As you look to enhance your backyard, one option stands out – patio installations. Patios help improve any outdoor space they adorn. They provide a significant aesthetic upgrade. Of course, their practical function can’t be denied. Patios make backyard spaces distinct while setting boundaries.
However, it all starts with the design. The design is crucial in determining whether the space will be enhanced or not. The location will also play a factor. If you live in St. Louis, Missouri, you must consider that. Those two factors will impact everything else. So, what are the top patio backyard design ideas for homes in St. Louis?
A Guide for Patio Backyard Design in St. Louis
St. Louis’s unique climate and architectural heritage create special opportunities for stunning backyard patio designs. With hot summers, cold winters, and varying precipitation throughout the year, creating the perfect outdoor living space requires thoughtful planning and consideration of local conditions. The top landscape contractors St. Louis has to offer need to be knowledgeable about these to provide the best results.
1. Four-Season Outdoor Living Rooms
St. Louis experiences all four seasons distinctly, making versatile outdoor spaces essential. Consider designing a covered patio with:
- Retractable awnings or pergolas with adjustable louvers
- Outdoor ceiling fans for summer comfort
- Built-in infrared heaters for chilly spring and fall evenings
- Weather-resistant furniture in materials like powder-coated aluminum or teak
- Outdoor curtains to block wind and create privacy
2. Native Plant Integration
Incorporating Missouri native plants creates sustainable, low-maintenance beauty:
- Purple coneflowers and black-eyed Susans for summer color
- Ornamental grasses like little bluestem for year-round interest
- Native shrubs such as witch hazel and serviceberry for structure
- Container gardens with native perennials to define patio spaces
3. Multi-Level Designs
Many St. Louis homes feature sloped yards, making multi-level patios an excellent solution:
- Terraced spaces connected by wide steps
- Mixed materials like flagstone and brick to define different areas
- Built-in planters at varying heights
- Multiple seating areas for different activities
- Strategic lighting between levels for safety and ambiance
4. Historic Brick Integration
Paying homage to St. Louis’s brick architecture heritage:
- Reclaimed St. Louis brick for patio surfaces and walls
- Herringbone or basketweave patterns for visual interest
- Mixing old and new materials for a transitional look
- Incorporating brick features like built-in planters or fire pits
5. Water Management Solutions
Given St. Louis’s significant rainfall and humidity:
- Permeable paving materials to reduce runoff
- French drains disguised with decorative river rock
- Slight grading away from the home’s foundation
- Rain gardens with moisture-loving native plants
- Covered storage areas for furniture cushions
6. Entertainment-Focused Features
St. Louis’s strong community culture calls for gathering spaces:
- Built-in grilling stations with countertop space
- Pizza ovens for year-round outdoor cooking
- Comfortable seating arrangements for Cardinals game-watching
- Audio systems disguised in weatherproof landscaping features
- Mood lighting with LED string lights or built-in fixtures
7. Privacy Solutions
For urban and suburban settings:
Vertical gardens using native vines
Custom privacy screens with architectural details
Strategic placement of large containers with bamboo
Mixed-height plantings along property lines
Pergolas with retractable canopies
8. Year-Round Interest
Designing for all seasons:
- Fire pits or outdoor fireplaces for winter gathering
- Evergreen plantings for year-round screening
- Hardy perennials that provide winter structure
- Lighting design for early winter evenings
- Heated seating areas for extended seasonal use
9. Sustainable Features
Environmentally conscious elements:
- Solar-powered lighting systems
- Rain barrels disguised with decorative screens
- Native plant species that support local wildlife
- Composite decking materials from recycled materials
- Energy-efficient LED lighting systems
10. Local Material Integration
Using materials that complement the local environment:
- Missouri limestone for retaining walls and features
- Local quarried stone for pathways
- Regional hardwoods for pergolas and screens
- Native gravel and river rock for drainage areas
When implementing these design ideas, consider working with local contractors familiar with St. Louis building codes and climate considerations.
Many of these features can be mixed and matched to create a unique outdoor living space that suits both your lifestyle and your home’s architectural style while standing up to St. Louis’s distinctive weather patterns.
To get your desired results, call us at GeenScape STL, we are the top full-service landscaping contractor in St. Louis. So if you want to learn more about us and our services, please contact us today!