Planning a hardscape where every element works harmoniously is no small feat. If you’re having a difficult time picturing how you could have matching vertical elements to your patio pavers in Canton, MI, here’s a quick guide that will help you make the best design choices. Chances are you will find that choosing pavers and wall units in tandem will ensure availability of your materials and a cohesive look.
Start with Style
Do you want your outdoor space to be contemporary? Rustic? Minimalist? Historic or ultramodern? Start with the decision over the exact style, which will instantly simplify your other choices.
Pavers and wall blocks featuring simple lines, minimally textured surfaces, clean edges and neutral colors tend to be ideal for contemporary, minimalist, chic, or ultramodern styles. On the other hand, pavers and wall blocks with pronounced textures, distressed finishes, and rough edges are generally more suited to rustic, traditional, casual, historic, or cottage styles.
However, this is just a starting list. You can mix and match these materials if you like. For example, a smooth-textured patio using a granite-like paver looks great with a rougher stacked thin-flagstone wall in a complementary color. Or your vertical elements can be relatively smooth and simply feature a textured accent band or a rustic ledge for visual interest.
Color
It’s often a good idea to match the color of your hardscape to that of the roof rather than the color of the siding. With that said, if you have any changes in mind to the home, take visual cues from the landscape. A landscape with rich evergreens warrants a warm, somewhat darker paver/wall combination in tones that don’t make the space feel dark but that also don’t sharply contrast with the evergreens. A grassy landscape can look great with lighter pavers; this also has a practical application (dark pavers can become hot in all-day sun). A combination landscape with deciduous trees, evergreen shrubs and lawn can go either way: Consider using lighter colors to brighten and expand the space, and darker colors to make it feel more intimate.
You may be advised to use consistent tones throughout your hardscape for a cohesive look. It’s not usually recommended to try for a perfect match because the pavers and the walls are distinct elements with their own personality. A shade lighter or darker may be the way to go.
Keep in mind that all materials look different wet and dry, so consideration should be given to the light conditions and rainfall amounts; look into taking a few samples home and examining them in a variety of weather and lighting conditions.
Contrasting or Complementary?
Contrast (achieved with color and texture) adds interest to your hardscape. Complex wall designs with multiple layers take center stage when set against the contrast of a simple paver style and an easygoing laying pattern. A beautiful complex laying pattern (like herringbone) next to a complex wall may create too much of a busy aesthetic. A simpler approach using larger and minimally textured wall blocks will reduce visual clutter.
This is another “rule” that can be bent. In a contemporary setting where you want to emphasize tranquility, you don’t want either of these elements to be very busy. Or, if you love the tumbled look of ancient quarried stone on your outdoor kitchen facade, you can use that style underfoot, and add interest on both vertical and horizontal elements with bands of color or inlays.
