How 3D Renderings Can Help Your Landscape Design Process

The landscape design process can be complicated, time-consuming, and exhausting. However, that doesn’t mean that the experience will be the same for homeowners and designers. While landscaping workers might have a tough time designing a backyard or patio space to fit the vision of a homeowner, it’s virtually a guarantee that the experience will be an exciting one for whoever owns the property being developed. That’s because, at the end of the ordeal, homeowners know that their backyard, outdoor kitchen, or whatever outdoor addition they’re making to their home is something that they’ve always wanted!

At State of the Art, it’s our aim to provide homeowners with a visualization of their dream landscaping outcome that’s as close-to-perfect as possible. We do this using 3D renderings, which will allow both homeowners and our own employees to see precise measurements and images of what we’re going for through our construction efforts. This is especially useful when building complex structures, adding onto existing construction pieces or removing/grading land for new projects. Below we’ll talk a little bit more about what we do and how we do it.

Designing & Building Dream Landscapes

Once scheduled for a consultation session, our experts will arrive to get a firsthand view of a homeowner’s property. This will allow us to fully map out an area, examine elevation changes, and take into account all areas that will be affected by construction. Once this information has been gathered, we’ll take it into account when designing homeowners their own unique 3D customized conceptual layout of what the area will look like after we’re all finished.

Not only does this give homeowners the ability to see their vision fully realized before construction even begins, but it gives us the opportunity to identify any possible issues with construction. Maybe the placement of a swimming pool isn’t ideal due to elevation, or an outdoor oven might be placed too close to neighboring property – whatever the problem, we’ll work to fix it so that homeowners are fully satisfied with whatever result occurs.

There are a number of issues that can arrive with different types of landscaping efforts. Below, we’ve listed the kinds of services we provide, along with some of the complications and workarounds that occur with them.

Hardscape Construction

Hardscaping refers to the practice of installing stonework into a natural landscape. This can be in the form of adding stone walls, stone patios, brick ovens, and staircases. Hardscaping can drastically raise the profile of your backyard or patio, but the downsides of it are that it is an expensive process, and it’s quite easy to blunder during installation. Shoddy masonry and unsafe builds are some of the main problems that occur during installation. However, both can usually be avoided by careful planning and the hiring of qualified professionals.

Swimming Pools

Swimming pools are often underestimated as simply being dug holes filled with water, but they’re quite a bit more work with that. The excavation and construction process is a detailed effort that requires intensive knowledge of the soil composition, location of pipes and power lines, proximity to the sewer and neighboring electric structures, and much more. Plus, once construction begins, expenses can quickly mount up depending on the chosen material to construct the surface and deck of the pool. Furthermore, if heating is required then that’s an entirely different issue that requires an electrical engineer, fuel supplier, and even more hands-on deck.

Decks

A quality deck can drastically elevate a landscape, and many modern homes are adding them into their landscaping plans. They can be constructed using a wide variety of materials, including elegant hardwoods, masonry, and brickwork. Their construction obviously needs to take into account the space they’re working with, along with safety as a priority. Load-bearing decks might need to be able to support 10-15 people at once, which is something that the design team will be inquiring about throughout the design and installation process.

Pavilions and Pergolas

What can be a whimsical and practical addition to any home can also be a tedious endeavor for designers and construction workers. Pavilions and pergolas can be an immersive way to enjoy the outdoors, providing only the barest shelter from the elements. These are usually quite simple to construct, but depending on homeowner specifications, can be made to be quite complicated and intricate structures.

Sport Courts

Homeowners looking to incorporate more exercise and team play into their lives may wish to install a sporting court for basketball, tennis, or shuffleboard. All of these courts can be constructed to match the exact regulatory standards of the sports themselves, and incorporated into the existing environment as naturally as possible.

Fire Pits

There’s nothing quite like enjoying a bonfire with friends and families once the weather starts getting a little bit chilly, or on summer nights once the day’s heat has passed. Fire pits can be constructed in a number of shapes, sizes, and materials, and designers at State of the Art will work with homeowners to identify their dream fire pits so as to make those dreams an exact reality.

Boulder Work

Pre-existing boulders on a home’s landscape can be viewed as both a blessing and a curse. Depending on perspective, homeowners might see them as a natural wonder or a random obstruction. At State of the Art, we incorporate boulders as naturally as possible into a landscaping vision if possible – otherwise, we’ll do our best to remove them from the picture entirely.

