Blog - Artistic Stoneworks

5 Things to Consider When Planning a Hardscape

January 13, 2014 by artisticstoneworks

Today, more and more home and business owners are seeing the importance of a functional, appealing, and valuable exterior. Fortunately, the use of professional landscaping and installed hardscapes offer numerous benefits. However, there are a few important things to consider when planning the perfect hardscape.

Function

Although the use of professional landscaping with hardscapes is always beneficial, it is imperative to understand the reason for constructing a hardscape. What will the space be used for? Most people are surprised by the various manners of creating a hardscape. They can be constructed to use as a walkway, pathway, border, flower bed, or patio. If the owner requires a patio for entertaining, how much space is necessary? If the owner desires a dining and cooking area, the hardscape will need to be constructed in a larger space. If the hardscape will be used for a flower bed, the area and overall look that is desired should be taken into consideration. Owners must decide how and why the hardscape will be used.

Budget

Once the function is determined, the budget is equally important. Most owners wish they had an unlimited budget to create amazing landscaping and hardscape areas. However, that is usually not the case. The budget must be determined so owners do not lose control of the design process. By understanding the need and function of the hardscape, owners can set their budget at a realistic number and work with the professionals to achieve the goals within the budget.

Placement

The topography of the area where the hardscape will be installed is also important. Owners may have their needs and design already set within their budget, but if the land does not allow the size and shape of the hardscape,the project will not be completed. Although many landscapers may be able to work within a unappealing topography, this could increase costs and the time of the project. It may be more affordable and financially feasible to change the layout and design of the hardscape.

Privacy

Homeowners, especially, will desire a bit of privacy in their new outdoor spaces. During the design process of a hardscape, it is important to determine a placement that offers shade or sun and privacy if desired. Fortunately, hardscapes can be constructed up against a fence, around trees, or in the center of a sunny yard. The possibilities are endless but it is best to factor in privacy during the initial design process.

Style

Everyone wants a personable, stylish, and functional space. When designing a hardscape, owners must think about the overall look they are desiring. They may want a formal and elegant look or a rustic, outdoorsy feel. However, many homeowners will want a whimsical look to their backyard landscaping and hardscapes. The overall style is an imperative element to consider when designing the perfect outdoor space.

The Sky’s the Limit: How to Plan the Perfect Outdoor Kitchen for You

May 2, 2013 by artisticstoneworks

Having an outdoor kitchen gives you much greater culinary leeway than a conventional indoor kitchen. Although you always have the option of renovating your indoor kitchen’s appliances and counter tops to fit your needs, your ability to be creative is restricted by the limited space and dependence on electricity. On the other hand, an outdoor kitchen provides you with a much greater ability to create the kitchen that you’ve always wanted.

When you’re making plans for your outdoor kitchen, you must begin by choosing if it will become the main focus of your patio or deck, or if it will merely be an accenting feature. It’s also important to consider how much you’ll use your outdoor kitchen as well as the amount of space that will be needed. For some people, simply installing a professional barbecue into a high-quality counter top will be good enough. Others might want to have a more complex and multi-functional design. Consider your individual requirements before coming to a decision.

Regardless of the size and functionality of your outdoor kitchen, make sure to place it close to your regular kitchen. Many people find that they use both when cooking outside, so minimizing the distance will make cooking easier.

It’s also important to consider your area’s climate while you’re planning your new kitchen. If it freezes regularly in the winter, make sure that your setup can be winterized correctly. People who live in more sweltering climes or in coastal regions must protect their investment against rust. If you have any doubts about the kind of weather that occurs in your area, ask around or contact an outdoor kitchen expert.

Before you become set on any particular design for your outdoor kitchen, it is essential that you have all of the necessary utilities within easy access. That means electricity, gas and plumbing if you want to be able to use a full kitchen outside. If you designed and installed your own outdoor kitchen, it’s strongly recommended that you let professionals install the utilities. This guarantees that everything gets connected properly and meets your city’s building codes and regulations.

Increase the Value of Your Home with these 5 Outdoor Renovations

April 11, 2013 by artisticstoneworks

Whether people ever set foot inside your home or not, a lasting first impression can be made by what is seen on the outside. If you are considering upgrades to increase the value of your home, the best place to start is with the outside where many renovations can be made to not only improve the appearance of your home’s exterior but to increase the value of the home and the property.

