When homeowners start thinking about upgrading their outdoor spaces, one of the first questions they ask is: Which improvements actually add value to my home? While curb appeal is important, today’s buyers (and homeowners) are looking for outdoor spaces that function as true extensions of the home.
The right outdoor features don’t just boost resale value—they increase everyday enjoyment, improve functionality, and create memorable spaces for gathering, relaxing, and entertaining. Below, we break down the outdoor features that consistently add the most value and explain why thoughtful design matters just as much as the features themselves.
Full Outdoor Living Spaces: The Biggest Value Driver
Outdoor living spaces offer some of the highest returns because they effectively add usable square footage without the cost of a home addition. A well-designed outdoor living area feels intentional, comfortable, and connected to the home.
These spaces often include:
Defined areas for dining, lounging, and entertaining
Integrated landscaping and hardscaping
Smooth transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces
Rather than adding individual features over time, a professionally planned outdoor living space brings everything together into one cohesive design—making the space more functional and visually appealing- and Outdoor Innovations offers 3-D design services that can help you envision your space!
Patios, walkways, and custom stonework form the backbone of many outdoor upgrades. These features improve how homeowners move through their property while dramatically enhancing curb appeal.
High-value elements include:
Custom stone patios designed for durability and style
Walkways that guide traffic and connect outdoor areas
Driveways that elevate first impressions
Quality materials and expert installation ensure these features hold up over time, making them a long-term investment rather than a short-term upgrade.
Outdoor Kitchens & Built-In Appliances: High Buyer Appeal
Outdoor kitchens continue to be one of the most sought-after backyard features. They transform outdoor spaces into entertainment hubs and encourage homeowners to spend more time outside.
Popular outdoor kitchen elements include:
Built-in grills and cooking appliances
Prep and serving counter space
Refrigeration and storage
Trash receptacles
When integrated into a larger outdoor living design, outdoor kitchens add convenience, luxury, and strong resale appeal.
Fire Features: Extending Outdoor Use
Fire features add both function and ambiance, allowing homeowners to enjoy their outdoor spaces well into spring and fall. They also create natural gathering spots that enhance the overall experience of the yard.
Examples include:
Fire pits for casual seating areas
Outdoor fireplaces as focal points
Built-in seating surrounding fire features
Fire features bring warmth, visual interest, and emotional appeal—qualities that resonate strongly with future buyers.
Adding overhead structures helps define outdoor rooms and improves comfort during hot or unpredictable weather. These features make outdoor spaces more usable throughout the day and across seasons.
Key options include:
Pergolas for partial shade and architectural interest
Pavilions for full coverage and protection
Gazebos for enclosed or semi-enclosed gathering spaces
Each option offers a different balance of shade, structure, and style, allowing homeowners to tailor their outdoor environment to their needs.
Outdoor Lighting: Small Upgrade, Big Impact
Outdoor lighting is one of the most cost-effective ways to add value. It improves safety, highlights landscape features, and dramatically enhances nighttime curb appeal.
Effective outdoor lighting often includes:
Path and walkway lighting
Accent lighting for landscaping and stone features
Ambient lighting for outdoor living areas
Thoughtful lighting design ensures outdoor spaces are just as inviting after dark as they are during the day.
Water Features: Luxury and Tranquility
Custom Water Feature
Water features elevate outdoor spaces by adding sound, movement, and a sense of calm. They create a retreat-like atmosphere that enhances both enjoyment and perceived value.
Examples include:
Waterfalls
Fountains
Reflecting or pond-style features
Custom water features
When incorporated into a broader landscape design, water features can turn an ordinary yard into a peaceful escape.
Poolscaping: Creating a Resort-Style Experience
A pool alone is a feature—but poolscaping is what creates lasting value. The surrounding landscape, hardscaping, and layout determine how functional and appealing the pool area truly is.
