It’s no secret that the addition of a paver driveway, pool deck or patio is a simple way to boost a home’s curb appeal and add value to the abode.
The ultimate goal, however, is to create a stunning outdoor space that encompasses the customer’s design aesthetic and exceeds their expectations. From simple borders to elaborate inlaid designs, incorporating an accent of a differing paver style, texture, shape or color can add a creative touch to the project, improving both form and function.
Paver options
It’s important to work with the homeowner to decide whether they would like to install permeable or impervious pavers. Although traditional pavers may be lower in overall cost, there are many benefits to installing permeable pavers.
• Water will never pool on the surface, which can reduce the risk of slips and falls on pool decks.
• In Northern states, a heating system can even be installed beneath the pavers to keep snow from accumulating during the winter.
• Permeable pavers filter water back underground to recharge local groundwater supplies and to reduce water use for landscaping, creating a positive impact on the environment.
• Some states and municipalities offer grants or tax incentives for installing permeable pavers, as the system reduces the burden on local stormwater collection systems and improves local water quality.
Paver colors
Homeowners today are increasingly looking for designs to bring the indoors out. As part of that effort, they’re choosing features within their outdoor spaces that seamlessly integrate experiences between the two environments. As such, keep the architectural style of the home in mind to ensure your proposed product choices and design work cohesively with the home’s current color or architecture.
Consider these tips when working with some of today’s most popular colors:
Grey and greige: Simple, soft and neutral colors such as gray and taupe blend with clean design lines to create approachable, modern outdoor spaces that might feature contemporary large-form or porcelain pavers.
Coral hues: Taking inspiration from Pantone’s Color of the Year, Living Coral, some pavers have hues of coral incorporated into the color blend. There are also many paver styles with complementary colors that can work well in conjunction with Living Coral.
Patterns and styles
As a complement to paver color, customers should look at the overarching style of the paver — traditional, contemporary, stone-textured looks and more.
Traditional: For those who like a tried-and-true style, consider rectangular and cobble-style pavers laid into a traditional pattern, such as running bond, herringbone or basket weave. These patterns work especially well in smaller spaces that can be overwhelmed by larger styles.
Contemporary and modular: Under the modular category, you’ll find a variety of square and rectangular shapes that can be laid in multiple patterns for a less repetitive, more visually dynamic and contemporary look that works especially well for larger patios.
Asymmetrical or random: Asymmetrically shaped pavers create a natural look. This can also be achieved with multi-shape cobble-style pavers laid in a random pattern.
Permeable: For permeable paver installations, it’s best to use ashlar or herringbone patterns to create narrower joints. Large joints create an increased opportunity for shifting when used with running bond or basket weave patterns.
Creative touches
Varying patterns and colors can be used to add unique elements to a patio, driveway or walkway, which can add visual interest to a hardscape design.
Borders: Current trends lean toward coordinating colors that tie in with the roof color, either in the border or the primary paver field. Borders can make pavers pop in many ways, including using the same paver in a different color or different laying pattern, or installing a contrasting paver shape, texture, color and/or style for the border.
Accents: Focal points can be created using pattern embellishments and accents. This can be accomplished by using multiple paver styles, or simply by using contrasting colors, shapes and/or laying patterns of the same paver style. Squares or rectangles can be used to create contemporary focal points.
Boundaries: Paver patterns and borders can be used to indicate the transition from one outdoor room to another. In addition, an inlaid faux rug design reinforces the outdoor room concept and helps define spaces.
Pavers can add significant value and enhanced design aesthetic to any home. With thorough planning and discussion of design elements before breaking ground, pavers can prove fast, efficient and profitable for contractors and homeowners alike.
