Waterfront living is nothing short of magical. From offering a peaceful place to relax, to endless hours of outdoor fun, a waterfront property has special charms found nowhere else. To make the most of the view and the experience, here are a few landscape design ideas for waterfront backyards in Reading, PA.
Related: Multiple Landscape Design Ideas for Staying Home in Comfort in Reading PA
Start by envisioning how you want to feel in your outdoor space. All of the “doing” and all of the “being” you’ll do in your backyard will elicit a feeling. What’s the feeling you most want to experience when you’re out there? Do you relish the idea of feeling peaceful and serene, relaxing in tucked-away spaces where you can soak in the view and listen to the sounds of waterfowl? Do you envision a happy and bustling space filled with laughter, play, and togetherness? Do you imagine yourself hosting sophisticated parties as the setting sun reflects on the water? Do you imagine cozy evenings with a special someone and the occasional intimate dinner with close friends?
Design tip: how you design your space, and the features you bring in, will influence how you feel.
Frame and Enhance the View
The view is “built in” but there are things you can to enhance it. Frame the view using tall cedars or masonry pillars topped with fire bowls or gazing balls. Since waterfront properties are often sloped, take advantage of this to give each zone or outdoor “room” a spectacular view. Place taller elements like outdoor kitchens, pergolas, fireplaces, and dining tables on the highest level so they don’t block the view. The lower levels can feature a fire pit, comfortable lounge chairs, or even an in-ground dipping pool or hot tub.
Design tip: don’t place tall elements like pergolas or outdoor fireplaces on the lower levels of a sloped backyard, where they will block the view from any part of your home or outdoor space.
A Terraced Approach
Instead of a staircase that takes you directly from the home to the water, consider creating several levels using a terraced approach. Terraces maximize the usability of the land by creating level areas for various activities. In this way, each space is its own destination that you won’t want to rush past on the way to the water. The upper level can be for cooking, dining, and entertaining; the middle level for a serene space to take in the views; and the lower level for fun and water-oriented play. Terraces make the experience more intimate by visually and physically defining spaces. It’s also an opportunity to use local materials, and create enough outdoor spaces that the whole family can enjoy being outdoors, without necessarily doing the same things.
Design tip: terraces are a beautiful and practical way to maximize your space and to create destinations along the way as you walk from the house to the waterfront.
Choose Materials that Fit In
Take cues directly from the water. What colors dominate in the rocks that are in the water? What types of stone is predominant in the area, for example granite or limestone? Some of the most noteworthy waterfront homes look as though they belong in the landscape - not just because of the architectural style, but because of the materials used. A minimalist ultramodern home can look just as “right” for the setting as a traditional cedar-clad home with white trim. Choose materials that create a beautiful transition from manmade to natural: where possible, local materials.
Design tip: whether you choose natural stone or manufactured stone (concrete pavers), choose colors that fit in with the landscape.
Related: Landscape Design Ideas for Blissful Backyard Getaways