High-value poolscaping focuses on:
Flow between the pool and other outdoor spaces
Safety and accessibility
Visual cohesion with the rest of the landscape
Well-designed poolscapes feel intentional and luxurious, similar to a private resort.
The Bottom Line: Design Creates the Most Value
The outdoor features that increase value are those that are thoughtfully planned and professionally designed. Cohesion, functionality, and long-term durability matter just as much as individual upgrades.
Whether you’re considering a single enhancement or a complete backyard transformation, starting with a comprehensive design ensures your investment delivers both immediate enjoyment and lasting value.
Planning ahead—especially before the busy spring season—allows homeowners to make informed decisions and secure their spot on the project calendar. Contact Outdoor Innovations today to discuss how we can help create the design you want for your home!
Embrace the Fall Season with the Warmth & Elegance of a Gas Fire Pit
As the crisp air of fall settles in, there’s nothing quite like the warmth of a crackling fire to gather around with family and friends. A gas fire pit not only enhances the comfort of your outdoor space but also adds a focal point that blends style and functionality. In this recent project, Outdoor Innovations transformed a backyard into a luxurious outdoor haven, with the gas fire pit serving as the heart of the design.
The Value of a Gas Fire Pit for Fall
Fall is the perfect season to enjoy the outdoors without the sweltering heat of summer. With a fire feature like a gas fire pit, you can extend your time outside well into the cooler months. Unlike traditional wood-burning fire pits, gas fire pits offer the convenience of instant ignition, cleaner burning, and minimal maintenance. Simply turn on the firepit, and you’re ready to relax and enjoy the cozy ambiance.
In this project, we installed the Warming Trends Linear Treehouse style burner, which brings a sleek and modern aesthetic while providing a strong, consistent flame to keep guests warm on chilly fall evenings. Its minimalist design fits seamlessly into the space, creating a visual masterpiece without overpowering the surrounding features.
A Pavilion Built for Comfort
A focal point of this backyard transformation is the 16′ x 18′ White Vinyl A-Frame Pavilion from Country Lane, which provides a perfect shelter for year-round enjoyment. This pavilion is not only stunning but also practical, featuring LED lighting, ceiling fans, and outdoor heaters to ensure comfort in any weather. The pavilion’s clean, white vinyl posts elevate the space, giving it an upscale, polished look.
Beneath the pavilion, we added an eye-catching brick rug, an elegant touch that grounds the space with texture and craftsmanship. This creative feature sets the patio apart, making it feel more like an outdoor living room than a simple backyard gathering area.
Entertainment Meets Luxury
This outdoor space is designed for both relaxation and entertainment. Along with the gas fire pit, the project includes a serving island with a TV wall, perfect for watching the big game or movie nights with friends and family. The two-tier bar island adds convenience, featuring a 24″ Coyote Outdoor Refrigerator and trash unit, topped with elegant limestone countertops for a touch of luxury.
And if that’s not enough, we incorporated a 48″ Laniai See-Thru Linear Fireplace, allowing the beauty of the fire to be enjoyed from multiple angles. This unique feature adds both warmth and a contemporary feel to the space, enhancing the overall ambiance.
The Beauty of Water and Fire
A key element in this backyard transformation is the addition of a water feature that showcases five basalt columns. The soothing sound of flowing water creates a peaceful atmosphere, balancing the fire’s warmth with the calming presence of water. This contrast between elements adds dimension and serenity to the space, making it a place to escape and unwind.
The Perfect Outdoor Retreat for Fall
By combining luxury, comfort, and functionality, this backyard transformation offers everything a homeowner could want in an outdoor space, particularly during the fall season. Whether you’re hosting a gathering around the gas fire pit, enjoying a meal at the bar island, or relaxing under the pavilion with the outdoor heaters keeping you warm, every element is designed to maximize comfort and elegance.
This project showcases the value of investing in high-quality outdoor features that not only enhance the beauty of the space but also make it more functional for year-round use. As the leaves begin to change and the evenings grow cooler, a space like this is exactly what you need to enjoy the best that fall has to offer.
