May 28, 2016 3 min read

Q. We moved into a new-build home, and after a year of mud we can now landscape our backyard. It’s large enough to have a patio and grass for the kids to play on. Do you have any suggestions about paving stones that could also be used on our front path? Thanks for your ideas. – Beverley

A. How exciting to be able to start fresh. You have freedom of choice and can design a space that is tailor-made for your family’s outdoor pastimes. There are several important elements to consider. What kind of hard surface for deck or patio, how much grass and garden space, shaded areas vs. sunny spots. Begin by researching what’s available and on trend, and find inspiration through print and the Internet. Work within a budget and expect a few surprises.

I discovered a great source, Belgard Hardscapes, when checking out patio stones. The U.S. website is www.belgard.com, and in Canada it’s www.permacon.ca and www.expocrete.com. Lou Mangiaracina, VP and GM for Belgard, discussed homeowners’ big move outdoors. “We are seeing a major trend in the creation of outdoor entertainment centers that include fireplaces, fire pits, grill islands, brick ovens, water features as well as seating areas,” he notes. This is happening in the cooler climates as well as more temperate areas. Designing with pavers that coordinate provides a unified look. Both permeable and interlocking concrete pavers come in a variety of textures and colors, including the sleek look of slate, as well as smooth, modular Lafitt Grana Slabs, which come in large sizes that offer a clean, contemporary style. Porcelain is a hot trend indoors and out. Porcelain and concrete pavers are high quality; porcelain is pricier. They make a unique pattern that can be framed with the concrete slabs.

In this open-air space, Mega Bergerac and Dublin pavers cover the “floor” with a colored rectangle to demarcate a carpet under the coffee table. The Brighton fireplace has been designed to enhance the pavers. A grassy area and a garden are also important to you and can be planned easily around a patio. Stone pathways are intriguing ways to lead to other parts of the yard. If your garden space is small, container gardens are easy to care for and can be located on the patio,

Q. I need your help! I just moved from a mountain cabin to a city condo and had to take my large, dark leather living-room furniture with me. The condo has light weathered wood floors with a beach-like feel. I want to lighten the space, but not sure how. Also, what to put on the free wall? Thanks. – Betty

A. This is a big style change for you, but those beautiful leather chairs and sofa can look splendid in a beach environment, too. The trick is to add elements that are light and airy. Paint your walls pale gray or blue. The weathered wood floor and brown furniture blend with any color. On your free wall build a gallery around a beach or water theme. Combine pictures of boats, boat houses, sand dunes, whatever you like, with a collection of sea shells, pebbles and starfish, which can be framed in Perspex (a plastic box). Leggy tables and pole lamps will keep the mood light. For window coverings, choose either sheers or a lightweight pattern, or white plantation shades.

Email your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com.