Tag: outdoor living spaces

How To Build A Fire Pit For Your Yard

On cool fall and spring nights, sitting around a campfire with family and friends is incredibly relaxing. Having a fire pit in your backyard is sure to prove worthwhile, time and time again. Follow these simple tips when building a firepit.

outdoor firepit
Source: TAB Associates

 

  • Choose a site that’s located far from buildings and trees. Make sure the ground is level for easy building.
  • Check your local building codes. Some require that the fire pit is surrounded with sand or gravel.
  • Design your pit. Traditionally, they are cylindrical, and about 2 feet tall with a 5-foot diameter. However, you can make a bigger or smaller pit depending on your needs.
  • Dig the ground out and create a concrete foundation for your fire pit. You’ll also need to create a drainage area in the center.
  • When the foundation is formed and dry, lay the stones. If using natural stones, you may need to chisel them slightly to create attractive shapes. Seal them together with mortar, smooth it out, and seal it. You’re done!

At TAB Associates, our talented architects and designers are always happy to help you design the home of your dreams. Contact us to discuss your building plans today.

Ideas for Adding a Luxury Pool to Your Dream Home

A luxury swimming pool is an important feature of many people’s dream home. If you are adding an outdoor pool to your home, you have a lot of different pool design options to choose from, and many options contribute additional luxury to your home’s exterior. Our clients at TAB Associates can consider the following suggestions to find the right luxury swimming pool solutions for their homes:

luxury pool design
Source: TAB Associates
  • Working a pool in with landscaping– If you add landscaping to your yard when you have your pool put in, you can create an entire outdoor space that caters to the needs of your home’s residents and guests.
  • A pool and pergola– A patio surrounded by a pergola is an elegant place that can allow for relaxation after a swim.
  • Add a fountain– Water features such as fountains and waterfalls are great additions to a yard that complement a swimming pool.

Keep in touch with us at TAB Associates for more great design ideas for the home. We’re on Facebook and Twitter, so connect with us via social media or follow our blog to learn more!

If you’d like to learn more about luxury pool design possibilities, contact us at TAB Associates.

 

Stunning Ideas for a Cozy Outdoor Fireplace

In the summer, you want to spend as much time as possible relaxing in the great outdoors with friends. Whether you are hosting a summer party or enjoying a quiet evening with loved ones, an outdoor fireplace can really set the mood. Here are a few ideas for making yours unique and interesting.

Outdoor Fireplace
Source: BHG.com
  • Construct a stone fireplace for a smooth, timeless look. You can even have it finished in stucco, which adds textural interest.
  • An assortment of stones in various sizes and shapes creates an artistic look for your fireplace. If you have a laid-back back yard, this is a great choice.
  • Herringbone brick calls a lot of attention to itself, which is great if your backyard lacks a focal point. A tall fireplace paired with brick pillars can make your patio look rustically modern.
  • Consider building a fireplace that contrasts your backyard in a certain way. For example, you could rely on brick with your otherwise concrete hardscaping, or choose a color of stucco that stands out against your home.

TAB Associates, Inc. is dedicated to helping you design and plan the home of your dreams. Contact us today for more information about our architectural services.

Ways to Incorporate Your Side Yard Into Your Home Design

A side yard won’t quite support a swimming pool, but it’s large enough to fulfill a function on your property. If you are building a home, consider which elements you may be able to fulfill outside of the home, such as an entertainment or dining area. Design the side yard while simultaneously building your home to make the best use of your property.

  • Extra kitchen space. If you entertain guests often, but like do so outside, consider incorporating a cooking area into your kitchen design. When building the home, design a structure that can support a small outdoor kitchen and cooktop area.
  • Dining underneath the stars. Do you live in area with welcoming evening weather? Choose a long table and chairs to create an intimate outdoor dining setting. Opt for a more informal dining area in the home.
  • Reading Nook. Do you need a place to enjoy coffee and a good book? Create a comforting book nook with an arbor, plush seating and a crushed stone pathway over-layed with wood or stone walkway.

Are you building a home and in need of some guidance to bridge the interior and exterior design? Contact us at TAB Associates to discuss your building needs.