See what’s possible with Outdoor Innovations, and let us transform your backyard into a stunning retreatfor you and your family. Contact us today to get started on the design process!
When You Want the Best: Poolscaping Project Feature
An Outdoor Innovations Standout and Extraordinary Pool Area Transformation
At Outdoor Innovations, we believe in transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary outdoor living areas. One of our standout projects is a complete outdoor area makeover designed to offer luxury, functionality, and beauty. Here’s a detailed look at this stunning poolscaping project completed by the Outdoor Innovations team.
What is Poolscaping?
Poolscaping refers to the art and science of designing and enhancing the area around a pool to create a cohesive, aesthetically pleasing, and functional outdoor space. It involves elements such as landscaping, hardscaping, lighting, and amenities that complement the pool, providing both beauty and utility. Effective poolscaping not only enhances the visual appeal but also maximizes the usability and enjoyment of the pool area. This poolscaping project is special, as it shows so much of what can be done to enhance your pool area.
A Complete Outdoor Makeover
The centerpiece of this project was an existing pool, which we preserved while completely transforming the surrounding area. Our goal was to create a seamless blend of relaxation, entertainment, and aesthetic appeal.
Shade and Comfort: The Pavilion
To provide ample shade, we installed a stunning 16 x 20 traditional pavilion from Country Lane, featuring upgraded posts for added elegance and stability. Under this pavilion, we constructed two bar-height islands using High Format Belvedere materials with luxurious limestone countertops. These islands are perfect for family and friends to gather, watch TV, or enjoy the pool view.
Entertainment and Convenience
We enhanced the entertainment value with a 14 ft. counter-height serving island, equipped with two Coyote refrigerators and a TV wall. This setup ensures that refreshments and entertainment are always at hand.
Recreation and Relaxation
An artificial turf area provides the perfect space for playing games, while a grilling island, featuring a Coyote 36” grill with access doors, caters to outdoor cooking enthusiasts. Two LED-lighted trees add a touch of enchantment to the evening ambiance.
Functional Beauty: Landscaping and Hardscaping
The project features High Format outcropping with two-tiered walls, steps, and stepping stones leading to the gate. A Warming Trends gas fire pit adds warmth and a cozy atmosphere for cooler nights. We also installed steps and steppers from the garage to the new patio area, ensuring easy access for friends and family.
The new patio, crafted from elegant Travertine, offers a durable and beautiful surface. LED lighting throughout the outdoor living area enhances safety and highlights key features.
Natural Elements and Easy Maintenance
Rock features, including three columnar limestone rocks, and a low High Format Kodah wall around the pool equipment and steps, add natural beauty and cohesion to the design. To ensure easy maintenance, we replaced all the grass inside the fence with river rock, new bushes, and additional rock features.
The Final Touch
Upon completion, this poolscaping project produced a stunning, functional space perfect for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the outdoors. From the pavilion and bar islands to the artificial turf and grilling island, every element was designed and installed with meticulous attention to detail.
At Outdoor Innovations, we take pride in creating outdoor spaces that our clients can enjoy for years to come. When you want the best in outdoor living, we’re here to bring your vision to life. Contact us today to get started with the design process!
How Digital Landscaping Design Can Transform Your Outdoor Living Space
In the world of landscape design, a new era has dawned, marked by the integration of cutting-edge digital landscaping design services. As outdoor living spaces expand and the demand for aesthetically pleasing outdoor environments grows, landscape design companies are turning to technology to create stunning and functional outdoor living spaces. One such trailblazer in this industry is Outdoor Innovations. We utilize digital design services to craft breathtaking landscapes that seamlessly blend form and function.