Fencing

Whether it’s more room for the pets or kids to run around safely in or just more privacy overall, we can work with homeowners to address all fencing needs that might be required.

Outdoor Kitchens

Every dream outdoor setup as an outdoor kitchen, complete with a floor of stone or wood, a brick oven, roasting pit, etc. Whatever amenities you could want in your outdoor kitchen, at State of the Art we’ll work to make it happen.

10 Ways to Enjoy Your Outdoor Living Space All Year

As of 2014, outdoor living spaces have emerged as the most popular “special function” room among homeowners. Since then, ways to improve upon and create further uses for any outdoor living space have increased greatly, and are more accessible for homeowners—no matter their price point.

So, as nights become longer and the colder months set in, how can you work to create an outdoor living space that works for you year-round? Read on for 10 ways for you to enjoy your outdoor living space.

1. Weatherproof Furniture

If your outdoor living space is uncovered, or subject to a lot of rain, it’s crucial to invest in weatherproof furniture. Even if your backyard usually remains dry, having weatherproof furniture on hand is going to reduce the risk of colors fading from sun exposure.

Weatherproof furniture, whether it’s a lawn chair or couch complete with throw pillows, is going to last a lot longer outside than any other furniture you might consider putting outdoors.

2. Cover It Up

Creating cover not only helps you define areas when you have company over but it also protects your outdoor furniture. Pergolas are also great for this and provide a defined space for any purpose you see fit, but they don’t come with the protection of a cover.

Coverage also allows you to sit outside at any time and not have to worry as much about wet seating or slippery surfaces.

3. Add Heating

For the cold months, adding heat is an easy way to enjoy your outdoor living space. You can do this with a fire pit or outdoor heater. Some deck floors even come with heating, and heat lamps are always a great option as well.

A heating element also creates a gathering space in your backyard and serves as the focal point for any gathering or get-together. 

4. Create Definition

If a heating element isn’t in your budget, or you already have one, there are other ways to create defined areas in your outdoor living space. Creating defined areas help break up your backyard and make it feel homier.

Use outdoor area rugs and other landscape features to create defined spaces. String lights can also help.

Some ideas can include a fire pit area, kitchen area, game area, or a pool area. Seating is also a great, affordable option (and highly necessary if you have guests over often).

5. Invest in Lighting

Several sources of lighting allow you to stay outside longer in the fall and winter months when the sun goes down sooner.

Outdoor LED string lights work best to create a cozy ambiance. Path markers and string lights work to create walkways in your outdoor living space. Get creative with solar lights or different colored bulbs depending on the season.

6. Outdoor Cooking

It’s no secret that food brings people together. Why not bring the power of your kitchen outdoors?

It can be as beautiful and grand as you’d like—complete with cabinetry, refrigerator, wine cooler, grill, and even a sink. It can also be as simple as acquiring a grill, outdoor table, and chairs for everyone to gather around and eat at.

7. Grab Some Games

No matter the weather, games can be enjoyed for seasons upon seasons without ever going out of style. You can even get creative and make your own game pieces.

For outdoor games of cornhole and Jenga, it’s as simple as finding a how-to guide and spending a weekend with some wood, tools, and paint. Sourcing the materials for soccer, outdoor bowling, or even horseshoe are great ways to keep family and friends outdoors for hours.

8. Keep Things Cozy

Maybe you already have a fire pit, but there are more ways to keep things cozy. Get throw blankets and cuddly outdoor pillows so everyone can stay warm late into the evening, whether huddled around a fire or not.

Throw blankets, pillows, and outdoor rugs are also easy to keep seasonal. You can switch them out depending on the holiday or time of year. Keep different materials, designs, and thicknesses in mind.

9. Get Your Feet Wet

Water features are another thing that can be enjoyed year-round if you have the right materials. Heated pools or water features are perfect, but so is a hot tub. 

They’re inviting and can be enjoyed alone or with friends!

10. Clean up Often

While you should pick up your belongings and keep your outdoor living space clean, this tip is aimed at the weather.

Particularly in the winter, it’s important to keep up with snow removal. This helps keep your outdoor furniture and appliances in the best shape possible. Sweeping regularly and wiping off surfaces in the fall and springtime keeps pollen and bugs at bay.

Depending on your climate, Summer can bring rainfall or intense sunshine. No matter the case, this season is probably going to be the easiest in keeping your outdoor living space clean. Especially if you’re using the area often!