1. Add a Backyard Deck

Even the most spacious back yard stands to gain added functionality with decking. Common choices in decking include wood and concrete. Before you make your final decision, take the time to ensure that your deck creates a natural extension to your home. During warmer months, guests can flow right out onto the deck and keep the party going both inside and out.

2. Install Driveway Pavers

Your driveway is the route to the garage but there can be much more curb appeal than just the concrete. Invest in pavers to line the driveway on both sides. Common paver choices include rich, contrast color bricks which not only beautify the driveway but provide added functionality of traction when the ground may be wet and slippery.

3. Upgrade to Wrought Iron Fencing

A white picket fence may have been ever so romantic and cute when you first purchased your home but today, a luxurious wrought iron fence offers continued privacy and creates a polished look for your home’s exterior that people will be sure to admire.

4. Create an Outdoor Kitchen

You already know the value of the kitchen inside your home. You can create an even greater value in an outdoor kitchen that lets you prepare some of your favorite grilled items under the stars. When the weather is warm and outdoor events are planned, this extension to your home cuts down on excess foot traffic to the kitchen and keeps you connected to the guests rather than tied to the indoor stove.

5. Add on an Outdoor Bathroom

Think about how many times you’ve had to leave guests or show guests inside to the nearest restroom and you have the perfect start for getting going on adding an outdoor bathroom to your home. No matter if you are relaxing after a hard day’s work or having a holiday gathering for dozens, your outdoor bathroom will earn its keep and provide you with increased value for convenience and worth to your home.

Emerging Trend, Fireplace Surrounds

November 26, 2012 by artisticstoneworks

Your fireplace serves as the centerpiece to your dining or family room, some homes may even have a two or three fireplaces. With the winter months in Texas approaching, the fireplace tends to get a good annual workout. A new trend is popping up, but really it’s been around a while. Fireplace surrounds are the new/old eye catching trend among homeowners. This combines concrete style and texture with a focal point in the home (the fireplace).

Concrete Fireplace Surrounds

If you spend most of your time outdoors, then you can appreciate the custom design of a concrete fireplace surround. The options for design are endless, with color, textures, concrete fibers, you have a mass array of solutions to fit your taste. A concrete fireplace surround can turn your ordinary room into something that makes the room stand out and add value to your home.

If your mantle showcases foliage, trophies, pictures, or lighting a concrete fireplace surround is a great option.

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How To Choose Outdoor Kitchen Appliances

September 14, 2012 by artisticstoneworks

Choosing appliances for your outdoor space can be a challenge. You have to evaluate what you have space for as well as what you would like to have in your space. Either way there are ways to be sure the first will not overweigh the other. If your dream is to have a brick pizza oven, there are affordable options to get what you desire. Choosing well priced resources and an air tight plan can get you your dream pizza oven in your outdoor kitchen. Finding a quality low price item can be a challenge but is definitely doable, especially if you are willing to go the distance in finding the best price.

The same goes for shopping for appliances such as grills. Are you looking for a gourmet kitchen or are you looking for an easy party escape equipped with all the right tools – not too much and not too little? Quality can be had for a low price, be sure to use our resources to find the perfect appliances for your outdoor space. With plenty of vendors and outside retailers, we can find you the perfect appliance. Do not hesitate to ask for your dream grill – after all it’s your dream outdoor kitchen!

Think about the coordination in your space, where would you like all of your chosen appliances to go? When you have planned your outdoor space with us, the next step is to take those appliances and make them functional. If you have a large outdoor kitchen very similar to your indoor kitchen, where do you want the oven to go and how can you make your space uniform? Think about the ease of going from one task to another in your space. Also think about the ease of entertaining, maybe consider a kitchen extension from your indoor space. Easy access between your indoor and outdoor space can have potential benefits.

The most important thing to remember about shopping for an outdoor oven or grill is to buy the product that will also last the longest. You will want a product that can sustain weathering, especially if your outdoor space is not covered well or not covered at all. A surface such as stainless steel or a durable brick for your pizza oven will ensure the products you pay for last longer. The last thing you want to happen to your grill is discoloration or for your brick oven to fall apart over time.

Artistic Stoneworks can provide the highest quality appliances for your outdoor kitchen with vendors and recommendations on quality you can be sure we can get you the best product for your money. It’s your dream outdoor kitchen, it should reflect not only who you are, but the appliances should reflect what you are looking for. Whether it’s a gourmet kitchen or easy entertaining space, we have just what you need to make your life easier. Be sure to use our resources and call us for an estimate today – your dream kitchen is only a stone throw away.