Planning a patio is a fun process, and you want to make sure that you make the best decisions. With so many paver choices, where do you even start so that you end up with an amazing space you’ll love? Here’s a helpful guide to selecting patio pavers to match the aesthetic theme of your Glenview, IL, outdoor living space.
Related: Find A Laying Pattern That Shows Off The Look Of Your Patio Pavers In Lake Forest, IL
Style
Start by deciding whether you want your outdoor living areas to feel elegant or relaxed, sophisticated or casual, and modern or rustic. This is a highly personal choice that is often driven by the architectural style of the home.
Every type of paver has its own personality. While there are no hard rules, think about the overall look and feel of the space you’re creating. For example, if your home is a contemporary style with a brick facade, choosing more brick for the outdoor living space can feel too fussy and busy. Use large-format pavers to give your outdoor space a fresh and easygoing vibe and give the outdoor space and the home distinct personalities.
Size
Small pavers, such as those that mimic clay bricks, will give your space a cozy look and large-format pavers will make the space feel larger. You don’t need to use small pavers in small spaces, or large pavers in large spaces. Small pavers can give a large space a lot of character, texture and interest. Large pavers, especially when laid at a 45 degree angle to the home, can significantly increase the sense of spaciousness even on a tiny side-door patio.
Color
Color is all-important when it comes to matching the style you want. It is often best to use complementary colors to create a space that has its own personality yet ties in with the home.
You can create distinct outdoor rooms using pavers a few shades apart. Just like you probably don’t have the same flooring in the kitchen as you do in the living room, bathroom or bedrooms, your outdoor living space pavers don’t have to be all one color either. Choosing a complementary paver color and a different laying pattern for each room is a sophisticated look that lets you create a visually interesting yet unified space.
The secret to getting the overall look you want from any paver you choose is in the jointing sand. If you love the look of small pavers, create a smoother look by using jointing compound that is as close as possible to the color of the pavers. If you want drama and contrast, use lighter jointing sand. Eliminating obvious seams creates the illusion of a larger space, and emphasizing seams adds texture and visual interest.
Texture
Texture can be tactile, visual, or both. Minimize texture for a sophisticated and elegant look, and emphasize it for a rustic and relaxed look. Pavers with a flagstone texture, for example, work wonderfully in casual settings while smooth pavers with minimal texture can make any patio look like a luxury spa.
Laying Patterns
Think of laying patterns as guides for the eye. Very precise patterns such as herringbone or running bond are visually stunning but may be too formal for the look you’re going for. Many people opt for a more relaxed and “random” ashlar pattern that doesn’t draw the eye in a line, but rather allows it to rest on the outdoor living space in a pleasing way.
Related: Landscape Design Ideas That Utilize Different Textures In Northbrook, IL