How Digital Landscaping Design Works
Traditional landscape design often relied on hand-drawn sketches and blueprints, which could be limiting in terms of visualizing the final outcome. Enter digital landscaping design services, where the process begins with advanced software tools that allow Outdoor Innovations design team to create detailed 3D models of your outdoor spaces. This digital canvas enables the exploration of various design elements, including plant placements, hardscapes, lighting, and even the play of sunlight throughout the day.
Benefits of Digital Design in Landscaping:
Precision and Accuracy:Digital design eliminates the guesswork associated with traditional methods. Our designers can precisely measure distances, account for terrain variations, and ensure accurate placement of every element within the landscape. This results in a more efficient and error-free planning phase.
Realistic Visualizations: Clients often struggle to envision the final outcome based on traditional sketches. Digital design provides a realistic and immersive experience by generating detailed 3D renderings. We will help you virtually explore your future outdoor spaces, allowing for better decision-making and a stronger emotional connection to your design.
Iterative Design Process: One of the significant advantages of digital design is the ease of making changes and exploring multiple design iterations. Our designers can quickly adjust elements, experiment with different ideas, and fine-tune the landscape to perfection. This iterative process ensures that the final design truly reflects your vision.
Collaborative Planning: Digital design facilitates collaboration between designers, architects, and clients. By sharing digital models and renderings, together we can provide feedback in real-time, fostering a collaborative and transparent design process. This open communication ensures that everyone is on the same page, leading to a more satisfying end result for your design.
Efficient Project Management: Once the design is finalized, the digital model becomes a valuable tool for project management. We will use the digital model as a reference, streamlining the construction process ensuring accuracy for your design and limiting the possibility of error. This efficiency ultimately saves time and resources.
Trust Outdoor Innovations to Help You Envision Your Landscaping Project
As we witness the rise of digital landscaping design as a tool to create beautiful outdoor living spaces, companies like Outdoor Innovations, serving the Quad Cities area, are at the forefront of innovation. Through the integration of advanced technology, we are transforming outdoor spaces into works of art, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal. The benefits of digital design, from precision and realism to collaboration and efficiency, are reshaping the landscape design industry and paving the way for a future where every outdoor space is a masterpiece waiting to be unveiled.
The Dual Impact of Landscape Lighting on Beauty and Security
As the days grow shorter and darkness descends earlier, the enchanting allure of landscape lighting takes center stage. Beyond its aesthetic charm, landscape lighting serves as a powerful tool to enhance the beauty of your home while providing an additional layer of security, particularly during the extended hours of darkness in the winter months.
Enhancing Aesthetic Appeal
Landscape lighting is a versatile design element that can transform the external appearance of your home. Whether you’re accentuating architectural features, illuminating pathways, or highlighting your lush garden, well-placed lighting creates a captivating nighttime ambiance. The play of light and shadow can turn your outdoor space into a visual masterpiece, enhancing curb appeal and making your home a standout in the neighborhood.
Extending Usability Beyond Daylight
With landscape lighting, the outdoor festivities need not end with the setting sun. Illuminate your patio, deck, or outdoor seating areas to extend their usability well into the evening. Enjoy cozy gatherings, alfresco dinners, or simply unwind in the soothing glow of well-designed lighting. The versatility of landscape lighting allows you to tailor the atmosphere to match your mood and the occasion.
Increasing Safety and Security
Amidst the captivating beauty, well placed lighting serves a crucial role in enhancing safety and security. Well-lit pathways, steps, and entry points minimize the risk of trips and falls. Additionally, a well-lit exterior acts as a deterrent for potential intruders, enhancing the overall security of your property. Motion-activated lights further amplify this effect, instantly alerting you to any movement around your home.
Navigating the Darkness of Winter
As winter blankets the surroundings in prolonged darkness, landscape lighting becomes even more essential. The strategic placement of lights around your property not only creates a warm and inviting atmosphere but also ensures you can navigate your outdoor space safely during the extended nights. Illuminate key areas, such as driveways and entrances, to make coming home a welcoming experience.
