Large backyards can be amazing opportunities to transform the landscape into something breathtaking. While many homeowners dream of having a large backyard, its design is not always straightforward. Here is some landscape design inspiration for large backyards in Winnetka, IL, just in time to plan over the winter and build in springtime for a backyard you’ll be thrilled to enjoy every day!
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Create a Hub
Resist the urge to just spread out because you have the space. Always remember that everyone ends up clustered around the kitchen, no matter the size of the space. In a small patio, this is out of necessity - but it’s exactly the same in a huge patio with ample places to gather.
So make your patio the hub of your outdoor life with thoughtful design centered around what you enjoy most. Pay special attention to the amenities you want, their placement, traffic flow, and most of all, how enticing it is for people to gather in this place.
Then, depending on the activities you have planned for your backyard, you will have plenty of space to put on the finishing touches that make it uniquely yours.
A Sense of Enclosure
Sometimes, a big space feels too big. Using permanent outdoor structures such as pergolas or pavilions will shelter your outdoor living areas and give them a cozier feel. A living wall around one or two sides of your patio can add privacy, emphasize the views, and make your patio feel like a true retreat.
A large, open expanse can also feel too exposed. Break up that expanse with vertical features such as trees, permanent outdoor structures, or even multi-level entertaining options. One common mistake is to cluster tall elements in the background. This only serves to create a boxy feeling that is still very two-dimensional (flat lawn and patio with tall trees in the distance). A layered landscape using boulders and a variety of plants will give the space a balanced feel while adding beauty.
Multi-level Entertaining and Living
A flat expanse of lawn and patio can be boring! Here’s what to do to add interest to your outdoor living spaces without simply chopping them up.
A simple deck one or two steps above a paver patio instantly gives your backyard living spaces some much-needed dimensional interest. Stepping up or down and mixing materials helps define each space in a way that allows each space to have its own personality while maintaining a sense of cohesion.
The patio space immediately adjacent to the home could be designated as your cooking/dining area. This space is best built using pavers which are easy to clean, durable, and serve as a beautiful transition between indoor and outdoor living.
Then, a step or two down or up (depending on your topography, views, etc.) you could position a chic seating area. This space could be a sleek, modern deck backed by a soothing water feature and protected by a shade sail.
Beyond the seating area, you could once again step up or down to yet another space dedicated to more intimate fireside lounging around a fireplace or fire pit… or a hot tub area… or a shady pavilion perfect for afternoon siestas.
The point is to break up the flatness of a large space with subtle elevation changes that don’t block views or chop up your space visually, yet offer distinctive experiences within each space.
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