Garland Design Group

INTERIOR DESIGN + LANDSCAPE DESIGN FIRM | BOULDER TO DENVER, CO AND BEYOND

Fire It Up, Outdoor Grill Stations You’ll Love

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Garland Design Group was named an expert in this recent article on the Redfin Blog – check it out!

“A great outdoor kitchen isn’t just about the basics: It’s about tailoring the space to fit how you love to cook. As the team at  Garland Design Group explains, a personalized grilling station starts with understanding the homeowner’s unique cooking style and preferences:

To make the best grilling station, I like to consider what the homeowner’s preferences are regarding what type of grilling they are comfortable doing (gas, charcoal, smokers) and if they’re open to exploring new tools like griddles or wok stations. With so many options out there, you can make your grilling station as complete as your kitchen. Pizza ovens have been gaining popularity, and it’s a great way to engage your guests (and kids!) to build their own pizza.”

Read the full article here.

Retaining Walls to Enhance Your Landscape

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In this post, we give you insight into the many uses for incorporating retaining walls in your landscape, and the various materials that can be used in these instances.

First, for those that may be unfamiliar with the term, a retaining wall is a structure designed to hold back soil and prevent erosion in landscapes with varying elevations. Here, we describe the several purposes they serve and how they can provide numerous benefits to landscape design:

Preventing Soil Erosion

Retaining walls help to stabilize sloped or uneven terrain, preventing soil erosion caused by water runoff or gravitational forces. This is particularly important in areas with steep slopes or where soil erosion could pose a risk to structures or landscaping.

Creating Usable Space

By leveling out steep slopes or terracing the landscape with retaining walls, homeowners can create usable space for gardening, outdoor living areas, or recreational activities. This can maximize the functionality and enjoyment of the outdoor space.

Improving Draining

Retaining walls can be designed with drainage systems to redirect water away from structures and landscapes, which helps mitigate the risk of water damage and soil saturation. When you incorporate proper drainage, you can also prevent the buildup of hydrostatic pressure behind the wall, which could cause structural issues over time.

Enhancing Aesthetics

Retaining walls can add visual interest and aesthetic appeal to the landscape. They come in a variety of styles, materials, and colors, allowing you to customize your design to complement the overall look of your property.

Supporting Structures

In addition to stabilizing soil, retaining walls can provide structural support for buildings, driveways, walkways, or other features situated on sloped terrain. They help to distribute the weight of these structures evenly and prevent settling or shifting of the soil beneath them.

As you can see, retaining walls can offer a lot of benefits to your landscape. To highlight the aesthetics, we now review the variety of materials that can be used to construct retaining walls, each with its own advantages and aesthetic appeal:

Concrete

Durable and versatile, concrete retaining walls offer strength and stability. They can be poured on-site or precast, and they come in various finishes and textures.

Stone

Natural stone retaining walls provide a timeless and rustic look to landscapes. Options include fieldstone, flagstone, and boulders, which can be stacked or mortared together depending on the desired aesthetic.

Brick or Block

Brick or concrete block retaining walls offer a classic and uniform appearance. They are easy to install and come in a range of colors and patterns to suit different design styles.

Timber

Timber retaining walls are a cost-effective option that adds a warm and natural element to the landscape. Pressure-treated wood is commonly used for its durability and resistance to decay.

Gabion

Gabion retaining walls consist of wire mesh baskets filled with rocks or gravel. They provide a modern and industrial look while allowing for natural drainage and vegetation growth.

When you are choosing materials for a retaining wall, we recommend considering factors such as durability, cost, maintenance requirements, and your aesthetic preferences. Whichever you choose, incorporating a retaining wall is a great way to add visual interest and structural support to your landscape.

Fire Pits for the Great Outdoors

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We at Garland Design Group love to incorporate fire pits into our landscape designs. Here is a breakdown of the different types and their pros and cons.

A propane gas fire pit shaped like a concrete bowl with lava rock.

Gas Fire Pits

Pros:

Convenience: Easy to ignite and control with a simple turn of a knob.

Clean Burning: Produces minimal smoke and ash, making it a cleaner option.

Versatility: Available in various designs, including tabletop and built-in options.

Adjustable Flame: Most gas fire pits allow you to adjust the flame height.

Cons:

Dependency on Gas: Requires a natural gas line or propane tank, limiting portability.

Installation: May require professional installation and a gas line connection.

Initial Cost: Can be more expensive to set up compared to some other options.

A large steel cauldron wood-burning fire pit.

Wood-Burning Fire Pits

Pros:

Authentic Ambiance: Offers a traditional and authentic campfire experience.

Cost: Typically less expensive to install initially.

Heat Output: Provides significant heat, especially with hardwoods.

Availability: Wood is readily available in many areas.

Cons:

Smoke and Ash: Produces smoke and ash, which may be a nuisance and require cleanup.

Maintenance: Requires regular cleaning of ash and debris.

Safety Concerns: Open flames can pose safety risks, and sparks may be a concern.

Effort to Ignite: Requires effort to start the fire and maintain it.

An image of a electric fire pit with glass pebbles and a glass surround.

Electric Fire Pits

Pros:

Clean and Smoke-Free: Produces no smoke, ash, or harmful emissions.

Safety: No open flames, making it a safe option, especially for enclosed spaces.

Convenience: Easy to start and control with a switch or remote.

Low Maintenance: Minimal cleanup and no need for fuel storage.

Cons:

Dependency on Electricity: Requires a power source, limiting placement options.

Heat Output: May not produce as much heat as gas or wood-burning options.

Aesthetics: Some people find the simulated flames less authentic than real flames.

Initial Cost: Electric fire pits can have a higher upfront cost compared to basic wood-burning options.

There’s a lot to consider when choosing a fire pit. At Garland Design Group, we keep in mind your preferences, the available resources, and the specific requirements of your outdoor space. Whatever you end up choosing will be a wonderful addition to your landscape!