Energy Efficient Options
Embracing the benefits of landscape lighting doesn’t mean sacrificing energy efficiency. LED lights, known for their longevity and energy efficiency, are ideal for landscape applications. They provide brilliant illumination while minimizing energy consumption, making them an eco-friendly choice for your outdoor lighting needs.
Transform Your Nightscape
As winter sets in and darkness lingers, seize the opportunity to elevate the beauty and security of your home with thoughtfully designed landscape lighting. Whether you’re aiming to create a captivating visual spectacle or bolster the safety of your property, landscape lighting offers a multitude of benefits. Illuminate the charm of your home and embrace the winter nights with the enchanting glow of carefully placed lights.
Your backyard is more than just an outdoor space; it’s an extension of your home, a place where memories are made, and relaxation is embraced. However, sometimes, the potential of this space lies dormant, waiting to be unveiled through a transformative makeover. In this blog, we take you through an awe-inspiring journey of a backyard transformation that turned a mundane outdoor area into a captivating oasis. From the removal of old structures to the addition of new elements, every step of this makeover showcases the power of creativity, design, and vision.
Before and After: A Visual Delight:
The journey begins with a stunning visual comparison of the backyard before and after the transformation. The removal of the pergola, deck, and patio marked the first step towards a fresh canvas, setting the stage for a complete overhaul. The contrast between the old and the new is truly remarkable, highlighting the potential that was waiting to be unlocked.
Creating Elevated Spaces: The Kodah Wall and Grill Island:
One of the standout features of this makeover is the incorporation of a High Format Kodah wall. This ingenious addition not only frames the new upper patio but also adds a touch of sophistication. The Kodah wall becomes a backdrop for the focal point of outdoor culinary delight – the Grill Island. Complete with a 36” Coyote Gas Grill, access doors, and a trash compartment, this island redefines outdoor cooking. It’s a space where flavors sizzle and conversations flow.
Privacy and Purpose: Installing Fences and Concealment:
A functional backyard is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a seamless blend of beauty and purpose. The installation of a privacy fence serves a dual purpose: hiding unsightly elements like air conditioners, trash bins, and generators, while also creating a dedicated storage space. This transformation shows how strategic design can turn potential eyesores into hidden treasures.
Paving the Pathways to Elegance: Montrose by High Format Pavers:
The journey from the driveway to the patio becomes a graceful stroll with the installation of Montrose by High Format large format pavers. These pavers, with crushed granite between them, redefine the very concept of outdoor pathways. The result is not just a way to get from point A to point B, but a visual delight that enhances the overall aesthetics of the space.
Redefining Comfort: The Country Lane Vinyl “A” Frame Pavilion:
Imagine a space where you can unwind, entertain, and simply be. The addition of a Country Lane 14 x 18 Rectangle vinyl “A” frame pavilion does just that. It’s a haven that offers shade on sunny days and shelter during light drizzles. With careful design and placement, this pavilion seamlessly integrates with the landscape, becoming a natural gathering point.
Entertainment Meets Refreshment: The TV Wall and Serving Area:
In the era of outdoor entertainment, a TV wall becomes an essential element. The use of Unilock Lineo creates a modern backdrop, perfectly complementing the outdoor entertainment setup. This area isn’t just about watching your favorite shows; it’s about creating lasting memories with loved ones. The inclusion of a Coyote drop-in cooler and an outdoor refrigerator ensures that refreshments are always within arm’s reach.
Warming the Nights: The Gas Round Firepit:
As the sun sets, the ambiance changes, but the charm remains. The gas round firepit, built using High Format Belvedere stone and a Warming Trends 180K BTU cross fire burner, becomes the heart of evening gatherings. It’s where stories are shared, laughter echoes, and bonds are strengthened.
Elegance and Functionality: Unilock Beacon Hill Flagstone Pavers:
The upper and lower patio areas are graced with the timeless beauty of Unilock Beacon Hill flagstone pavers. These pavers not only enhance the aesthetics but also provide a durable and functional foundation for outdoor living. It’s a harmonious blend of elegance and purpose.
