A well designed backyard can completely change the look, function and atmosphere of your home, creating the ultimate entertaining space. Whatever your vision for the perfect backyard, Elite Landscape Solutions is dedicated to bringing your dream to life. As a Wichita based landscape designer, we created this guide to landscaping for entertaining so you can make your vision a reality.
Essential Hardscaping Elements for Entertaining
Patios
A well-designed patio can be an extension of your home. Options like stained concrete, patterned tile, wood and composite decking, give you the ability to shape and transform your patio into the perfect living space. Additionally, a beautifully crafted and stylized patio creates a designated area for you to entertain guests, host gatherings, and provides usable space for you and your family.
Outdoor Kitchen and Bars
Great for entertaining and hosting, outdoor kitchens and bars give you more ways to entertain outside. Built in grills help with food prep when hosting a party, and the added bar can keep your drinks cold and at arm’s length. Whether you’re hosting a family barbecue or a party with friends, these options naturally draw people together and create a focal point to socialize around, making them great for any occasion.
Built-In Fire Pits and Fireplaces
Fire pits and fireplaces are eye-catching additions that provide warmth and ambience year-round. Useful for fighting the early fall chill, and great for roasting marshmallows, fire pits and fireplaces enhance your landscape in every season by creating warm, comforting social areas.
Pergolas and Pavilions
Pergolas and pavilions define sections of your backyard, patio, or deck. Additionally, they create shade, providing a cool, refreshing break from the summer sun, allowing you and your guests to enjoy the outdoors comfortably, even during the hottest months.
Retaining Walls and Seating
Adding retaining walls with built in seating creates functional space in your backyard while adding visual interest. Retaining walls level uneven terrain making entertaining easier by giving your guests naturally landscaped seating and areas to gather around and socialize.
Illuminating Your Entertainment Space: Outdoor Lighting Ideas
When designing a backyard for entertaining it’s vital you consider different types of lighting. Appropriate lighting creates a more cohesive atmosphere and mood for your guests, and makes your space more inviting. In general there are three categories to consider: task, ambient and accent lighting.
Task Lighting
Make sure areas like grills, outdoor kitchens, dining areas and walkways are well lit. Properly lighting these areas keeps you and your guests safe, and adds to the overall atmosphere of your entertaining space by allowing you to cook, entertain, and mingle as the sun sets.
Ambient Lighting
One of the best ways to create a welcoming space is by adding ambient lighting. String lights, lanterns and path lights create a warm, inviting setting. Well placed ambient lights help you match the lighting to the atmosphere of the party or gathering you’re hosting. High-quality lighting can create a specific feeling for your guests. Warm colored string lights may create a relaxed, cookout atmosphere, where cool colored, LED light posts create an energetic tone.
Accent Lighting
Use accent lighting to highlight features throughout your backyard. Adding accent lighting to trees, water features or other architectural elements builds visual interest and improves the atmosphere of your backyard. For example, placing lights around fountains can help draw your guests to social areas at night that may have been overlooked during the day.
Plant Selection for Wichita Backyards
Choosing the right plants for your backyard is a tough choice! We’ve broken down several categories to consider when buying plants for your backyard.
Privacy Plants
Landscaping projects often involve the use of privacy plants. Hedges, tall grass and shrubs offer increased privacy with the added benefit of natural beauty. These plants give you the opportunity to create private spaces in your backyard and create distinct boundaries. Defined privacy can also help while entertaining by creating areas to relax without the attention of neighbors. Shrubs and hedges provide natural sound barriers, keeping your party’s music in and noisy neighbors out.
Seasonal Interest
Flowers and perennial plants are an excellent way to level up your backyard for entertaining and add color to your home. Options like native plants add a burst of color and interest to your paths, patios, or hardscape features. Well managed gardens provide a good talking point for guests, and liven up your backyard while setting a fresh and exciting mood. Plants can accentuate other parts of your space and help create a more well-rounded atmosphere for your guests.
Additional Backyard Landscaping Considerations
When creating your outdoor entertaining space don’t forget to consider other hardscaping options like water features, audio systems, or irrigation and drainage. Water features add an extra focal point to your backyard and help create a more unified style or look. Audio systems are great for entertaining guests. With an audio system you can play music for your guests, watch movies outside, or simply set the mood for your party. Irrigation and drainage, while not the most exciting, help maintain your landscape and keep your backyard looking fresh and healthy for any outdoor gathering.
Wichita Backyard Inspiration
Ready to Design Your Dream Backyard?
Don’t wait any longer to get started on your dream backyard. Start crafting your perfect entertaining space with help from Elite Landscape Solutions. Whether you want to wow your guests with a water feature or provide a fire pit for you and your friends to gather around, we’ll help you find the right fit and provide the highest quality service. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discover how we can create the perfect outdoor escape for you and your family.