Turn your backyard into your own personal “staycation” destination, and de-stress with resort-style comfort even on your busiest days! To create a more relaxing vibe in your outdoor space, consider incorporating masonry into your setting. Here are six resort-like landscape design ideas involving masonry in Amherst, NH.
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There is an array of options for you to choose the perfect type of stone for your projects. From natural stone in shades of brown and grey, to gorgeously manufactured pavers and bricks in a variety of shapes, sizes and hues, there are options for every landscaping style.
Shelters for Shade
Finding ways to stay cool is key to a comfortable day that will help reduce your stress level, not raise it. Build a resort-style cabana or pergola with stone walls, arches or pillars to provide a much-needed break from the heat. Shade structures like these can be customized with accents such as outdoor curtains and palm branches to add more of a tropical feel. If your shade structure is sturdy, it can also support the weight of a hammock or hanging chair for the ultimate relaxation experience.
Relaxing Pools
One integral part of creating your backyard resort is the addition of a beautiful in-ground pool. When planning for the installation of your pool, you can customize every detail to suit your personal style, from the basic layout to the detailed finishes. Create a pool worthy of a five-star resort with a sleek, geometric shape, fitted with a tanning shelf and an island. If your preference is for a more natural style, build a pool that resembles a natural body of water with a gently curving shape. Line the edges with river rock, textured stone coping or sand.
Natural Stone Waterfalls
For a truly tropical environment, incorporate a natural stone waterfall into your pool or pond area. Create a dramatic wall with a sheer drop for the water to spill directly into your pool, or layer the rocks in a stair-like pattern for the water to tumble down. Accent either side of the waterfall with tropical plants or stone tiki statues to complete the tropical ambiance.
Stone Tiki Bar
From the pool to the bar, continue your “staycation” enjoyment with your favorite cocktail. Include a beautiful stone bar inside of your shade structure, or create a statement piece with a freestanding bar and grill combination. Use the right materials and accents to give your bar an unmistakable beach vibe.
Beach-Inspired Fire Pit
Imagine a festive beach bonfire, with a view of the sunset and water in the background - and then create your own custom version with a permanent stone fire pit structure surrounded by matching masonry benches. Not only are these permanent stone structures gorgeous and welcoming for your guests to enjoy with you, using stone for your fire pit adds an extra element of safety for your peace of mind. Get creative with the addition of sand around your fire pit to really feel like you’re at your favorite seaside resort!
Stone Planters & Garden Accents
Use tropical and beach-style plantings in stone masonry planters around your hardscape to add the finishing touches on your resort theme. Although palm trees may not be an option, due to your climate and soil type, you can find many other broad-leaf plants to impart the same look and feel. For a modern approach to resort-style vegetation, plant groups of succulents mixed in with stones of various sizes to imitate the vegetation found around seaside sand dunes.
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