Nature’s Touch: The Final Flourish of Landscaping:
No backyard transformation is complete without a touch of nature’s artistry. The addition of carefully selected landscaping elements enhances the overall beauty of the space. Lush greens, vibrant blooms, and thoughtful placement of foliage bring life to every corner.
Illuminating Evenings: LED Lighting System:
As the day transitions into night, the magic doesn’t dim; it evolves. The installation of an LED lighting system around the patio and inside the pavilion creates an enchanting atmosphere. It’s a symphony of light and shadows, turning the backyard into a captivating stage for relaxation and celebration.
Conclusion: A Masterpiece Unveiled:
The journey from a mundane backyard to a captivating oasis is a testament to the power of vision, design, and execution. Every element of this transformation, from the Kodah wall to the LED lighting, showcases the artistry that can be achieved with careful planning and a touch of creativity. This backyard makeover is not just a physical transformation; it’s an invitation to experience the joy of outdoor living at its finest. It’s a reminder that the potential of your space is limited only by your imagination.
Imagine your change … and let Outdoor Innovations help you bring it to life! Contact us today to discuss your ideas for a backyard transformation!
Your Ultimate Guide to a Successful Backyard Landscaping Project: Addressing the Key Questions
Creating a picturesque and functional backyard oasis is a dream shared by many homeowners. Whether it’s a tranquil retreat for relaxation or an inviting space for entertaining guests, a well-designed backyard can significantly enhance the overall appeal and value of a property. However, before embarking on your backyard landscaping project, it’s essential to address some crucial questions that will guide you towards success. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the most common questions people ask when undertaking a new backyard landscaping project.
Setting a Realistic Budget
Every landscaping project begins with a budget. Determine how much you are willing to invest in the transformation of your backyard. Understanding your financial constraints will help you prioritize elements and choose suitable materials.
Defining the Purpose
Ask yourself what purpose your backyard will serve. Is it meant for relaxation, entertaining guests, gardening, or a mix of these? Clarifying the primary purpose will direct your design choices and layout decisions.
Professional Landscaper vs. DIY
Consider whether you have the time, expertise, and resources to tackle the landscaping project yourself or if hiring a professional landscaper is the best option. A professional can offer expert advice, save time, and ensure a polished outcome.
Choosing Desired Features
Decide on the features you wish to include in your backyard. Options may range from a patio or deck to a fire pit,water feature, or even an outdoor kitchen. Each feature will contribute to the overall ambiance and functionality of the space. We utilize NatureKast kitchen cabinetry, learn more here.
Creating a Low-Maintenance Landscape
If you prefer a low-maintenance backyard, focus on drought-resistant plants, native species, and hardscape materials that require minimal upkeep. Automated irrigation systems can further simplify maintenance.
Optimizing Privacy
Privacy is crucial for a relaxing backyard. Evaluate fencing options, hedges, or strategic plantings to create secluded and intimate areas.
Choosing the Right Landscaping Materials
We can help you select the appropriate materials for paths, decks, mulching, and retaining walls based on their durability, aesthetics, and compatibility with your design vision.
Planning the Project Timeline
Understand the expected timeline for your landscaping project to account for any special events or gatherings that may be impacted during construction. We can work with you to set up your landscaping project around your needs!
Addressing Site-Specific Challenges
Assess your backyard for any unique challenges, such as poor soil quality, drainage issues, or existing structures that need consideration during planning.
Incorporating Rain Gardens and Composting
Explore the possibility of integrating rain gardens to manage stormwater runoff and composting to recycle organic waste, contributing to a greener backyard. We can discuss adding these type of elements to your project.
Using 3-D Technology for your Landscaping Project
Embarking on a backyard landscaping project is an exciting opportunity to create an outdoor space that reflects your personal style and meets your needs. At Outdoor Innovations we offer 3-D design to help bring your project to life.