Enjoy Your Outdoor Living Space Year-Round

Using these tips is sure to allow you to enjoy your outdoor living space year-round. Get creative with the ways you choose to utilize them and customize them to fit your needs and wants.

Also, keep who is going to be using the space in mind! Children and pets are going to have different needs from older guests in friends. There are options for everyone out there, and it’s important to make sure everyone coming into your space enjoys it!

If you’re wanting to take on bigger outdoor projects, don’t be afraid to let the professionals lending a helping hand.

Contact us today with any questions or ideas. We’re happy to help you create the outdoor living space of your dreams.

8 Fall Firepit Ideas to Heat up Autumn

Having friends and family gather around a fire is about as natural as it gets. People have been doing this since the dawn of time. It’s relaxing; it’s a great way to build community; it provides the basic necessity of warmth when you want to spend time outdoors. 

If you’ve been considering this addition to your outdoor space, we have a few firepit ideas that’ll set your nights to blazing and invite family and friends to stay just a little while longer. 

Whether you want to roast marshmallows, retell stories of old, or simply burn the midnight oil, we’re sure one of these fire pit ideas below will tickle your fancy. 

1. Fire Pit & Pool

We’ve all seen luxurious pools with an attached hot tub or sauna. But, how about mixing a little fire and water? This is, without question, one of our favorite fire pit ideas.

In lieu of the hot tub (or in addition to it), you can frame out a fire pit and nestle it into one of the corners of the pool. Or, you can position it beside the hot tub. Makes sense, right? 

Few things in life are more relaxing than lounging on a float or looking into a fire at night. Combining the two is a surefire way to light up your nights and make everyone feel at home. 

2. In-Ground Fire Pit

This one you have to be careful with, especially if you have a lot of kiddos running around. But, just like your swimming pool, you can actually go above ground or below with a fire pit. 

If you’ve installed some magnificent tile flooring in your outdoor space, you might want to maintain those lines. In which case, you can install a fire pit below ground and gather your outdoor sofas or benches around.  

3. Perimeter Fire Pit

If you like the idea of a gas fire pit, this may be a great option for you. You can create a perimeter, or a divide, to your seating area. One consideration is creating a small perimeter wall between the seating area and your pool. 

With one flick of a switch, you can set the flames to dancing as some guests lounge in your seating area and others take a dip in the water. Either way, everyone gets to enjoy the show. 

4. Sunk-In Seating Area with Firepit

The fire doesn’t have to be the only thing in the pit. What if you were to create a circular three-foot wall, line the interior with Adirondack chairs, and build a stone fire pit in the center? 

Now, you’ve created a dedicated space. You can hang blankets on the back of the chairs, set out small side tables, and even position footrests for each chair. Perhaps you’ll build some speakers or a sound system into the wall and let the beat go on. 

5. Fire Table

This one you’ve probably seen. It’s practically a staple. Instead of a coffee table in the middle of a designated seating area, people are opting for a fire pit that blends seamlessly into the environment. 

With fire tables, there can still plenty of room along the perimeter of the fire to set down appetizer plates and glasses, but there’s no mistaking what’s at the heart of it all.

Fire tables come in all shapes and sizes. They can be made of stone pavers, wood, metal, and even glass. They can be circular, square, or rectangular. If you can dream it up, it can be built and showcased.

6. Fire Bowl

This is just as it seems and utterly fantastic. Like any other option, fire bowls come in all shapes and sizes. They’re circular, made of a multitude of materials, and nestle neatly into any open space.

These, too, can continue in the same vein as the pavers on your patio. Or, they can be constructed out of stacked stone, flat stone, limestone, or any other natural stone that matches your overall motif. 

7. Reflective Fire Pit

Speaking of endless building materials, let’s discuss one of the best ways to amplify your fire. With the right glass or tile, you can create a reflection of your fire, doubling the size and effect of your flames.

If you create a circular pit and layer the top of it with black tile, you’re going to enjoy a magnificent reflection in the evening hours. This will enable to flames to dance at the center of your party in a most show-stopping way. 

8. Concrete Fire Pit

Concrete is, in our opinion, one of the most underappreciated materials. It’s not just for roadside crews to pour out on a sidewalk. 

Concrete can be stained, scored, and polished to create modern, clean lines. Whether you want a circular pit or a square pit, concrete can be dressed up to create an impervious, neat, and tidy arrangement that’ll last a lifetime. 

