Pavers are great for transforming outdoor living spaces and come in various combinations ranging in size, color, style, thickness, and texture.
One of the reasons pavers are so popular these days are the sheer amount of choice you have making it possible to mix and match it like you please in the same project.
With the “Top 10 Popular Paving Patterns and Designs” covered in the previous article it is now time to learn how the elements of these designs can be manipulated to make your next paving design stand out!
Let’s explore what different paving angels, a mixture of textures, color combinations and custom inlays can do to completely transform your outside living space. We will also look at a few completed paving designs that work!
Manipulate paving angels for visual effect
Paving patterns are normally set out in either 90 or 45-degree angels following entry or exit points of outdoor living spaces. Utilizing the correct paving angels will help to create visual illusions. Use 45-degree paving angles to make a small space look bigger and 90-degree angles to make an expansive area look smaller.
Paving designers recommend using a 45-degree design to lead the eye to a focal point or to a specific area guiding foot traffic in a certain direction. Paving patterns are also guided based on architecture and the shape of a paver
Paving patterns based on architecture
Paving around your home must compliment the overall design and decor tying the landscape and architecture together. For example, to match the design qualities of homes with straight lines, rectangular pavers with a simple pattern will work best. Whereas paver patterns with arched designs will complement homes with
The shape of the paver can also compliment the architecture design and help shape a space. Laying pavers in diagonal or horizontal rows will help narrow arias appear wider and using grids of rectangular pavers will help large arias feel cozier.
If you are overloaded with information pleasefeel free to contact one of our paving experts to narrow down the options for you. Request a call back now!
Mix different textures and styles to create interest
These days you have unlimited possibilities when it comes to the type of pavers you can use. Even the grout that holds the pavers in place comes in different texture and styles.
Some ideas to consider when designing a new paving section layout is to incorporate different materials such as the combination of concrete pavers, natural stone & decorative grouting. Another idea will be to frame a standard paving layout with alternating colored cobblestones or enhance the look of the paving area by adding an insert of different colored pavers for a focal point.
Changing the textures of different paving areas can also define the use of the paving section and create interest. For high foot-traffic areas rounded and smooth surfaces should be used and for borders and accent areas rough textured and jagged surfaces can be used. The correct paving pattern and texture will bring your landscaping and home design together to achieve the look you are after.
Combine paver colors for an enhanced effect
The choice of paver color is a powerful decorative aspect and can play an important roll in creating depth and warmth with visually expanding or contracting an area. Paver color is very important and can make or break the design. Knowing beforehand what effect you are after will help with the type/color of paving selection.
Designers recommend using lighter colors to open up an paving section or darker tone colors for a more dramatic effect to make a space appear smaller. With that said the chosen colors should complement your home and bring your living spaces together. The best way to see if the design works IS to get a few samples, lay it out in the space you want to pave and see how it works.
Alternatively, our paving consultants are always on standby and ready to help. Request a callback and let us help you design the something spectacular!
Trending colors in outdoor paving
Paved outdoor living spaces must convey the feeling of relaxation and tranquility. There is a definite trend towards lighter colors with more warm neutral tones. The natural clours help to bring in the feeling of sand on a beach to create a relaxing holiday mood.
How to choose paver colors
The paving stone colors you choose for a paving project will help set the mood and tie spaces together. Pick a color that is a few shades lighter than your home will
1. LIGHT OR DARK COLORED PAVING?
The color of the pavers can affect the apparent size of a space. As mentioned before lighter colors will reflect light and open up
2. BLENDING OR NATURAL COLORED PAVING
If the use of a space is not completely defined and you are upgrading with the purpose to sell your property it would be advisable to stay with natural colors so that any type of furniture and landscaping decoration can be used within the space.
The multicolor paver or blending approach combines one or more colors in
3. SUNLIGHT AND HOW IT AFFECTS PAVING
The color you select will play a vital roll in the temperature of the area. It is important to remember that white and gray clours can be very bright through the peak of the day. Likewise, dark heavy colors can hold heat longer and increase surface temperatures.
When doing the design of your paving project it is important to consider the impact the sun will have. Ask your self: Where will the sun hit, what will the duration be and how much shade will be present over the paved area.
A general rule to also remember is that when you see a small paving sample on display it will always be lighter when it is fully installed and grouted.
Incorporating custom inlays, borders & accents
Paving patterns can help shape the feeling of outside living spaces. By adding custom inlays, borders and accents you can shape the space and add depth with color contrasts. Framing the main body of a paved area with a darker solid color paver is always a popular choice and can be used in straight and curved paving layouts. Paver inlays can also be used to draw attention to a specific space that needs to be highlighted.
Paving design ideas
Driveway paving design ideas & layout
When it comes to residential driveways the popular color scheme combination of the muti & solid colored pavers is a true classic. Utilizing the characteristics of both pavers the combined gives a body with depth that will hide the odd stain or two, framed within a solid border for definition.
Driveway paving is also likely to have more heavy traffic than the rest of the paving around the house. It is advisable to use interlocking pavers for lasting results. Driveway pavers are usually a bit thicker and it looks visually stunning when laid in a herringbone or running bond pattern.
Patio paving design ideas & layout
The two things to keep in mind when designing a paving layout for a patio is the size of the area and the weight the pavers would have to carry. The stretch bond paving pattern is a popular choice for smaller areas. The basket weave paving pattern and the herringbone paving pattern are preferred for larger areas because of the interlocking design and the ability to handle more movement.
Pool paving design ideas & layout
Depending on the look you want to create around the pool large format pavers are laid either using a stretcher bond paving pattern or herringbone paving pattern. Slate could also be used in a crazy pattern design to create a more dramatic effect.
If you are after a more natural look you could infuse a bit of nature into your paved area. Laying paving blocks in a grid pattern with gaps between them planted with mini Mondo grass will create contrasting colors with rich textures.
Walkway paving design ideas & layout
Any of the paving designs can be applied to a footpath or a walkway depending on the foot traffic, in the end, it all boils down to personal choice. For straight lines with limited wastage the stack bond paving, pattern, and stretcher bond paving pattern designs are preferred.
Mixing the correct paving patterns, colors, and textures can help shape the living space of your dreams when used in combination with different paving angels, a mixture of textures, color combinations and custom inlays Making the correct decision could be challenging. Feel free to contact one of our paving experts for more information.