Using 3-D planning for a backyard landscaping project revolutionizes the design process, offering a dynamic and immersive experience that enhances creativity and precision. By leveraging advanced technology, we can visualize the proposed layout, hardscapes, and vegetation in a realistic three-dimensional environment. This interactive approach allows for seamless modifications, ensuring every detail is meticulously refined before construction begins. From experimenting with various plant combinations to simulating lighting effects and material textures, 3-D planning enables home and business owners to make informed decisions, resulting in a breathtaking landscaping transformation that perfectly aligns with your vision and preferences.
Contact us today to learn more about 3-D design, and get your landscaping project started today!
Your Fall Checklist: Set Clocks Back & Install Outdoor LED Lighting
The time has come to set our clocks back again once more. You know what that means! The days are going to be short, and the dark nights are going to be long. While you make your mental checklist that includes remembering to set your clocks back, winterize your vehicle, and gather up firewood, you may also want to consider your outdoor LED lighting situation!
Outdoor LED lighting offers a huge amount of benefits to your home! This includes the ever so appropriate advantage of added security for those long dark nights that come with fall and winter. At Outdoor Innovations, we pride ourselves at creating beautifully lit outdoor landscapes, while giving you added peace of mind with the extra security LEDs provide. We use products manufactured by Dauer Manufacturing that are durable & gorgeous.
Let’s talk about the benefits of outdoor LED lighting.
LED’s Provide Energy Efficiency
With there being a lot of talk about higher utility bills this year, every penny saved is a good thing. When you illuminate your yard and home with outdoor LED lighting, you get the added bonus of energy efficiency. Unlike other types of lighting, LED lights use about 90% less energy and last approximately 25 times longer!
Outdoor LEDs Offer Directionality
By design, LED lights offer a precision look because they emit light in a specific direction. In this way, they are perfect for both enhancing the areas of your yard that you want to feature, and for shining light on areas you wish to protect around your home. A win-win in our book!
Who Does Not Love Low-Maintenance?
Outdoor LED lighting offers several features that make them low-maintenance. This means less work for you! These features include:
Durability-the materials that LED lights are manufactured with are strong and built to withstand outdoor weather elements.
Long-lasting-the lighting elements themselves last up to 25 times longer that standard lighting.
Safe-LED lights emit far less heat that standard lights making them safer, and they do not have a filament that will burn out.
Illuminate Your Yard with Safety
A well lit yard is not only nice to look at, but it also serves as a deterrent that can prevent property crimes. Adding outdoor LED lighting around your home will help keep you and your family safe, and give you peace of mind.
Ways that Outdoor Lighting Can Be Used
The options are quite endless when you consider lighting your outdoor spaces. You can accent:
Outdoor Innovations is your Quad Cities Outdoor LED Lighting Source
There is nothing that we would love more than to provide you and your family with the benefits of outdoor lighting. At Outdoor Innovations we can help you design a lighting plan for your home and its surroundings that not only makes your yard more attractive, but will aid you in the coming colder months of the year. There are so many options to choose from that will fit your style. Contact us today to get started with a plan for your home.
The Quad City Botanical Garden’s New Ability Garden
A Project Inspired by a Legacy Dedicated to Accessibility for Those with Mobility Challenges
The team at Outdoor Innovations, including Ken and Barbara Hoffman, are so grateful to have been part of this most recent project. The construction of the Quad Cities Botanical Center’s new Ability Garden was such a rewarding experience! This new, sensory-friendly garden was specifically built and designed for people experiencing mobility challenges, such as being in a wheelchair, or on crutches.
The new ability garden was constructed by Outdoor Innovations, and will remain firmly planted in our memories for years to come. This project was directly inspired by those who have or are experiencing difficulties with mobility that affect their ability to get out and enjoy simple acts such as gardening.