Firepit Ideas to Light Up Your Fall Nights

What do you say? Will it be a firepit nestled beside your pool? A perimeter pit? Or a sunken seating area that makes it all about the fire? Whatever your desire, now’s the time to set yourself up for all those fall evenings under the stars. 

Here at State of the Art Landscape, we can bring all your dreams to life. We offer top-quality pool building, landscaping, turf, and landscape maintenance. 

Come take a look at our portfolio to browse our gardens, masonory projects, swimming pools, decks, outdoor kitchens, and more.

Which feature do you dream about bringing to life? Allow us to pair it with the perfect pit to set your autumn nights aflame.

And we won’t leave you high and dry once we’ve created the backyard of your dreams. We’re also here for year-round maintenance and snow removal. 

As you enjoy your hot tub and fire pit, we’ll keep your land clear and safe throughout all the winter months.

If you live in Northern Virginia, feel free to schedule a no-obligation on-site appointment today. We’ll be delighted to come by and continue to make your backyard an extension of your home.

What is Hardscaping?

When you see the yard of your dreams, what elements do you see? Likely, there are beautiful natural elements, such as carefully arranged flowers, vegetables and decorative plants. But there are other elements that contribute to a well-designed landscape: the hard materials, also known as hardscaping

The Low-Down on HardscapingNorthern Virginia Luxury Landscaping 

It’s highly possible that, while you have enjoyed your own and your friends’ backyards, that you haven’t realized that the blend of hardscaping and softscaping is what creates the ultimate outdoor experience. 

Landscaping provides the ability for a customer to have a greater appreciation for being outside and being comfortable in their own living space. With hardscaping and softscaping, you can personalize your landscape, the extension of a perennial garden, a habitat of your own creation and for your enjoyment and leisurely appreciation. 

Many individuals value their outdoor spaces as a place to entertain and experience outdoor comfort.

Hardscaping for Privacy 

For many homeowners, buying a home means buying a set of neighbours and a piece of a neighbourhood, whether you would choose it or not. One of the best reasons to consider a carefully designed landscaping project that incorporates hardscaping features is to control the privacy and amount of noise that you can hear from your outdoor living space. 

For example, water features are able to gently mask the more unpleasant noises of both auto and foot traffic outside of your property. Then, when it comes to privacy, your landscaper will be able to work with you to use retaining walls, gazebo and many other features to give you more privacy from your neighbours in a creative and aesthetically pleasing way. 

To paint a picture of other ways to promote privacy in your backyard with hardscaping elements include: 

  •     Woven Screen (using materials like wood or metal)
  •     Solid Panels (translucent or opaque)
  •     Wood Pergola
  •     Ceiling-like Panels (slotted for extra light)
  •     Lattices

Many homeowners prioritize the ability to enjoy their outdoor space without interruption from unwanted noise or prying eyes. But privacy isn’t the only benefit to incorporating hardscaping features alongside your natural features such as floral and edible elements.

Endless Benefits to Hardscaping

Custom Landscaping NOVA

Other benefits of hardscaping features include: 

  •     Guarding your garden against unwanted pests
  •     Extension of your living and entertaining space
  •     Increased property value
  •     Versatility and design expression
  •     Physical boundaries
  •     An added dimension to your natural space
  •     Increased comfort
  •     Ability to enjoy summer nights comfortable seating and ample lighting
  •     Effective yet visually appealing storage for your toys and tools

We embrace creativity throughout the whole process. One of the leading trends in landscape design is mixing textures and materials. We embrace the ability to use a variety of different materials, such as natural stone, polished and shaped stone, and even metals and synthetic materials to create the perfect design. Many homeowners use landscaping as a way to express the design and appearances that they love and already have throughout their home. 

A quality landscaping company will work with you to harness the interaction between hardscaping and softscaping. Since many expert landscape designers believe that hardscaping provides the foundation for the softscaping elements, many will highly recommend that you include complementary elements to your dream garden and backyard.

Common Examples of Hardscaping 

When designing your yard, here are some common hardscaping elements that you could consider adding to your design:

Custom Northern Virginia Pools Hardscaping

  •     Paver Patio
  •     Stone Wall
  •     Gazebo
  •     Garden Walls
  •     Planting Beds
  •     Large Boulders
  •     Stone Edging
  •     Accent Stones
  •     Light Fixtures
  •     Pillars Or Columns
  •     Seat Walls
  •     Stepping Stones
  •     Waterfalls
  •     Swimming Pools
  •     Fountains
  •     Ponds
  •     Stream bed
  •     Fire Features Such As Fireplaces Or Fire Pits
  •     Even a pizza oven feature has become increasingly popular!

