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Late Summer Is the Perfect Time to Design Your Outdoor Living Space

It’s late summer, when we want to extend the season just a little longer.   In Naperville and surrounding areas, we make the most of our summers by spending as much time as possible in our backyards and gardens.  Our outdoor rooms provide extended living, relaxation and play areas for friends and family.  Cooking is easier and the days extend into the evenings with little effort.

This is the best time to get serious about planning and installing major elements into your outdoor living space.  It’s easy to list the top activities you and your family and friends enjoy outdoors, and to envision your space optimized for those moments.

Planning your design can be intimidating, too.  Homeowners can get overwhelmed at the idea of designing outdoor spaces.  It’s a big investment that has to last a long time.  Too often, we start with small projects.  And when they don’t work out, we have to start over, which means more investment and more time.  That can be frustrating.

A Better Approach – Start With the Basics

Experts agree that the key to a successful outdoor design is to begin with one or two big projects and then add to them as times goes on.  For example, start with planning a stone patio with room for seating and cooking.  Walkways providing light and safety are necessary to assure enjoyment for years to come.  At the same time, planting a few trees that will grow and mature, sheltering your home and patio, will be the foundation plantings for your home.   Once they are in place, it will be easier to choose and plant smaller shrubs and perennials with the color and texture that fit your space.

Longer Term – Plan To Add The Finishes

Now that the basics are there, add elements that will allow you to better use and enjoy your outdoor space.  Grilling options are varied, from simple grills to pizza ovens, smokers and rotisseries.  Lighting will make your space safe while adding atmosphere.  How about trying some new ideas, such as adding a raised, stone planting bed for herbs, tomatoes and other vegetables?   Easily accessible to the outdoor chef, these are attractive, colorful and useful.  Outdoor speakers and a TV provide the right setting for guests to enjoy sports events and music.

Early fall is a great time to install the foundation pieces of your outdoor space.  Cooler temperatures make it easier for trees and shrubs to acclimate, and you’ll have plenty of time to get great results before winter settles in.

O’Donovan and Son Landscaping has 45 years of experience in the Naperville area, designing and installing beautiful hardscapes and landscapes for residential and commercial customers.  Call us at 630-355-3370 to work with our designers.  We will listen to your needs and create a custom outdoor living space you will enjoy for years to come!

Outdoor Kitchens Ideal for Summer Celebrations

Father’s Day, graduations, family weekends, out-of-town guests are all wonderful summer occasions to get together and celebrate life’s special moments.  Here in Naperville you can make those celebrations even more memorable by holding them in your own outdoor space, with a landscape design custom-fit to your family’s style.

Start with three basic elements of a great outdoor space; cooking facilities, seating, and lighting.  Whether you are building on what you already have or are starting with a clean slate, you can create an outdoor kitchen and living area that will add value, enjoyment and living space to your home.

Cooking:  Outdoor cooking has become an art form, with Outdoor Kitchenmany choices to suit your taste, budget and space.  Design a cooking area with a grill, side burners and rotisserie, surrounded by a granite counter for prep work or for your guests to sit and chat.  Consider installing a wood-burning pizza oven to create endless varieties of crowd-pleasing breads, desserts and even meats.   Smokers are popular to create meat, chicken or fish dishes.  Choose your favorite cooking method, decide if you want privacy while you cook or if you want to be surrounded by admiring friends, and design your perfect cooking space.

Seating:  Picnic tables are nice, but to create comfortable seating where people want to linger and enjoy, consider dedicating an area for a table and cushioned chairs.  Some prefer the ambience created with outdoor sofas and chairs surrounding a low table.  Or, build a seating wall to encourage conversation, an island near the grill, and a separate spot reserved just for the kids.  Seating designs can be effective and comfortable whether you have a large, open property or an intimate courtyard.  

Lighting:  Today’s lighting products offer flexibility for seasonal use and add safety and security.  Solar lighting and low voltage pathway lights provide safety and create mood.  Overhead lighting will direct attention to specific areas, and provide a wide, well-lit area for cooking and conversation.  Of course, an outdoor fire pit will create light while providing warmth and encouraging conversation.

After considering these top three elements, it will be easier to add features to suit your style.  An outdoor fan will ward off pesky flying insects, and additions such as a refrigerator, wine cooler, ice maker, sink and even deep fryer will increase the usefulness and enjoyment of your outdoor kitchen, both for this summer’s celebrations and for years to come.

O’Donovan Landscaping has been designing, installing and maintaining outdoor kitchens, hardscapes and landscaping for over 45 years in the Naperville area.  We will design and install an outdoor space with your lifestyle in mind.  Contact O’Donovan Landscaping at 630-355-3370 to schedule an appointment!