Backyard Spa Ideas

Trellis

1. For a private backyard spa retreat, install a trellis over the spa area.  A trellis can be a perfect piece to accent a spa while providing a spot to grow vines and flowers over.  A large trellis can cover the spa, plus an area for additional seating for a patio set.  Use this to have dinner before a relaxing dip into the spa.  Use containers at the base of the spa to plant creeping flowers.  Train them to grow up the trellis and over the top for a secluded spa retreat.  Moonflowers, which open at night, and creeping thyme, will create a lush and exotic design.

Fireplace

2. Take the edge of cool nights and install a fire pit next to your spa.  Fire pits, which are portable, can be placed near your spa for a warm glow.  They come in many colors and designs to match your needs.  A chimina, which is made of ceramic material, is a front-loading fire pit with an oblong body.  Place a chimina around your spa and enjoy a glass of wine in your spa landscape.

Waterfall

3. For a bold and dramatic addition to your spa, add a waterfall above the spa.  The water, which will cascade into the spa area, will create a relaxing and inviting retreat to the landscape.  Use your favorite stone to create a waterfall.  Install a pump and water feature as the main unit, with rocks and plants nearby for added design and coverage.  Waterfalls can be turned on and off depending upon the time of the year.  For an added design feature, use lights around the waterfall to create a romantic ambiance.

Stone Patio

4. Next to the spa area, create a stone patio and walkway.  Using flagstone or slate and create a space adjacent to the spa for an area to enjoy dinner on. Clear out the space and lay the stone in your ideal design.  Round patio’s look are beautiful and can create the perfect spot for your outdoor patio set. Using the same stones, create a pathway leading to the spa area.  Plant moss or creeping thyme between the stones for a beautiful design.

Trees

5. For an attractive backdrop around the spa, plant large cedar trees and dwarf spruce trees.  Plant these along a pathway to your spa area or behind the spa for a beautiful landscape design.  Cedar trees, which are evergreen, will remain colorful into the fall and winter.  Low growing shrubs surrounding the spa area will create texture and color.  Purple hydrangea’s scattered in the landscape area will create a magical setting.  Their big blooms can also be cut to use in a vase on your patio set.

Custom Cabinets

1. Custom cabinets can be as beautiful as any piece of fine furniture.  It can be made of any wood, have any kind of finish and feature glass panels and hardware of any metal finish or design.  Custom cabinets also have many functional bonuses.  If you are a true cook, you know how much storage you need and exactly what you need it for.  For instance, if you regularly use your KitchenAid Mixer or Cuisinart, they can sit in a recessed cubby on your counter top and be pulled out on a sliding shelf.  Your pantry can be designed to accommodate your food choices.  Do you have several different vinegars? Design your pantry or other storage area for easy access to them. You can also create specialized drawers, with appropriate slots, for items like cutlery.

Classy Countertops

2. Countertops in a luxury kitchen can feature one surface or several variations for different applications.  The most expensive countertop choice is granite. Granite comes in a range of beautiful natural colors.  Granite is virtually indestructible.  It is not affected by heat and cannot be scratched without major effort.  It is the choice of most luxury kitchen remodeling projects.  However, it is not always the choice of chefs or those with an artistic eye.  Chefs often prefer that at least some of their countertop be made of wooden butcher block.  Butcher block allows a chef to work directly on the counter surface without damaging their knives.Butcher block can also be very inexpensively replaced or simply refinished.  You can sand it down a bit, reseal it and you have a new countertop. Some chefs also like stainless steel because of its ability to be thoroughly cleaned.  Those with an artistic eye may be drawn to extraordinary designer tiles. Tile comes in an extraordinary range of colors, designs and textures.  The only drawback to tile is keeping the grout clean and the potential for tiles breaking and chipping.
   

   Appliances and Gadgets

3. If you are not restrained by budget, your luxury kitchen should feature the finest appliances and gadgets, including a subzero refrigerator, a professional grade gas stove and oven, and an over-the-stove pot filler.  Your kitchen could also include a garbage compactor, two dishwashers (a must for a busy mom or hostess), an additional freezer or refrigerator, and a temperature controlled wine rack.  Do you need a deep fryer, an indoor grill or a wood-burning pizza oven?  Let your cooking style determine your luxury kitchen appliance and gadget choices.

Artful Touches

4. A luxurious kitchen-remodeling project would not be complete without an artist’s touch.  Hire one to complete a custom mural or trompe l’oeil scene?  A mosaic expert can transform your kitchen’s tile work into something extraordinary.  A stain-glass master can create custom insets for your cabinet doors.  A metal smith can create completely unique drawer pulls and handles for your cabinets.   desired, custom designed and hand-blown glass lighting fixtures can illuminate your room.

1. Understand what the word contemporary means. Contemporary is often confused with modern style.  Modern furniture came from a specific time period. Contemporary literally means “the present time.”  Contemporary style is always changing.  Whatever is contemporary now, won’t be contemporary in a decade.  This means that you will be on the cutting edge of design.  It also means that your furniture may seem dated in a few years.  Spend the appropriate amount of money.  You can choose neutral furniture pieces that will transition into the next style.   If you are set on having a really unusual dining room set, cut your budget in half so you can replace it when it becomes outdated.
2. Create an illusion of space.  This can be done by taking out any unnecessary pieces of furniture.   Decide how important it is for you to have a china cabinet. If you don’t really use it, this can free up a ton of space. Clean the windows so more light enters the room.  Keep clutter to a minimum.   Only use what is absolutely necessary.   Contemporary style tends to stay away from chair pads & table clothes.  The beauty is in the lines of the furniture. Since this can feel a little stark make sure that every item is special in some way, even your flatware.
3. Repeat shapes.  A contemporary dining room gives off a feeling instead of an overall theme.  You can create continuity in your room with shapes.  If you have a round dining table, try a large drum shade light fixture over it.   You can repeat the pattern on the rug, & even etched into your glasses. Stripes, squares & other geometric designs are often found in contemporary design.  Just make sure that you use muted or neutral colors so it doesn’t start to look childish.
4. Decorate with white.  White is one of the most used colors in contemporary dining rooms.  You might think that you already have a white dining room, but it may be looking a little dingy.  This can make the room feel unkempt.  The white should be intentional instead of the default.  However, a coat of bright white paint will really bring in that contemporary feeling.
5. Use elements of nature in unexpected ways.  This can be as simple as having a bamboo floor in your contemporary dining room.  Modern design stays away from many natural elements, but a few touches in contemporary design can soften the feel.  You can even look for chargers with a sleek wood grain on them, or bring in a sisal area rug.
6. Play around with height.  Many contemporary dining rooms are found in newer homes.  These often have high ceilings.   One of the biggest trends in dining right now is a counter height table.   These work especially well in breakfast nooks.   Just make sure that you are comfortable sitting at this new height for a good length of time.
7. If you accentuate the height of the room it can make the entire space seem larger.  You can even try making a large centerpiece made out of curly twigs or willows.  Top notch wedding designers often use these at celebrity weddings.  Just make sure that the piece is skinny enough that your guests can still see each other around the centerpiece or through the branches.