing or the skies open up. Give it an upscale “been there forever” look that also ties in with your hardscapes by requesting the addition of masonry pillars. If these are substantial enough to sit on or to add large colorful planters, all the better as a way to add beauty and practicality to your patio.
