Designing the Perfect Landscape for Entertaining

Are you interested in transforming your outdoor space into the perfect entertaining area? There are a lot of variables to consider! At Hollandia Outdoor Living Concepts, we go through this comprehensive list of questions with our customers to help bring their dream entertaining spaces to life.

Step One: Determining Purpose

There’s a lot to unpack before we can begin the design phase. Here are some questions we use to get the conversation started.

• Who and how many people will be using your space?
  This is our starting point. It’s crucial to know how many people will be using your space.

  • Will it just be your family of four, or will you be hosting pool parties and the big 4th of July party?

  • Will the space be used by adults, children, or both?

• What activities do you see yourself doing in this space?

  • Will you need open space for kids and pets to run around in or yard games?

  • Will you need seating areas for large groups, family dinners, or lounging in the sun or shade?

  • Do you plan to grill for a large group?

• When will you be using the space?

  • What time of year? Summer only, or is a warm space for the fall and winter needed?

  • Daytime only, or nighttime too?

• How do you currently use your outdoor space?

  • What do you enjoy about your current space?

  • What new features are you looking to add?

Step Two: Identifying Site Opportunities & Limitations

• Local laws and ordinances
  Before we get to designing the space, we need to understand what your town or homeowner’s association may allow or prevent you from doing. It’s better to know this up front so that we can work around any limitations.

• Property evaluation
  We evaluate your property to understand the boundaries of the project and existing features.

  • How much space do you have to work with?

  • What features, plants, and structures are important to keep, and what is ok to remove?

  • What type of terrain are we dealing with?

• Budget
  Everyone has a budget! It is important to talk about this up-front, so we can set expectations and deliver the most bang for your buck.

Step Three: Selecting Features

By this point, we understand your vision for the project and the space we are working with. Now, let’s start talking about the features!

• Patio
  What material (brick pavers, concrete, deck) is right for your space? Is there potential to have different elevations to create separate areas within the entertaining space?

• Vertical structures
  Vertical structures like pergolas, sitting or retention walls, and screening structures help create a warm or enclosed feel in certain areas. They can also direct flow patterns and separate spaces if desired.

• Pools or hot tubs
  If a pool is in the cards, will it be a liner pool or a custom concrete pool?

• Firepit

• Grill space or outdoor kitchen

• Water features

• Night lighting

• Outdoor sound systems

• Landscaping
  Landscaping softens your space. Trees, shrubs, and perennials will bring natural beauty to your entertaining space and be a real feature.

Have additional features in mind? The possibilities are endless!

Step Four: Designing & Installing

Once you’ve chosen the features of your entertaining space, we begin to design. We

use 3D design software so you can “see” your space before it’s built. Read about 3D landscape design and how it saves time and money and gives you peace of mind. For an in-depth look at our design process, read our blog about how we work!

Designing a perfect entertaining space takes a lot of thought and preparation. Every space has incredible potential, no matter how big or small it is. The design team at Hollandia Outdoors is full of experts who can help make your dream project come to reality! Contact us to get started on your space.