Built with the Sensory Experience in Mind
Ken and the team at Outdoor Innovations really made took this special design and made it their own, bringing the type of craftsmanship that only Outdoor Innovations can provide. The garden has many, sensory-friendly, and universally accessible features:
Octagon Cedar Gazebo: The 16ft Octagon Cedar Gazebo with cedar shingles and cupola has exposed double rafters and tongue and groove ceiling from Country Lane and was built by Outdoor Innovations. Nestled under the gazebo benches were placed to enjoy the shade.
The Plant Beds: For these plant beds, designed and built with the sensory experience in mind, we used Rosetta Belvedere and Rosetta Outcropping. This is a stone that is made for the sense of touch, with a beautiful, natural look and feel. The plant beds were designed and built for those of all different heights and types of mobility to enjoy.
Lighting: Coming soon, these gardens will also be lit with stunning LED lighting. Both the gazebo and the plant beds will have lighting installed, to help the numerous visitors to the QCBC (Quad Cities Botanical Center) enjoy the Ability Garden well into the evening, and heightening the sensory experience!
Soft and Natural Stone Bench: Built from the same materials as the plant beds, there is are distinctive stone benches that were added to enhance the natural flow as you travel through the ability garden, and a resting place for those who need it.
Stop By and Visit the Ability Garden at QCBC
As it says on the sign, “The Ability Garden is designed to improve accessibility to garden spaces and provide gardening opportunities to more people” At Outdoor Innovations, we understand the importance and tranquility that gardening, and garden spaces can provide. We encourage everyone in the Quad Cities to venture out to the new gardens.
Take in the sensory friendly plants, the soft natural stone, the wide pathways, and elevated garden beds that this space has to offer! We would like to thank everyone who made this amazing and beneficial project possible, it will be one that remains near and dear to our hearts.
We would love to hear about your visit to the Ability Garden at the QCBC! Visit us on Facebook and tell us about your experience! If you have a project you would like to discuss contact us today.
5 Ways to Use Artificial Turf in Your Yard
Are you looking for the next big thing in outdoor living? Are you a golf enthusiast, or want the perfect poolside setting? Consider artificial turf for your yard. Create your ideal outdoor paradise with artificial turf from Outdoor Innovations! Here are some great ideas to give you some inspiration.
Putting Greens
Love golf but do not want to have to go to the course or driving range all the time? Enjoy putting at home with a putting green from Outdoor Innovations. We can add a putting green to your outdoor living space to provide great golfing recreation any time you want!
Poolside Paradise
Liven up your poolside experience and enjoy the safety that artificial turf provides all around your backyard pool. Artificial turf not only looks beautiful, but provides a comfortable surface for bare feet, without the safety hazard of hot concrete.
A Patio that is Green All Year
Couple artificial turf with your backyard patio and you can enjoy the green beauty all year around. Turf is low maintenance and long lasting, making it ideal for your backyard getaway. A great compliment to outdoor fire features and water features, you can create the perfect outdoor living area with this versatile landscaping option.
For the Sports Enthusiast
Have a passion for soccer, football, or other sports? Artificial grass can be a great addition to your backyard that allows you to enjoy your favorite sports throughout the seasons of the year! Set up a soccer goal and kick the ball around with family, or throw a baseball back and forth any time.
From Bags to Bocce Ball
Take outdoor recreation to the next level with fun games set up on artificial turf. Horseshoes, bocce ball, or bags, the sky’s the limit. Invite your family and friends to a cookout and play games to your heart’s content. Your backyard will be known as the place to be!
Considering Artificial Turf? What is Your Dream?
These are just a few ideas of how you can utilize artificial turf in your outdoor living area. Do you have a dream for your backyard? Let your imagination run wild! Contact Outdoor Innovations today to discuss your ideas. We can create a design that is perfect for your family. We look forward to hearing from you!
Need more inspiration? Check out some of our projects on our YouTube channel! To see a video of a putting green project, click here.