Designing Your Outdoor Living Space 

Your landscaping wish list can (and should) be a mile long when you’re working with your landscaping design company. That way, you can rest assured that your landscape project incorporates elements that you’ve considered and value the most. 

State of the Art Landscape embraces creativity and challenges, all with the goal to create a dream outdoor living space for you and your family. We professionally design and execute your outdoor living space, with comprehensive services that let you dream big or dream big on a budget. No project is too big or too small for us! We love working with a variety of customers, ideas, and yard sizes to create the perfect space for you. 

Let us bring our passion for quality and our years of landscaping experience to create your dream outdoor living space. Request an on-site appointment with one of our passionate landscape designers today. Let’s get started!

Hardscaping North Virginia 

Benefits of a Pool in Your Own Backyard

There’s just something about the summer that seems to make people happy. Maybe it’s the kids being off school, maybe it’s the memories we have stored away from our own childhoods and that sense of freedom that comes along with it.

Summer is even better when it’s spent poolside surrounded by friends and family. But when you don’t have your own pool and have to watch your neighbors enjoy theirs through the fence it can put a damper on your mood.

Here are the benefits of having a pool in your backyard and why it’s an essential item to have when the hot weather is upon you. A cold popsicle just doesn’t do the job anymore.

Benefits of Installing a Backyard Pool

Cool Off Anytime Anywhere

We all love the beach but it’s such a hassle do get there. You have to drive out of your way to get to those sandy shores, pay for parking, and pack everything you need for the day but somehow still manage to forget stuff. Don’t even try the public pool – that place is always way too crowded.

Cool off anytime at your convenience with a pool in your backyard! You won’t have to deal with crowds, parking, or any other of the small things that can make any trip to a body of water a hassle. Simply walk out your door and jump in when the heat gets too much – it’s that easy.

It’s Great For Entertaining

Most people love the summer cookouts. Just the thought of grilling some steaks, kabobs, burgers, and vegetables gets our mouths watering and your hands busy texting our friends planning the next one. But if you’re hosting, a pool makes your job a lot easier.

A backyard pool at the cookout gives your guests something to do and hang around until the food’s ready. It keeps the party fun and lively while providing hours of excellent entertainment for kids. Since you’re supplying the pool, hopefully, someone else is supplying the pasta salad.

It Makes Your Green Space Look Gorgeous

Adding any kind of water element is a great way to break up the grass and greenery out back with a focal piece that’s stylish and soothing. But adding a pool makes the element functional for you and your life as well.

Gone are the days when pools had to be your standard rectangle and blue plastic combination. Now, pools can be built into custom shapes that complement your backyard and look as stylish as they are fun to splash in. It’s a win, win!

Pools Are Ideal For Exercise

Don’t bother buying a gym membership when you have a pool in your backyard because swimming is one of the best exercises for you. It’s a full-body workout that also conditions your heart and lungs.

Swimming is great for you because it’s low impact movement that won’t disturb those suffering from joint pain or mobility issues, water resistance is higher than air resistance so you’ll get your heart rate up while you’re swimming, and it’s an aerobic exercise so you’ll be burning lots of calories while you do it.

The best part about having a backyard pool is that it’s a private way to get your exercise in without nosy people looking at you at the gym. We’ve all felt exposed and self-conscious when we lock eyes with that one random person who’s watching you on the treadmill. Avoid that whole situation and workout somewhere that’s private.

Your Kids Will Love It

Any kid with a pool basically lives in it all summer. They’re out there from 9am to 9pm playing with their friends, tanning, listening to music, and swimming laps happily. The pool is basically the summer camp that’s way easier to get to and they can choose when snack time is.

Your kids won’t be able to thank you enough for installing a pool – everyone will want to hang out and party with them at the pool and have a great summer. Plus, you’ll always know that your kids are safe and not getting into trouble since they’ll be at home and you can check on them when you please.

Contact State of the Art Landscape for Your Backyard Pool

Have yourself a wonderful summer by signing up to install a backyard pool today. The benefits of having a pool are just way too good to ignore. Plus, when you’re drenched in sweat in the middle of a heatwave and desperately trying to cool down with one measly icepack in your basement, a pool is all you’re going to be dreaming about.

Contact the experts in luxury custom swimming pools in Northern Virginia to learn more about what we can build for you.